Siegfried Schmidt Bauer. The name alone implies a strictly foreign ethnicity that you’d think the person is not at all in touch with any other nationality outside of Germany or some European nation. But once you get to see and listen to this 27 year-old, half of his origins comes into play. He is German, yes. But he is also Filipino. A 50/50 split cut right in the middle.

Sieg or Fred (he is happy being called by either nicks) is a proud Cebuano, having grown up in the Queen City of the South. In fact, he finished his degree in Tourism at the University of San Jose-Recoletos. Cum laude at that. And he was also once a part of Mr. Cebu 2009 where he placed 2nd Runner-Up. His German side, though, offered a lot of opportunities to travel and see the European part of his descent. That’s when he was able to live in Germany. And when he got accepted as a Cabin Crew of Qatar Airways (see photo below), his eyes were opened to a whole new world of traveling. So far, he has been to more than a dozen different countries (see photo grid above) and intends to visit more on the job.

But for now, Sieg is putting aside his Qatar Airways uniform to represent the Filipino Community of Germany in Misters 2015 The Pageant. I’ve had several chats with him these past two weeks. In between flights and layovers, he did our Q&A. Here are his answers:

Here goes:
1) As a Misters of Pilipinas 2015 candidate, give me a 30-second intro about yourself which will make followers show more interest in you.

To start with, I’m a very friendly person with humble beginnings and a welcoming personality. I always give importance to the people around me. As a half Filipino-half German and an International cabin crew, I’m always open to different cultures and differences. I’m very interested with people who have brilliant ideas, sincere and family-loving.

2) As one of the candidates, what image do you want to show the others?

The image that I want to show to the other candidates is to be natural in everything I do. “Be Yourself”. And I always have my feet on the ground. I don’t pretend to be someone else. Each individual has his/her own characteristics and that’s why we are unique from one another. In a competition like Misters, we might win or lose. But by the end of the day, we still have imperfections.

3) In Miss Universe, a popular running line is “yellow is the color of joy”. What color best represents you?

I always like blue. When I was young, I always look up to the sky and always believe that I can achieve something in the future. I think because it has also a calming effect. Blue is associated with stability. It symbolizes loyalty, trust, intelligence, wisdom, confidence , faith, truth and heaven.

4) Not everyone can win a special award in the competition, but if you are qualified for the following, which would you prefer to win: Mister Friendship or Mister Talent?

I will choose Mr. Friendship because aside from gaining a lot of friends, I think you also earn the trust from other candidates. And I think not everyone can do the same.

5) If you win one of the titles, people will expect you to be a good role model. How will you start building that image if ever?

Since when I was a student, I’ve always exemplified Hardwork+Determination = Goal. Doing simple things with passion at work, at home or in a certain organization really helps.In everyday scenario. IQ is equals to EQ (emotional quotient). And lastly, according to Mahatma Gandhi, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world”

6. What expectations do you have in terms of handling the national competition? Being that it will be here in the Philippines, will you adopt a unique gameplan if ever?

It’s actualy my first national competition, and what I’ve noticed is that there’s a lot of potential and deserving candidates this year and who work equally hard to win the title. So probably the standard of selecting the winners got higher. A good number comes from overseas as well. I don’t have any gameplan but probably just apply what I’ve learned during my last competition. Enjoy the time and the experiences. It’s once in a lifetime. Not everyone can have the opportunity.

7. How do you expect your life to change after being named an Official Candidate of Misters of Pilipinas 2015?

I think I will become more responsible and sincere. It’s another opportunity to grab and another chance to inspire people. I see myself as an example to every individual who also dreams big. I will continue to do good to others. Help them the best way I can. And I think Misters will help me do the same.

8) Any message to your future followers, Siegfried?

My message to all my followers abroad and here in the Philippines is that I’m so grateful and honored that I was a given a chance to be one of the official candidates in Misters 2015 The Pageant. Fans/followers are sources of a candidate’s strenght and confidence. You guys are always there to cheer up and encourage us. You give your full support, time and voices just to be with us. Now my sincerest thank you and no words can explain how much we appreciate it. You guys deserve appreciation and applause. Thank you once again!

Siegfried is not planning to storm Misters 2015 The Pageant and brag about his world travels and international exposure to different cultures as his edge over the rest. On the contrary, he would rather downplay that part because of the fact that the competition will focus more on character and integrity – two items that will top the list on his agenda once he starts fulfilling his candidacy, and hopefully be more than good enough for a win. 😉