Photos by Ben Magkase
The world might be focusing on female beauty pageants and seldom do we see men competing for titles. But when they do, like the recent Mister Philippines Australia 2014, it would certainly generate a different reaction from the audience. On 27 September 2014, when the ten candidates were presented to the audience and supporters, pandemonium broke loose. For nearly all the categories like formal wear, national costume and swim wear, gasps and shrieks were heard when the candidates strutted on stage showing off their toned physiques and flashing charming smiles. The audience went crazy screaming and rooting for their respective candidates and even holding placards of their candidate’s name to show support.
McNamara wins
Twenty-year old Robert McNamara won the title, Mister Philippines Australia 2014. He also grabbed the four major awards: Best in National Costume, Best in Beachwear, Best in Formal Wear and Mister Photogenic. McNamara is Flight Coordinator at the Melbourne Airport.
Daniel Polbrat was declared First Runner-up while David Presincula won Second Runner-up. Ari Kane was awarded Third Runner-up and Stefan Reed was named Fourth Runner-up.
The other special awards went to Roy Coleiro for Highest Ticket Sales Award and for Mister Friendship, and Ari Kane was chosen as Sponsor’s Choice (Western Union) Award.
McNamara received a return ticket to the Philippines plus $1,000 cash prize. He and Polbrat will compete in the Philippines for the 2015 Mister International Philippines. All expenses are paid for the two-week duration of the contest.
Unexpected support
Event Director Liza Di Blasio told The Philippine Times that she is happy that the event was a success. “I thank everyone for the marvelous response and success of Mister Philippines Australia 2014. When Lalaine Diez and myself took on the project, I was not sure what would be the result but to my amazement, the Filipino community and the candidates showed huge support on this new type of venture. Mister Philippines Australia is now born. The winners have won the opportunity to compete in Mister Philippines in May 2015 to be held in the Philippines,” she said. Lalaine Diez is the event’s Co-Director. Film and musical artist Josh Cinco served as the event’s choreographer and stage director.
Around 600 guests attended the awarding ceremonies at The Grand on Cathies Lane in Wantirna South. If the venue could accommodate 1000 guests, Di Blasio said they could have issued more tickets. A lot of guests were not able to watch the competition. She hopes that next year they can hire a bigger venue.
True spirit of modern Filipino
Mister Philippines aims to showcase the true spirit of the modern Filipino man who is patriotic, educated and fit, therefore becoming the role model of the youth for the world. The grand winner will represent the Philippines as an ambassador of goodwill and representative to global pageants. The contest further aims to foster unity, brotherhood, camaraderie, friendship and cooperation and to strenghten and uplift the spiritual and moral aspects among the members.
