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Freeman Cebu Entertainment

Visayas bets share purpose for joining Misters of Filipinas 2023

Januar Junior Aguja - The Freeman
Visayas bets share purpose for joining Misters of Filipinas 2023
Hans Christian Tarona (Talisay City), Brent OIiver Dalman (Cebu City), Kenn Brylle Catubay (Samboan), and Kenneth Vincent Cabungcal (Negros Oriental)
Januar Junior Aguja

CEBU, Philippines — After joining last year’s Misters of Filipinas, Cebu City’s Brent Oliver Dalman, 21, is trying his luck again.

“Throughout my Misters of Filipinas journey, I fell in love with the industry because not only do you meet new people, you’ll also do things you’ve never thought of doing before. This will help you in the real world and bring out the best in you,” said the former football player who is an Aeronautics Engineering student at FEATI University Manila.

He is joined this year by Hans Christian Tarona, representing Talisay City, his hometown since sixth grade after moving with his family from Dipolog.

“Growing up, I was shy. Joining pageants helped me become who I am today. I am more engaging and I can interact with others,” Tarona, 20, said. “Pageants can lead you to more opportunities.”

At the time of The FREEMAN’s interview at Cebu Century Plaza Hotel, Tarona was a few days away from graduating from his introductory Associate course in Aircraft Maintenance from the Philippine State College of Aeronautics. He will next pursue a degree in Aircraft Maintenance Technology.

Kenn Brylle Catubay, who is representing Samboan after winning the title of Misters of Filipinas Talisay Charity 2023, wants to highlight his hometown’s tourism potential.

“I started my pageant journey in high school when my teacher pushed me to join a school division press conference. Pageant is my comfort zone because this is where I see myself and where I am most comfortable,” said the 23-year-old Information Technology student from the University of San Jose-Recoletos who is set to graduate this December. “I feel like this is my world and I am enjoying it.”

Catubay hopes to contribute in putting his lesser-known southern municipality on the radar. “Most people don’t know what Samboan is or where it’s located. I want others to know that we have a lot to offer. Our cultural festivals are colorful and our waterfalls are the best that Samboan can offer.”

For Kenneth Vincent Cabungcal of Negros Oriental, he is widening his opportunities after finishing fourth runner-up at Mister Island Tourism Philippines 2023.

“When I joined my agency [B&B Models Cebu] this year, I came out of my shell and ventured into things that I was afraid to do. I’m really happy right now doing this,” said Cabungcal.

Eyes on the coveted title

While Tarona and Cabungcal don’t mind what title they get during the finals this Sunday, September 17, in Makati, Dalman and Catubay have their eyes on Misters of Filipinas-Man of the World which the latter called the most “coveted crown” among the five at stake, the rest being Misters of Filipinas-Man Hot Star International, Misters of Filipinas-Super Globe, Misters of Filipinas-Fitness Super Model World, and Misters of Filipinas-Model Worldwide.

“Man of the World aligns with my status as a student as it promotes education,” Dalman explained. “I want to be an inspiration that even if one is still a student, you can still achieve your dreams by working hard and having good time management.”

If he doesn’t get the main title, Dalman is also fine with Man Hot Star. “I had seen Man Hot Star’s impact despite being a new organization. Having had the chance to talk to my co-candidates, I heard the organization is super nice and I would love to be part of that family. But whatever the organization sees fit for me, I will accept it.”

For his second try, Dalman worked on improving his physique and communication skills. “After last year, I dedicated all of my time in preparing my body and the things I lacked like the Q&A. I wasn’t that talkative before,” he said.

In explaining his advocacy for fitness in mental health, Dalman got candid about his struggles. “For about six years, I experienced mental health problems. Being physically active as a former football player was one of the coping mechanisms that helped me through difficult times,” he said.

“The pandemic was when my mental problems heightened. So I went to the gym and started bodybuilding. It helped me a lot and that’s why I chose this advocacy.”

Often told that he looks like Kapamilya actor Jake Ejercito, Dalman laughs if off, saying he doesn’t really see the resemblance. He said he styles himself based on famous Korean actors. “I try to impersonate their looks,” he said.

‘Comforting to have a brother’

Tarona first joined pageants in 2018 – Mr. Intramurals, Mr. Gaisano Grand Malls – before winning Misters of Filipinas-Talisay 2023. He advocates for empowering others. “We live in an age where everyone is competing. I envision a society where everyone supports one another because we are here not to bring another down, but to lift them up and provide them the support they need.”

Dalman and Tarona were neighbors in Zamboanga del Norte when the former’s father, Oliveros Dalman, was mayor of the Municipality of Katipunan. Tarona said that being co-candidates in a pageant “feels great because it’s comforting to have a brother with you.” Dalman agreed, stating, “We help and advise each other on our lapses.”

As a radio broadcaster in his school’s Filipino department, Communication was the course that Catubay wanted to pursue. But he ended up taking IT with the prodding of his sister, an overseas worker who is paying for his tuition.

“I need to finish it even if I don’t like it. I really do love talking or being a broadcaster or a host. I am a natural talker,” he said. “I also want to pursue modeling or acting. I especially want to pursue hosting since I see myself in the spotlight.”

Cabungcal, meanwhile, is reviewing for his board exam after earning his Civil Engineering degree from Silliman University, all while being a Misters of Filipinas candidate. He is also a model and real estate agent based in Cebu.

His relatable upbringing is what he considers his strength. “I grew up in the market while studying. I am a working student helping my parents sell fish,” he shared. “I joined this pageant because I want to encourage kids like me who grew up in a less privileged community that we can also shine in pageants, even internationally.”

CEBU CITY

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