LIST: Male Filipino celebrities who competed in pageants
Women aren't the only ones who know how to strut their stuff and get the crowd cheering in beauty pageants.
When it comes to pageantry, the world often focuses its attention on competitions where women reign supreme, not even batting an eye towards male pageants that also showcase the aspirants' leadership skills, intelligence, and physical fitness. Some popular competitions in this category include Mr. International, Mr. Supranational, Mr. World, Mr. Global, among others.
To show more appreciation for male pageants, we've rounded up some Filipino hunks who have joined these competitions and tried to show their true, authentic selves to the world:
Ion Perez
Before Ion Perez rose to prominence for his Kuya Escort persona in the Miss Q and A segment of It's Showtime—something that eventually led to him fostering a romance with his husband Vice Ganda—Ion made his mark as the winner of the 2018 Mister Universe Tourism.
In a previous interview on Magandang Buhay, he admitted that he was actually hesitant about entering pageants as he didn't have the confidence to win. But eventually, he mustered the courage to compete on the international stage and emerged victorious. This also became his ticket to landing a role on It’s Showtime’s own "Kuya Escorts" pageant.
Jeric Gonzales
Jeric Gonzales is best known for becoming one of the winners of the second season of Protégé, a reality-based artista search created by GMA Network. This has launched his career in the showbiz industry, being cast in popular shows such as Kambal, Karibal, Start-Up, Mga Lihim ni Urduja, and more.
However, what many of you may not know is that Jeric also tried his hand at pageantry, having joined Ginoong Laguna in 2012 and finished as second runner-up.
David Licauco
David Licauco has now established himself as one of the hottest leading men in the Philippines, brought about by his breakthrough role in Maria Clara at Ibarra. In the historical drama produced by GMA Network, David played the role of Fidel de los Reyes, the mischievous friend of Crisostomo Ibarra and the love interest of protagonist Klay Infantes.
He probably wouldn't be where he is today if he hadn't joined the Mr. and Ms. Chinatown Philippines competition back in 2014, where he won first runner-up. In fact, David shared that the pageant paved the way for him to meet the people who have helped him in his modeling career and current status.
Neil Perez
Mariano Perez Flormata Jr., popularly known as Neil Perez, fluttered the hearts of many when he was crowned Mister International 2014 in Ansan, Seoul, South Korea. Despite his rise to stardom, he still chose to remain as a police officer, being a part of the Philippine National Police’s Aviation Security Group assigned at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
A certified "gwapulis," he could definitely soften even the most hardened criminal with his charm and charisma. He also has a heart of gold, as he dedicated his win to the 44 Special Action Force crew who were killed in the Mamasapano clash in 2015.
John Spainhour
Filipino-American model John Spainhour received the privilege of being chosen as the Philippines' representative to Mr. World 2014 held in England. This was certainly a perfect choice, as John not only boasts swoon-worthy looks, but he also flaunts a toned physique that previously led him to win Century Tuna Superbods 2012.
After competing, John dabbled into acting, having starred in TV 5’s Wattpad series, Shake, Rattle, and Roll 15, and The Achy Breaky Hearts.