Up Close & Personal: Elvis Pacadar Jr.

CEBU, Philippines - We’ll call this entire piece Metamorphosis of Elvis Pacadar Jr. minus the self-parody. Although this shares the same interesting intention of Salvador Dali’s bizarre painting of Narcissus which explores the human growth of self-realization, Elvis’ past weight-loss struggle is a constant reminder of improving one’s self-worth.

Of course, there are no narcissus flowers that grow here. Well, to deconstruct Dali’s artwork, we don’t need symbolic images that would serve as representations. The whole process is simple: Build self-esteem and confidence by giving more value on yourself. This sounds clear and unequivocal. And Elvis, too, knows that this certainly works.

21-year-old Elvis got more than his own share of insecurities. He was anywhere from 30-40 lbs. overweight all his life. He admitted that he lacked self-belief and was always insecure of his physical appearance in the past. If plus-size women modeled on Vogue Italia cover lately and garnered favorable response, we couldn’t see plus-size men making the same buzz in leading magazines for men in the near future. Yes, possible but currently far-fetch.

“Seeing male models on TV and witnessing male beauty pageants is inspiring. I feel that I can do it and I want to do it. In fact, I imagine myself doing the same thing before,” Elvis shared.

Who would have thought that this BS HRM student of University of San Carlos was a plus-size before, now he’s got a great facial structure and body? Elvis is absolutely attractive, and in fact one of the male finalists who got the looks and the skin to represent Cebu this year and compete in the nationwide search for Mr. & Ms. Olive-C Campus Model in Manila.

Elvis’ decision to go through a strict diet to realize his dream was worth it. He may be a neophyte in this pageant but he won’t fret. He has already built self-esteem and has improved his own view of worthiness in his self.

But, what really is Elvis’ greatest dream? He quickly replied: “To be able to give back to my parents. Give them the best life that they could ever have.”  In a business where attractive guys are a dime a dozen, Elvis’ good personality and attitude will bring him far in the fashion industry.