Aspiring flight attendant is Mr. Gay Sugbo 2024
CEBU, Philippines — On the last day of Pride Month 2024, the Mr. Gay Sugbo organization crowned a new title-holder in Lapu-Lapu City resident Marnes Dave Aying, succeeding inaugural winner Axl James Dayon during the coronation held June 30 at SM City Cebu Cinema 7.
After winning Mr. Congeniality and Best in Formal Wear, Aying was the last candidate to answer Acting Cebu City Mayor Raymond Garcia’s pre-recorded question: “Given that Cebu is number one in Central Visayas and number four in the Philippines for HIV cases, as the future ambassador of Mr. Gay Sugbo, how will you facilitate tangible and sustainable results in addressing the current HIV situation in Cebu City?”
Aying, 23, responded, “I believe that we have already gathered people and educated them about HIV, and now is the time to push this advocacy forward. If given the chance to become an ambassador, I will work with the organization so we could partner with different schools and institutions to integrate these sensitive topics into our school curriculums.”
“Schools are venues for mostly young individuals. We have to empower them and shape their minds so we can build a nation that is informed, empowered, and free from fear of HIV,” he added.
Aying’s sharp, no-second-wasted response garnered cheers from the audience and some members of the judging panel.
“I have been preparing myself for the possible questions that might come out for the top five. I am not in Mr. Gay Sugbo just as a candidate but as an advocate. It’s very important to ask myself how I can elevate this advocacy and push this forward to a larger audience,” he told The FREEMAN.
He also impressed the audience during the casual interview segment when he was asked to comment on this: “The problems that we are facing right now are the result of the conversations that predecessors have avoided.”
“This reminds me so much about the importance of proactive open conversations and decision-making. We are experiencing a rampant increase of HIV cases and discrimination towards SOGIE individuals because our predecessors refused to talk about and discarded these issues,” he said.
“When will we talk about this? When are we going to act upon it? Now is the time. Don’t wait for tomorrow. It’s not there for everyone else.”
Aying cites his experience working in the BPO industry for his communication skills.
The incoming junior at Indiana Aerospace University in Lapu-Lapu City is aiming to work as a flight attendant.
Mr. Gay Sugbo Organization President Dr. Christian Enriquez was delighted by Aying’s performance, especially in the Q&A segments.
“Part of the training was to make sure their answers come from the heart. It doesn’t have to be scripted or academically correct. I always tell them that they have to answer from the heart, and I think that showed how all of the contestants were able to deliver a piece of their story, and that for me, is very important,” Enriquez said.
Aying is expected to work with the Mr. Gay Sugbo Organization, Cebu City Youth Development Commission, and their partners such as Cebuano Youth Ambassadors Inc., as they plan to conduct various HIV awareness campaigns during his reign.
“Being part of this organization helped me realize that it’s important as individuals to fight for causes that are timely and relevant. We have to help communities and let people be educated because knowledge is power,” Aying said.
“I want to encourage everyone to do regular HIV testing. It’s very important to know your status as it’s the first step in protecting ourselves, and a perfect solution to see the end of this epidemic. Get tested. Don’t worry about your results. You are more than your status.”
Making it to the top five were first runner-up Reymond Damuag, second runner-up Arxie Soliva, third runner-up Arnel Guzman, and fourth runner-up Joshua Lopez. — (FREEMAN)
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