Male pageant winner tries hand at brand marketing

CEBU, Philippines - Gil Wagas has taken a shot into what could be seen by many in his stature as an impossible arena. From being tough on the hard court, to being a dominating figure on the ramp, the towering Cebuano looker has added another feather on his cap as he entered the corporate sphere of brand marketing.

After testing the waters in male pageantry, Gil has suited up to work in the corporate world. For Gil is more than your mediocre male persona seen in the world of popular pageants. At 6’3, the 21-year-old is first remembered as a UE Red Warrior player who scored in and out of the court in terms of building friendship with teammates and ordinary folks.

As a sportsman, Gil strictly follows a balanced diet, does regular exercise, and makes sure he gets at least eight hours of sleep. For his discipline and physique, this lad from Lapu-Lapu City has been led to the world of ramp modelling, opening several more doors of opportunity for him.

Perhaps his biggest break had been his decision to compete in 2013 for the Mister International Philippines title after some prodding from his mom and his manager. Taking things in stride, Gil’s faith did not waver even if he was not one of the early crowd favourites. But he was destined to shine during the finals night and indeed, he shone bright having bagged Best in National Costume, Best in Barong, Mr. Psalmstre, Mr. Informatics, plus the major title of Mister International Philippines 2013.

Several months after winning the local title, Gil flew to Jakarta, Indonesia to compete in the 8th Mister International tilt, where he finished fourth runner-up.

Some lights may have flickered off as the exciting momentum from his Mister International 2013 stint slowed down, but Gil remains on the forefront, and this time in the corporate world of brand marketing.

Psalmstre Enterprises, Inc., a company that gave Gil a corporate award during MIP 2013, has commanded the inspiring charms of Gil to be a brand ambassador of its New Placenta product lines.

Gil has been seen with regional winners of Olive-C during store visits in Cebu. He has also joined the newest celebrity endorser for New Placenta, Stephany Stefanowitz, herself a beauty titlist as Miss Earth-Air 2012, and together, they appeared in the Mercury Drug tour in Cebu recently.

The corporate world may be different from basketball courts and ramp modelling but Gil seems to be succeeding in this area as well. He has even initiated discussion with some of his school’s administrators in putting up promotional collaterals within their premises to seize branding opportunity among their student population.

As a brand ambassador, Gil has been quite effective. He takes advantage of social media marketing as one of his tools in promoting New Placenta product lines. With thousands of followers on Twitter and Facebook, Gil can reach an unimaginable market base in just one post or tweet. He has also been visible in several events and activities as a representative of Psalmstre Enterprises, Inc.

What could be next for Gil? For the moment, we could only anticipate what else he has up his sleeves as he ruffles the world of corporate branding with his magic touch. And as PEI executives and employees proudly say, welcome to the family, Gil Wagas! (FREEMAN)