With my erratic schedule, it’s not easy catching up with Mister Universe Philippines (Men Universe Model) 2018 Samuele Carenzi. Firstly, his work schedule can be unpredictable. Add to that the different time zones between Manila and Milan, then we almost always miss each other online. But thankfully, I was able to pin him down recently. I pulled out some pageant-ish questions for him to answer, and below are his answers in this normannorman.com exclusive:

1) How do you see yourself fifteen years from now?
I see myself as a professional, working in my own business and as a family man taking care of my kids, my wife, and my parents as well. Hopefully, I will be helping other people achieve their goals, because I believe in teamwork and sharing of ideas. Motivation is a really powerful tool if rightfully used.

2) I know that you have been living in Italy practically your whole life, but what do you think the Philippines still lacks in terms of keeping up with the rest of the globe?

To be honest with you, it’s a bit hard for me to give my own answer on that. I am well aware I still have a lot to learn about our country, as I have not stayed there and personally experienced the kind of life itself. In fact, reason why I decided to join pageants, is because I believe they are perfect platforms for me to get to know more about my origins and the country itself, specially this one I am joining because I am representing the Philippines. Please allow me to explore it (the Philippines) first, then I would gladly express what my thoughts are.

3) What do you expect to gain by representing the Philippines in this international pageant?

I don’t expect much, but I really want to meet new people and improve as a person. This pageant required me a lot of time and preparation during these last 6 months. I’m already looking forward to go back to the Philippines and re-join my roots, as well as experience and enjoy new discoveries as part of my life. Then, I will finally be able to fill in the huge gap inside my heart since I left (the Philippines) when I was child.

4) If you are to relive one moment in your past, what would you pick and why?

I will not relive any part of my life at all because, otherwise, I won’t be the person that I am to today. I’m pretty happy even with all my trials and errors, and this is how I’ve learned new things.

5) Do you consider yourself as a giver or a receiver?

I’m a receiver, but what makes me happier is when I give. Nothing is even comparable to the feeling that I have when I can give/share others what I receive through my work and experiences; be it in a materialistic way or with something more meaningful like sharing ideas and motivating long-term improvement point of views. We are a very hardworking society and we spend a lot of time at work, not always able to do and enjoy what we desire; so, I understand that giving a little help from time to time will make this society we are living a better place in the future.

6) A high percentage of the youth are being bullied in schools everyday. What is your message to the bullies and their parents?

A message to the bullies? Well I’ve been bullied too when I was a kid and learned pretty fast how to fight back. There is nothing much to say to them because they will just keep going on; but I want to say thank YOU because you made me realize that being different is not something to hide but to be proud of. Because of these bullies I ‘ve become stronger than before, and todays bullied people can really learn my same life lesson. Now, those bullies are adults and you know what? They don’t have anything that I really care about. So, my message is to the victims of bullying: you are different and fantastic in your own way, don’t hide and go discover your passions. Life is beautifully designed, and for a reason: it will all fall in into place at the right time. My final thought goes to both parents and all people concerned: you have a great responsibility over them. Seek for help from others or competent entities if you are incapable, or having difficulties, in handling such cases. Don’t’ be blind. Don’t let the worse comes to worst.

7) Finally, how do you deal with the pressures of winning the elusive Mister Universe title for the Philippines?

I’m just preparing myself as much as I can psychologically, physically and by learning new things everyday so it keeps my mind busy without overthinking. There are times of course that I’m a bit nervous, but you know Life is long and I have a lot ahead, so even after this journey I will improve myself as a person, and for others to see that I’m willing to improve for the better. I will keep challenging myself again and again with what I already have. This is how I keep my motivations up and how I deal with the pressure. I am actually more concerned about my future as a worker and how to become a good family guy one day. These are for me the essence about being a man.

Finally, here are some thank-youd that Sam would like to give out before he starts embarking on his journey in the Dominican Republic next month.

“I would like to take this chance to say THANK YOU to everyone who is supporting and believing in me in this exciting journey, most especially to Amorin Visa Assistance & Travel Services (AVA), Albert Andrada Luxewear, Athea Couture Milano, Christian Lanuzo Designs Inc., Vista Land International Marketing Inc., LBC Express Inc. – South Europe, Gianpy Guitierrez, Albert “Tikboy” Aglibot, Jason John Hernandez, Mister Republika ng Pilipinas Europe Organization, my family, my friends, my PERSONA Management family, and of course the entire Filipino Community all across the globe! It is really such an honor for me to represent the Philippines!