The ethnic wear and talent competition of the 27 aspirants of Misters of Filipinas 2016 pageant held at the Atrium of Fisher Mall in Quezon City on Tuesday gave Manilans a wonderful glimpse of the glorious and rich cultural heritage of the Mountain province preserved and shielded from outside influences but largely ignored by westernized present generation.
Cordillera natives Christopher Comicho Dulagan and Darryl Joshua Gomes shone with their masterful indigenous dances and ethnic attires during the preliminary event. Gomez, a native of Bontoc province, performed an endearing and dynamic Ifugao tribal dance that left the crowd in awe.
Dulagan, the police inspector and pride of Cordillera, was no less magnificent in his ethnic Igorot dance in the traditional bahag wrapped around his waist, which revealed his perfectly built body. The exotic police inspector performed with passion and authenticity, which the crowd warmly cheered and applauded.
Gomes and Dulagan were named among the top three in the Best Ethnic Wear competition with Cagayan Valley’s John Glenn Seridon. Dulagan wore a Kalinga-headhunters-inspired costume designed by Don Cristobal consisting of a kalasag and sibat (shield and spear), headgear and hand-woven tapi and bahag (loincloth and wrap around) to complete the ensemble.
The top three in the talent competition were Cagayan Valley’s Seridon, Paombong-Bulacan’s Reimer Cortez and Camarines Sur’s Gerald Jahn Fullante.
The talent and ethnic costume show followed the swimwear competition on Sept. 2 in Tagum City, Davao del Norte. Fitness buff Ichin Daclan of General Santos City was adjudged best in swimwear, while Davao del Norte’s Randy Angelo Ramos, Albay’s Issa Janda, Laguna’s Jerald Mendoza and Dulagan were named 2nd to 5th, respectively.
Meanwhile, Dulagan was leading in the on-going voting for the Misters 2016 Popularity Award. The winners of Mister International Philippines, Manhunt International Philippines, Mister Globe Philippines, Man of the Year Philippines, Mister Supranational Philippines and Man of the World Philippines will be known during finals night to be held at the Newport Performing Arts Theater Resorts World Manila tonight.
