By Raymart Escopel
PAGEANTRY is and always will be part of the Filipino culture. Pageants become the highlight in occasions like fiestas, festivals and even in school affairs.
This is probably the reason why our representatives competing internationally almost always bag the much-coveted titles.
However, beauty pageants nowadays are no longer limited to women. Pageants for men were formulated to showcase and explore their manliness as well.
One legitimate male beauty pageant held here in the country is the Misters of the Philippines. This particular pageant was recently brought to the publicâs eyes when one of its contestants stood out because of his profession.
Police Officer 2 Mariano Perez Flormata Jr., broke the publicâs stereotype regarding policemen having big fat belly.
This 29-year-old model cop appeared to be lean, well-toned and good-looking, the ideal combination for a male pageant. He goes by the name Neil Perez in the contest.
Because of his model appeal and looks, Perez became the talk of the town, especially because of the netizens who constantly shared posts about him, making him an instant celebrity even before the pageant starts.
Perez came from the Aviation Security Group of the Philippine National Police (PNP). Standing 5â11â in height, Perez always receives comments regarding his good looks that could pass for a celebrity-status.
He remains firm, however, that being a policeman was his dream come true.
He has, for a fact, been in service for six years now.
According to the reports, Perez joined the pageant because he wants to promote a healthy lifestyle among his fellow policemen. Moreover, he also wants to boost their confidence and show others what they are capable of outside their duties as a cop.
The more important lesson here is whether he wins or loses, he has already spread to the world his cause and that is to produce a better version of our police officers.
Misters of the Philippines will be held on September 7 at the Grand Theater of the University of Makati./PN
