MANILA, Philippines—Nadim Elzein, a Filipino based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), was proclaimed Man of the World Philippines at the 2021 Misters of Filipinas pageant’s final ceremonies staged at the Silver Reef Dive Resort in Dauin, Negros Oriental, on Saturday.

Elzein, who represented the Filipino community in UAE, bested 28 other aspirants at the national search’s eighth edition and earned the right to represent the Philippines in the 2022 Man of the World contest.

No national search was staged last year because of the COVID -19 pandemic.

The previous edition was held in 2019, and some of the crowned winners have not yet participated in their respective international competitions because their global contests have also been sidelined by the pandemic.

This year’s national contest was also postponed several times because of the changing quarantine status, and COVID-19 situation, in the host province.

But Saturday night’s program was also interrupted when a heavy downpour drenched the outdoor venue. The contest resumed after a break of more than an hour.

Before Elzein snagged the top prize, he also received the “Best in Beach Wear Award.”

Man of the World Philippines Nadim Elzein (center) with his princes (from left) Rommel Ayag, Junichi Yabushita, Derick Alen Lauchengco, and Jearu Ed Magbuhat/FACEBOOK PHOTO

Settling for the First Prince honor was fan favorite Junichi Yabushita from Cebu City, while Derick Allen Lauchengco from Laguna was named Second Prince.

Heavy favorite and “Best in Swimwear” awardee Rommel Ayag from Caloocan City was Third Prince, while Jearu Ed Magbuhat from Batangas rounded up the Top 5 as Fourth Prince.