Visayas bets bag titles at Mister International Philippines 2024

CEBU, Philippines — Candidates from the Mister International Philippines Visayas organization once again snaggged titles at the Mister International Philippines 2024 finals, held June 30 at the FPJ Arena in San Jose, Batangas.

Ralph Jude “RJ” Dinolan, a 27-year-old professional basketball player representing Cebu City, was named Mister National Universe Cebu Island 2024. He was also chosen as Mr. Congeniality.

Dinolan emphasized the importance of hard work, sacrifice, and discipline in his transformation and highlighted his efforts in conducting free basketball clinics.

"My story is one of inspiration and transformation. Transformation because here in front of you stands a boy from a varsity player into a professional basketball player. I am continuously seeking improvement to become even better, which is why I am here now — to find purpose in life through pageantry," he said.

Dinolan was also asked what advice he would give his 10-year-old self. "I would just say, 'Hey, always do your best.' Because I know from where I stand now, having excelled in my career as a basketball player and now venturing into pageantry, I would simply say, 'Do good and move on,'" said Dinolan, who will represent the Philippines next year at Mr. National Universe International in Bangkok, Thailand.

"My journey to Mr. International is not easy. I worked really hard day and night to sustain my personal life, career, and passion for basketball and now pageantry."

Despite the challenges of juggling multiple roles, he expressed gratitude, saying, "This title is a gift for my hard work, sacrifice, and discipline. It really means a lot to me."

"Representing Cebu Island and the country is an honor for me as a homegrown Cebuano. It feels like you're the hero for your place and will fight for the whole world. Very surreal!" he added.

Jake Keanu Batiancela, a 28-year-old newly licensed medical doctor representing Leyte, was named Mister International Philippines World 2024.

During the Q&A, he discussed the responsibilities and challenges of being a doctor and a pageant candidate, while emphasizing his advocacy for accessible healthcare.

"Currently we are to face the hard truth that healthcare is a privilege to those who can afford it when it should be a basic human right for every Filipino. I’m ready to take the challenge of a crown not just to reign but to be a purpose of being the change that I want to see in this world," he said.

Batiancela -- also selected as Options Philippines Ambassador and winner of the People's Choice Award -- is set to compete in an international pageant in Australia this October.

Laguna's Marvin Diamante triumphed as Mister International Philippines 2024, Rizal Province's Erik Gudelano is Mister Earth Philippines 2024 and Most Photogenic award, Marcus Parcon from Sto. Tomas, Batangas is Mister National Universe Philippines 2024 Best in Swimwear, Matt Gregorio from Bulacan is Mister Charm Philippines 2024 and Best in Formal Wear, Aimree Pablo from Cagayan Province is Mister International Teen Philippines 2024, Marc Louise Sarmac from San Fernando, La Union is Mister Culture Teen International Philippines 2024, Charlie Cook from Zambales is Mister Runway Model Philippines 2024, Brent Jonathan Mendoza from Tanauan is Mister Tourism Philippines 2024, while Dannvie Remulla from Rosario, Cavite is the first runner-up.

Mister Earth International Philippines 2023 Nathaniel Tiu of Cebu City, one of the hosts during finals night, is now gearing up for tMister Earth International 2024  scheduled for August in Colombia.

Cebu City will also host the Mister International competition in November. — Neicol Elirey Rosel, CNU Intern (FREEMAN)