Prior to the Press Presentation of Mister Philippines 2017 late last month, James Alfred Ventura was looked at as just one of those cute wannabes seeking fame in the nationals of the male competition. But when he finally presented himself to members of the media, this 6’1″ native of Marilao, Bulacan suddenly rose to the top of the charts and easily became one of the early favorites. He possesses the proverbial “tall, dark and handsome” appeal that can be fully appreciated in person. His smile is both charming and magnetic. What’s more, his personality is so down-to-earth that anyone will find it easy to fall for his charms.

It was no longer a big surprise then when this 19 year-old was named Mister Philippines Global 2017.

I immediately scheduled a Q&A with James because his international competition – Mister Global 2016 in Chiang Mai, Thailand – next month is nearing very fast. Here goes:

1) You were a strong favorite to win right from the Press Presentation of Mister Philippines. What was running inside your head when you finally won the highest title last April 7?

When I finally won the title, it was really an unexplainable feeling to be honest. True, Tito Norman, my confidence was at its peak during the finals because of all the positive feedbacks and predictions, but I didn’t want to lose my focus. I started joining pageants way back in High School and I haven’t imagined myself yet competing in national pageants like this. So it all came like a flashback from my first experience up to the very moment when I was declared the winner. It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever felt.

2) What for you is the best thing about the Mister Philippines experience and what is your most memorable moment in the week-long competition?

The best thing about Mister Philippines is that I gained new friends – make that brothers – from different places in our country. From Luzon to Mindanao, I have learned other cultures, what is popular in other places and even native dialects that my co-Bachelors shared with me. You have to agree that one of my most memorable moments in MP was the time when we prepared and fried bullfrogs which is a native delicacy in Pampanga. It was my first time to eat an exotic dish. I hesitated at first but it was actually good and I would love to try it again (Alam mo yan tito Norman hahaha!)

3) How are you preparing for the Mister Global 2017 competition in Chiang Mai, Thailand this coming May?

Actually, I have only less than a month to prepare for Mister Global. It is a big demand on my part and the adjustments can be mind-boggling to say the least. Just imagine, Tito Norman, from national pageant to an international pageant! It will surely be a tough competition and I want to be as physically and mentally prepared as possible. I am doing rigid workouts in the gym several times a week and I am also trying to learn basic phrases in different languages – especially Thai as the host city will be Chiang Mai – so I would be able to engage in small conversations among my co-candidates. And you, Tito, you promised to help mentor me in Q&A!

4) Does it pressure you when Filipino pageant fans are expecting you to bring home the country’s first victory in Mister Global?

Yes, it is a big pressure for me because I can see a lot of Filipinos supporting me so I don’t want to disappoint them. I promise to do my best in representing our country in Mister Global. Hindi ko sasayangin ang pagtitiwalang binigay sa akin.

5) Any message to your supporters, fans and followers?

To all supporters and kababayans, thank you so much for your support in the upcoming Mister Global next month in Thailand. I hope you continue to follow me in our journey to bring home the crown to the Philippines. Maraming salamat po!