CEBU, Philippines — Mister International Philippines (MIP) 2022 top six finalist John Ernest Tanting was amazed when he first heard that he was selected by the pageant organization to represent the Philippines at Mister Beauté International 2022, which will take place in Turkey from November 22-27.
“I am very excited because I’m prepared to represent the Philippines in Mister Beauté and not everyone can say that they have the chance to represent their country,” he tells The FREEMAN in a virtual interview.
The Cebuano looker is a third year Physical Therapy student at Velez College when he decided to take a break from his studies to focus on pageantry.
Tanting can count on the backing of his family. “They have always been sending me encouraging messages, not just from my parents but also my little brother,” the Chinese-Filipino said. “It’s the support from my family that I cherish the most.”
Pageant newbie
Tanting’s participation at MIP last June, where he represented Cebu City, is his very first foray into pageants. “My journey is a bit of a shortcut because I didn’t compete in local pageants before I joined Mister International Philippines,” the 21-year-old said.
He acknowledged his weaknesses during MIP as he had insufficient time to suit up. “I had little preparation so I wasn’t able to get my desired body, and my posture and my physique weren’t quite right,” he admitted.
Despite the shortcomings, he still managed to be one of the top ten finalists. “I can speak English fluently and eloquently, and I learned to be more forward and open,” he said. “My height is also one of my strengths and it’s one of the gifts given by God that I was able to use to my advantage.”
Apart from these strengths, he believes it’s his positive personality that led him to be appointed by MIP to vie for an international crown.
“I think they selected me because I am a professional and I am easy to work with,” he said. “They are looking for a person with a good heart who can positively represent the Philippines and the organization itself.”
Tanting previously wanted to become a professional basketball player. But he couldn’t see himself fully committing to the responsibilities of a varsity player. “With basketball, it’s a lifestyle where you have to discipline yourself and commit to it 100 percent,” he explained. “You need to eat the right food and you have to study the game, all while balancing that with school work. That’s a very difficult lifestyle and not everyone can make time for that.”
“I am not saying the dream is dead but it’s not likely considering where I see myself headed in the future.”
Tanting is instead focusing for now on pageants. “This is still somewhat the same thing where I get to represent the Philippines on an international stage,” he said.
He cites the recent Misters of Filipinas Man of the World winner James Vidal, Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2022 Chelsea Fernandez, and Miss Universe Philippines 2019 Gazini Ganados as some of those he admires.
“I look up at their little moments of courage because you need to have more than just looks to succeed.”
He has also been talking to ordinary Filipinos as part of his preparations for Mister Beauté International.
“Now that I am representing the Philipines, I have to think about the whole population, and hearing their stories gives me a bigger perspective about who Filipinos truly are,” he added.
Preparations
Tanting is headed for Turkey with a better game plan than he did for MIP. He has trained for Q&A , pasarela and stage projection, and has been working hard in the gym to tone his physique. “I know what I lacked last time,” he remarked. “I am going to improve on these weaknesses so that I can be at my best.”
He’s looking forward to the Mister Beauté gala night and fashion show the most, as he’s impressed with the outfits that Ryan Chris of House of Fashion designed for him.
For his advocacy, Tanting is pushing for the rights of PWD (people with disabilities).
“I want to bring awareness to PWDs because regardless of their physical, emotional, and mental state, they are still capable and they are still whole as individuals,” he explained.
“Society should be more inclusive towards them, such as providing infrastructure that allows PWDs to access establishments easily like elevators or ramps, as well as providing jobs for them.”
He has also been studying Turkey’s culture and language.
“Whenever I visit a country, the food is always a priority. I am also excited to ride in an air balloon which I heard is something you must do when you visit Turkey,” he said.
As a cat lover, he is likewise looking anticipating interactions with stray cats roaming around Turkish streets which he learned is part of their culture.
Above all, utmost for Tanting is to take care of his mental health. “I learned that as long as you are hungry to have a better body or to look better, you have to crave knowledge as well by reading and learning, especially at my age, I shouldn’t let these years go to waste,” he said.
He takes care of his mind thru meditation, journaling, reading books, or watching his favorite shows. “I have been watching anime (Demon Slayer, Sword Art Online) and K-dramas (Run On, Crash Landing on You). I have also watched a bit of the sitcom ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ to laugh every now and then.”
As for music, his current go-to songs are “Fancy” by his favorite K-pop girl group TWICE, “Anti-Hero” by Taylor Swift, and “Sure Thing” by R&B singer Miguel.
Once he’s done with Mister Beauté International, he plans to extend his academic break. “Hopefully, Mister Beauté is just the beginning of many things to come because I really want to do modeling and hosting.”
“People have told me showbiz is an option. I would certainly love to do it if I am in the right environment.”