Yolanda survivor is Cebu’s bet for Misters of Filipinas

CEBU, Philippines — Getting by on a daily basis has been 22-year-old Giovanni Ramos’ biggest challenge in his young life after his family barely lived through typhoon Yolanda’s carnage in 2013.

To survive, Ramos decided to move to Cebu from Leyte to live independently, supporting himself through modeling, singing gigs and joining pageants.

Despite the life-changing setback, Ramos still feels blessed to be alive and thriving although he has to work harder than others his age to do so.

This month marks another attempt of his to make a name in male pageantry and earn money in the process, as he joins his biggest competition to date: the Misters of Filipinas.

Ramos was handpicked by designer and talent manager Lemuel Rosos to represent Cebu City in Misters of Filipinas not only because of his looks, “but also because of his dedication and self-determination. He actually embodies the Misters of Filipinas tagline which is ‘Masculinity with responsibility,” says Rosos, who also provided the official Mister of Filipinas shirts, resort wear and swimwear.

Aptly dubbed as #MisterIndependent of Cebu City, Ramos says he felt happy to be chosen since he has always eyed joining a national pageant so he can showcase his physicality, personality and even his singing talent.

“But it has also been a challenge,” Ramos reveals, “because I have to prove to Sir Lemuel and to the Cebuanos that I am worthy to be their representative.”

Ramos has been preparing physically, emotionally and mentally. “Proper diet and exercise, personality development – everything, including going to church for enlightenment,” he shares.

He hopes to follow in the footsteps of Misters of the Philippines 2014 title-holder Neil Perez – the pageant’s most successful title-holder to date for being the first Filipino to win the Mr. International title when it was held in Seoul, South Korea in 2014.

“He is one of the mentors of Misters of Filipinas,” says Ramos. “I look up to him because he is not only good-looking and nice, but also because he’s a well-respected police officer.”

With its theme “Celebrating Masculinity with Responsibility,” 24 candidates will compete for different titles which will enable them to represent the country in the annual Mr. International, Man of the World, Manhunt International, Mister Supranational, Man of the Year and Mister Asian.

Formed in 2012 by Prime Events Productions Philippines Foundation Inc. (PEPPS), Misters of Filipinas is said to be the result of the organization’s desire to uplift male pageantry in the Philippines.

Gil Wagas of Lapu-Lapu City, crowned Mister International Philippines in 2013, also went on to place fourth runner-up at Mr. International that same year in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The Misters of Filipinas 2017 coronation night will be held on Saturday, September 30 at the One Esplanade at the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City. (FREEMAN)