MANILA, Philippines - During the 2017 Panagbenga Festival Parade in Baguio City last Feb. 26, five young men stole the thunder from Miss International 2016 Kylie Versoza and Internet Sensation ‘Carrot Man’ Jeyrick Sigmaton. Adoring crowds took pictures of them while on the parade route and later flooded social media instantly making netizens swoon over these men garbed in tribal outfits.
Four of the men, I found out, are products of the Mr. Cordillera Pageant 2016. Granville Michael Louie Raymundo-Mr. Cordillera 2016 (#5), Renz Lagria-Mr. Cordillera-Tourism (#1), Kelvin Aguilan-Cordillera Festival King (#4), Kyzer Brooks Gewann-third runner-up (#3) was joined by the crowd favorite Jescent Ramos (#2). Sooner or later, one of them will surely give honor to their province as a Male National Titleholder.
Three proud Igorots who have made a mark in the pageant scene: Roderick Salvador, Mr. World Philippines 1999 who became part of ABS-CBN Baguio; Dennis Keliag-Gwapulis 2016 Grand Finalist and Mr. Republic of the Philippines third runner-up; and reigning Misters of Pilipinas-Man of the World-Philippines who is currently preparing for the inaugural Man of the World search in July to be held in Manila.