The Misters of the Philippines 2014 Festival Costume Competition

Wazzup Pilipinas!

I have never heard of The Misters of the Philippines pageant ever since. It was only this year when there was a viral photo of one of the contestants online that got my attention. Here in the Philippines, the popularity of the female beauty pageants are very overwhelming but for the males, sadly it is not very known for this competition that according to its website it aims to find the most desirable and dynamic Filipino men who can make our country proud.

Last August 31st I had the chance to cover The Misters of the Philippines 2014 Festival Costume Competition at Fisher Mall, Quezon City . Aside from I am really curious of seeing a male pageant for the first time, I really look forward to have a photo with this 24-year old hunk policeman contestant who made my fellow girl friends swoon so hard.

As usual I arrived on time which is 6PM for their Festival Costume Competition but the contestants are just starting to rehearse. I saw them still wearing jeans and shirts so I had to chance as well to see them without make ups and outfits. After almost two hours, the show finally started. The very first question I asked from one of the usherettes is who among them is Neil Perez, the contestant whose photo became viral online. The guy gladly pointed his finger to him.

A total of 26 candidates from over the country and two Filipino communities abroad paraded their festival costumes to the public, members of media and a panel of judges. Each of the costumes depicted different representations of the cities, municipalities, communities or provinces that show how truly the Philippine heritage is. It seems that all of them prepared with great efforts and the costumes are even designed by noted local designers. Capes, feathers and even a Saint's crown dominated that night. Neil Perez costume is actually designed by actress Regine Tolentino which represents the Santo Niño image.

"We want to showcase the culture of the Philippines from the costumes that we have here," said PEPPS Project Director Carlo Morris Galang.

Stylist Shandy Montecarlo Lim also added " It is also a showcase of the creativity of our fashion designers and uniqueness of their designs."

At the end of the event, the top 5 who were best in festival costumes are from Batangas, Samar, Quezon City, Tondo Manila (Neil himself) and Navotas. The overall winner from the top 5 will be awarded during the coronation night on Sept 7th.

And yes, mission accomplished. I finally get to have a picture with Neil himself. Her's the proof. I cannot wait to show this to my girl friends. Ha!

The coronation night will be in University of Makati Grand Theater on Sept. 7, 2014. The Misters of the Philippines 2014 winners will represent the Philippines in 4 of the big pageants for men in the world. Hope you watch the show!

For more information, you may check their official Facebook page here (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Misters-of-the-Philippines-Official/644169462334369) and website here (http://www.mistersofthephilippines.com/candidates.html).

Contributed by Maria Rona Beltran of Travel Maria