Meeting the "gods"

CEBU, Philippines - It was supposed to rain that night, but 15 men, who would later be transformed into “gods” themselves, called on to the infamous Bathala.

After a hiatus of 26 years, Mr. Mandaue was recently given life via a stylized pageant for a cause. One of the men will have been Mr. Mandaue 2010. Thanks to Jojin Pasucal.

Sporting tribal-themed costume from Cebu’s top designers, the show capped off with an Audio-Video Presentation of Mandaue’s rich cultural history.

And the men, who had to don tight-fitting garment, armor and sword, introduced themselves by presenting a piece of Mandaue’s rich cultural heritage.

Winning big that night to become Mr. Mandaue 2010 was Marc Kenneth Estuart, who wore a Brendon Cnon creation. It wasn’t a surprise though that he got the Best in Costume award.

Trailing him was Dan Harry Genson, first runner-up; Michael Mac Donnell, second runner-up and the Most Photogenic among the men. Mac Donnel got the Best in Costume and the Mr. Natasha Hunk award.                   

Mariano Dimataga, who was proclaimed as the most endearing to the media, was third runner-up.    

The best in formal wear, funwear, and the shoppers’ choice awards went to the night’s fourth runner-up, Gil Wagas.

The Mr. Mandaue title was only an off-shoot to Estuart’s win. The jurors nodded, and the crowd cheered to his “voice”.

During the interview portion, Estuart, a former DJ and an events host himself, picked a picture of an artesian well. In a manner he confidently assumed, he said artesian well is a symbolism of life, and the water in it most significant to humanity’s need for survival.

There was no monopoly, though. Loreniel Tequin was Mr. Friendship;   Kim Panaguiton got Online Voters’ Choice, Smart Texters’ Choice, and the Best Video Presentation Awards.

“Dream big, always focus on that dream, and keep on dreaming,” said Marc Kenneth, a Special Education major graduate from University of San Carlos.

The night was indeed not a sole proclamation of men’s physique and wit, but also a juxtaposition of a dormant promise that a man—and a Mr. Mandaue at that, be an ambassador to promote Mandaue’s heritage and culture, tourism, and various programs of the city government.

Indeed, Mr. Manduae has followed Bathala to the hinterlands, but they are yet to prove that in hiding, there’s no act worth appreciating than to work for the goodwill of the many.