Catching up with the Visayas team of Mister Int’l Philippines 2024

CEBU, Philippines — Jake Keanu Batiancela was supposed to start his career as a newly-licensed doctor, but the Leyteño model and Sinulog Idol 2019 finalist took a detour instead – winning Mister International Philippines-World 2024 on his first pageant attempt.

“I really should be working in my profession, but I have no regrets entering pageants,” Batiancela told The FREEMAN at a thanksgiving party with his fellow Visayan delegates following the Mister International Philippines pageant in Batangas last June.

“I’m always honing my talents and skills in the performing arts, and I believe pageants are a great platform for that. I see it as a blessing in disguise because everything was falling into place. As I passed the board exam, this pageant came into my life for a reason.”

Joining him in securing another title for Visayas was Cebu City’s Ralph Jude Dinolan who was named Mister National Universe Cebu Islands 2025. Like Batiancela, this was also Dinolan’s first try. To prepare, he had to pause his job at a hotel and temporarily step away from his basketball career.

“I’m a very busy career person, so I had to ask my management to understand that I’d be going out of town for Mister International Philippines. I wanted to make my colleagues proud,” Dinolan shared. “It was a tough two weeks, and I didn’t have any compensation that time since I was on leave, so I gave it my all.”

Also part of the Visayas team were finalists George Indino Fedrequilan from Pinamungajan, Cebu, and Rod Miguel Lopez from Toledo City. With limited preparation time, both felt at a disadvantage when they were unable to achieve their desired physique for the competition.

“I think that was the most difficult part for me. During the segment when I had to show my body, I felt awkward and self-conscious on stage,” Fedrequilan admitted.

Lopez added, “I felt like my body wasn’t developed enough for the competition, and I wasn’t ready to show it to the public. That’s something I need to work on.”

Despite these challenges, the candidates built a sense of brotherhood that made the experience worthwhile. “Every stage of the finals night was tough for each of us. But we endured it all, and we’re proud of ourselves for making it,” Dinolan said.

Batiancela, 29, was happy to see his family when they surprised him by traveling from his home province of Leyte to Batangas to watch him during coronation night.

Dinolan, who also won Mr. Congeniality, expressed his pride in representing Cebu City. “I felt goosebumps when I won one of the titles. It’s an honor and a privilege to represent Cebu City. Now, I have something my friends and family can be proud of,” he said.

As a pet owner, Lopez, 24, had to set aside his responsibilities as a fur dad to his 15 dogs, relying on his cousins to care for them while he competed. Fedrequilan, 23, had to give up his e-gaming and K-drama binge-watching habits, which he now sees as a blessing in disguise.

“Before, I was nothing without leisure time. But with the hectic demands of the pageant, I had to give that up. Now, my me-time has turned into healthy time. I’ve been going to the gym and practicing disciplined eating. The pageant helped me embrace a healthier lifestyle,” Fedrequilan reflected.

Batiancela will be flying to Australia for an international pageant that was originally scheduled for October, but which has been moved to a later date as of this writing. As it will be his first time traveling outside Asia, he’s eager to immerse himself in Australian culture.

“I’ve heard a lot about the Land Down Under, so I’m excited to meet new people and learn about their stories. I’m also looking forward to meeting my co-candidates and learning from them because life is a continuous learning experience,” Batiancela said.

When asked about the possibility of entering showbiz, he said, “I’ll cross that bridge when I get there. I believe that the right opportunities won’t miss me. I’ll let the Lord lead the way.”

Meanwhile, Dinolan, 28, will represent the Cebu Islands at Mister National Universe in Thailand next year. While he has many months to gear up, he is not letting his guard down.

“I can’t get complacent because I know other candidates are working hard on their bodies and practicing for the pageant as we speak. My main weakness is the Q&A portion. I’m a good talker, but I need to work on my public speaking skills, so I’ll be practicing more on that,” Dinolan explained.

Lopez plans to follow in Dinolan’s footsteps, setting his sights to be his successor in 2026. The two will train together at the same gym.

“The next time I step on a pageant stage, I’ll be more prepared. It’s going to be intense, and I’ll be focusing on my physique. I’ll come back stronger next year,” Lopez remarked.

As for Fedrequilan, he plans to concentrate on his career as a medical technologist after graduating from Southwestern University PHINMA earlier this year. But he’s not ruling out the possibility of competing again.

Cebu will host the upcoming Mister International pageant, scheduled from November 2 to 11. — (FREEMAN)