CEBU, Philippines — June 12 not only saw the 121st anniversary of Philippine Independence, but it also marked the beginning of the Ginoong Pilipinas Cebu search as the competition introduced its official candidates.
On their official Facebook page, Ginoong Pilipinas Cebu revealed 20 faces who will be in the running to become the title’s bearer. This, after a series of screenings that called for dashing and well-rounded Cebuanos who are capable of conquering both national and international stages.
A search for a “new modern day hero,” GPC 2019 builds its activities on the four main themes of heroism, social enterprise, health and wellness, as well as sustainable tourism.
“GPC is looking for the perfect mold – the look, the intellect, the overall personality, the future potential and the perfect image to compete internationally,” said designer Dexter Alazas, the pageant’s provincial director.
Before its finals on September 21 (Declaration of Martial Law anniversary), GPC 2019 will have pre-pageant events such as the talent competition in July and the swimwear competition in August.
Apart from workshops, history and culture seminars, and challenges that will bring out the best in the candidates, the GPC Coronation Night will have the candidates competing through an opening that features a post-modern heroes-themed collection. They will also be heating up the stage with a swimwear segment showcasing Datu Lapu-Lapu-inspired bahag, and then cap off the evening looking all dashing in Bisaya barong that highlights the local hablon.
Semi-finalists will then have to survive the Q&A segment on their way to the crown. Major prizes for standout candidates are Best in Talent, Best in Resort Wear, Best in Modern Day Hero Costume, and Best in Barong Bisaya.
Not to be confused with last December’s Ginoong Cebu 2018 search which roused complaints from participants because of the organizer’s alleged failure to give out prizes and pay other fees, Alazas said that GPC 2019 is nowhere affiliated with the former.
“There is no comparison at all,” Alazas reassured. “This is a totally new search, with heroism as the core, based on our Filipino heroes. Focusing on heroism as our branding , the challenges will be a surprise to all male pageant enthusiasts, testing the ginoo in various endeavors.”
The grand titlist shall be known as Ginoong Pilipinas Cebu Hero 2019 and will take home P100,000 in cash and other prizes, as well as the opportunity to represent Cebu at Ginoong Pilipinas in October.
Apart from Ginoong Pilipinas Cebu Hero, four more titles – Ginoong Pilipinas Cebu-North, Ginoong Pilipinas Cebu-South, Ginoong Pilipinas Cebu-East, and Ginoong Pilipinas Cebu-West – will be given away to deserving runners-up. Alazas said that the winners will be part of monthly projects, shows and campaigns.
Should the Cebu bet to Ginoong Pilipinas flourish, he may just be able to nab the national titles up for grabs such as Ginoong Pilipinas-Universe, Ginoong Pilipinas-Gentleman of the World, Ginoong Pilipinas-Man of the Year, and Ginoong Pilipinas-Imperial Universe – each of them a ticket to the bigger international stage.