Indian actor wins Mr. World 2016

CEBU, Philippines - After 12 days of fierce competition that included extreme sports, fashion, modeling and multi-media challenges, India’s Rohit Khandelwal was adjudged the world’s most desirable man.

Khandelwal won the Mr. World 2016 title, besting 46 other equally handsome and talented bachelors from around the world. The glamorous biennial pageant, hosted by Miss World 2013 Megan Young, was held Tuesday night at Southport Theatre & Convention Centre in Southport, United Kingdom.

Khandelwal, a 26-year-old actor and model, said that the sole purpose of existence is to serve mankind and that this noble goal should be taught to the younger generation.

Puerto Rico’s Fernando Alvarez was selected first runner-up. The New Placenta for Men international ambassador succeeded in proving that being physically fit and mentally prepared will always pay off. This was the second time Alvarez represented his country in an international pageant. The first time was in the Mister International 2015 tilt held in Manila, where he finished in the Top 10. He dedicated Mr. World 2016 triumph not only to his fellow Puerto Ricans, but also to all Filipinos, who, according to him, accepted him like their real brother.

Alvarez, who has been visible in Philippine events in the past months (including a participation in January’s Sinulog float parade and a second visit to Cebu two months back for Psalmstre’s Free Hugs event), thanked his Psalmstre family, especially chief executive officer Jim Acosta, for the full support the company extended to him throughout the pageant. The Accountancy major is scheduled to be back in the country soon to try his luck in showbiz just like his countryman Dayanara Torres, who was known as the Philippines’ dancing queen in the 90s and starred in several Filipino flicks.

Mexico’s Aldo Esparza Ramirez, 26, completed the Top 3 finishers with his second runner-up placement.  His strong involvement in sports back in his country had the hunk easily topping the physical challenges in Mr. World 2016. Among the pageant’s early favorites, the young Mexican is an accomplished equestrian and also does well in La Charreada, Mexico’s national sport. An engineer by profession, Ramirez wants to establish his own company to be his own boss.

Completing the Top 10 were the candidates from England, Poland (who won the Mob People’s Choice and Best in Talent awards), Scotland, China, El Salvador, Kenya, and Brazil.

The Philippines’ bet, Fil-Iranian model and fitness trainer Sam Ajdani, did not advance to the semifinals. Ajdani arrived late in the competition due to some issues with his visa, which might have cost him vital points in the fast-track segments and pre-pageant judging.

Andrew Wolff’s first runner-up finish in 2012 is so far the Philippines’ highest placement in the prestigious male pageant.–(FREEMAN)