This time, the answers came from different important sources.

Four of the reigning winners plus Mister International 2013 Jose Anmer Paredes (leftmost)

Pageant Colleagues

First, and without sacrificing the identities of my precious pageant colleagues in the industry, I polled their replies ahead of the others on the condition that their names won’t be revealed. These are not imagined answers, just pure heartfelt inputs. Here is what they have to say:

“…as I mentioned before after the final screening, this is the best crop of candidates for a male pageant in recent years. I can feel the excitement na hindi ko naramdaman sa mga previous male search contests. And the pageant community as a whole is looking forward to seeing the guys in action in the coming actual competition. Hopefully, this year’s Misters will fire up the enthusiasm of the pageant followers as well as mga sponsors na for a long time naka focus sa mga female beauty contests.”

“Misters pa rin talaga ang naglead sa male pageants…iba pa rin dahil nasa kanila ang Mr. Intl…kasi hindi pa rin mainstream ang male pageants…pero Misters has done a great thing… I mean greater media coverage…”

“Sobrang sikat na kasi ang Misters ngayon. But then mas lalong magiging credible kung you’re official (part of it) na!!!…Highly respectable ang standing ng Misters at alam mong walang kahalayan…I love Misters!!!!”

“The quality of the candidates na lang di ba, and they produced winners, runners up at semi finalist from international pageants thinking na ilang years pa lang ang Pepps.”

“At first, the pageant was not convincing enough that it would become big in our country because male pageants here is not that big an industry. But because of the perseverance to succeed, Misters is now one of the most respected as it also lifts the level of the male pageants. And I think the contest per se has a heart, meaning it gives opportunities to people from all walks of life.”

“I have a very positive impression and high expectation with Misters The Pageant. Siguro dahil sa nasubaybayan ko ang success nila these past few years in (the) international arena…Kaya for this season, I hope na mas maging successful pa ang Misters 2015.”

Franchise Holders, Talent Handlers, Followers

Next in line, I approached a few of the competition’s franchise holders, talent handlers and followers here and abroad. Once again, I opted not to publish their names here. The sample of their replies goes like:

“Very prestigious. It is well handled…I’m very impressed. I’m just hoping that all candidates will go into fair judging. Thanks for asking my opinion.”

“Far better than the previous years. Not just on the quality of the candidates this year but also the efforts of the people behind the pageant. Publicities and promotions, blogs and social media efforts of the organizers are now quite helpful. Siguro, another year from now, more totally established na yung pageant and a lot more corporate brands na ang mag ooffer ng kanilang participation and sponsorship. Continue with the publicities esp. TV guestings of the candidates to promote its advocacies…”

“We need to consider the venue and sponsors as well as the quality and credentials of all the candidates. The mixed race and personalities are plus factors. We also expect a classy and exciting production for us to claim na among all the pageants years back, Misters 2015 is the credible and prestigious male pageant in the country.”

“I am so happy about how diverse this year’s candidates are based not only on looks but their backgrounds…All of them are hardworking students and professionals from all walks of life…This is the 1st time that I felt like almost half of the official candidates are more than deserving to win a title and all of them can be very good role models to the young and old.”

“I do find it very credible because after our last year’s win at Mr. International, a lot of very eligible young men would really be inspired to join the pageant that could possibly change their lives. And since I do know most of the members of the screening committee… I do trust that they chose the right individuals of good moral character to become official candidates of the currently biggest male pageant in the country.”

Some of the candidates of Misters 2015 The Pageant during their sash presentation (Photo credit: Joy Arguil)

“Misters 2015 The Pageant gave optimism for the future of male pageants in this country.”

Candidates

I believe this is where a good stretch of the bar has been raised high. You know that the organizers are doing a good thing when the candidates are happy and willing to fight for the competition and its true mission – to elevate the image of male pageants in the country. These are their voices speaking out loud and with actual names attached.

“Simple. This is where Neil Perez comes from. For a number of years now, they have produced international winners/placers, plus this is the real deal. LEGIT pageant!”

– J.E. Adajar, Laguna Province

“I chose to join Misters 2015 not only because it is the most respected and prestigous male pageant in the country right now but I know that the cast, the production team and all the persons involved in making this show know how to exemplify good moral values, decency and humility. All to help mold and release the character of a true filipino gentleman. This is not just about winning but knowing the true essence of self appreciation and pride.”

– Church Hill Garcia of Tarlac Province

“What Misters 2015 the Pageant has that made me join the competition is that it has the best team of organizers who can take a group of male candidates to the top. That made me feel safe to trust and share my future with them.”

– Red Bayron of Mati, Davao Oriental

“The reputation it has. The winners they have and lastly the achievements they have that other male pageants haven’t achieved yet. I am full of respect especially to all the people behind PEPPs. They deserve what they have now. After what I’ve experienced today and until the very end, I would advice to all the dreamers out there “just eye only Misters The Pageant”.”

– from Paolo Lester Caballero of Bulacan Province

“…Based on what I have researched, the organizers are very supportive and protective, while respecting each and every candidate…And now I am here as one, I can say that all of those things are true. I hope that they will continue this kind of effort as it really uplifts the male pageant industry here in our country. “

– from Nicholo Zacarias of Lipa City, Batangas

“As I have heard issues about some of the other national male pageants, Misters 2015 is so different from them – respected and prestigious. I believe that joining Misters 2015 can lift us up and serve us as our stepping stone to achieve our dreams. It can change us to become better persons.”

– from JM De La Cruz of Ilocos Norte

“First and foremost, I have heard about the great Neil Perez. A simple policeman who has reached great heights in lifting the Flag of our country. Misters 2015 brings out the nationalism among Filipinos in form of pageantry. It is a dream not only for personal sake of fame but to take advantage of the limelight to send out a message. A model is not just someone looked up to superficially but someone who epitomizes true character in/off cam as honed by our country.”

– from Jerome Tabayoyong of Pangasinan

“I joined Misters and not the other male pageants due to recommendations and because of what I heard about this pageant. It is the opinion of many people that Misters is the counterpart of Binibini in terms of quality, prestige and credibility. It is simply the best male pageant in the land. It has a great reputation proven by the success of its winners who are worth emulating.”

– from Reniel Villareal of Pagbilao, Quezon