The Hero Within Mr. Lapu-lapu 2011 Winners

There are a lot of pageants in the country but rarely does one focus on heroism and this is the theme of the first ever Mr. Lapu-lapu 2011. The title bearer is supposed to showcase the very same elements that made the namesake the hero he is today. Aside from the looks and brains that they all possess, they also have to be very aware of the conditions and issues of the barangays they represent. In fact, the contestants were called as "warriors."

What was also interesting to note is that the competition had lasted around six months from the screening up to the activities that they all have undergone. From outreach programs, to Adventure races, to outings at resorts and to numerous creative photo shoots with the island's best photographers with concepts ranging from close-ups, laid back shirtless, military to fireman themes.

I was very much blessed to have been invited by the organizers and the Lapu-lapu City Government along with other Cebu Bloggers Society Inc. (CBSi) members to cover the pageant last April 16, 2011 at the Hoops Dome. I also would like to congratulate my high school friend George Ambrosino who was representing Brgy. Bankal. He won a special award, Mr. Glutamin Body for his physique.


George's warrior costume for the opening number

The first Mr. Lapu-lapu is Jumar Bilocura who was also a first runner-up of Mr. Cebu.

The question and answer portion of the Top 5 asked about what qualities of Lapu-lapu should the winner embody and most of them was not able to answer well from obvious pressure. This was even noticeable when all of the contestants chatted at the casual interview. But above everything else they shined in every way. From the opening number with the Gun-ob Dancers, to their resort wear, Barong Oponganon and Bahaghari costume.


Opening Number with Lapu-Lapu City Tourism Ambassadress Sharon Angel


Breathtaking musical number from the Asian Troubadours



Casual interview in their Barong Oponganon


Warriors in their Resort Wear


Announcement of winners in their Bahaghari costume


Hosted by Miss Earth 2008 - Ms. Karla Paula Henry and Andrew Sarmiento


Mr. Lapu-lapu 2011 Top 5

Mr. Lapu-lapu 2011 Top Five:

Mr. Lapu-lapu 2011: Warrior #14 Jumar Andrew Bilocura
1st runner-up: Warrior #09 Mr. Jan Rhythm Mateo
2nd runner-up: Warrior #13 Mr. Patrick Grandl
3rd runner-up: Warrior #10 Mr. Pocholo Enriquez
4th runner-up: Warrior #16 Alexander Lopez

For more of their photo shoots visit http://www.facebook.com/mrlapulapu

Watch the video coverage by yours truly, Jaysee Blabs:

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Photos by Sinjin Pineda and Marvin Maning