Mister Island Tourism 2022 crowns Math major from Bulacan

CEBU, Philippines —  After the country ‘s first Cebu-based national pageant for females recently crowned an impressive set of inaugural winners via the Hiyas ng Pilipinas tilt, it was the turn of the first Cebu-based national pageant for males to declare the first bearer of its crown.

Rafael Tan, who resides in Malubog, Cebu City but is originally from Bulacan, basically had it in the bag the moment he stepped out on stage with his matinee idol looks and well-sculpted physique.

With the crowd’s enthusiastic approval Sunday night at the Golden Peak Hotel & Suites Cebu Convention Center and being called time and again to step forward for yet another award, it was to no one’s surprise that he was announced Mister Island Tourism 2022 by the end of the show.

Besting 19 other candidates is a 21-year-old Math major from the University of San Carlos who describes himself as resilient, respectful, and responsible. Tan also aspires to be an ophthalmologist after undergoing an eye surgery called SMILE (small incision lenticule extraction that helps treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, among other refractive errors) about three months ago.

“Ever since, I realized how important it is to take care of our eyes. By being an ophthalmologist, I want to help other people as well,” Tan shared in the casual Q&A during the April 4 coronation night.

When asked during the final round for the Top 5 finalists what his priority project and activities will be as a tourism ambassador in order to revive the industry amidst the pandemic, Tan began by saying that helping the country’s local markets rebuild would be on top of his list as this is one way of attracting tourists. He will also utilize social media in amplifying his cause.

Tan’s advocacy is to “remind others  that our body is the temple of God, and with that, we must protect it and keep it healthy.”

He marched off with the important awards such as Best in National Costume, Best in Swimwear, Best in Modern Barong, and Best in Formal Wear, along with other corporate awards.

Making up his court is first runner-up James Reggie Vidal, 19, of Lapu-Lapu City; second runner-up Ed Ryan Carido Piñol, 22, a Medical Technology major of Southwestern University Phinma; third runner-up Marc Raeved Obado, 24, of Tuburan; and fourth runner-up Terenze Matt Steven Obeso, 19, of the University of Cebu-METC.

Mister Island Tourism, organized by Forte  Events and Production headed by Noel Inez and Elmer De Venancio, aims to “help resuscitate the perishing tourism/travel/entertainment industry in our country brought about by the current pandemic and the recent typhoon Odette.”

COMPLETE LIST OF AWARDEES:

Mr. Golden Peak Hotel & Suites Cebu Ambassador – Rafael Tan

Mr. Marsha Interior Décor and Solutions – Marc Raeved Obado

Mr. Skin 911 Medical – Terenze Matt Steven Obeso

Mr. Skin 911 Premiere – Rafael Tan

Mr. Seafood and Grill Ambassador – Ed Ryan Carido Piñol

Face of the Night – Terenze Matt Steven Obeso

Love Yourself Cebu Choice – Rafael Tan

Mr. Innosense Collection – Mark Brandon Phillips

Media’s Choice – Rafael Francis Ocampo

Face of GPA – Rafael Tan

Mr. Photogenic – Brian Jack Marchan

Best in National Costume – Rafael Tan

Best in Production Number – James Reggie Vidal

Mr. Professionalism – Marc Raeved Obado

Mr. Congeniality – Marc Raeved Obado

Best in Modern Barong – Rafael Tan

Best in Swimwear – Rafael Tan

Best in Formal Wear – Rafael Tan