A 24-year-old, 6-foot-3 college graduate and model from Quezon City was proclaimed as Mister International Philippines 2023, along with seven other titlists, in star-studded ceremonies at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay last Wednesday.
Austin Dizon Cabatana, a professional model and Business Management graduate of De La Salle College of St. Benilde, topped the field of 54 contestants from all over the archipelago as well as Filipino communities in the Middle East, to win the coveted title.
Cabatana earned his slot as the country’s official representative to the Mister International pageant which will be hosted by the Philippines with the global finals set for September 28, 2023.
Austin was born in Angeles City, moved to Nevada, USA but came back and currently resides in Quezon City.
During the final q&a round of the top 15 finalists, Cabatana picked the question “How do you define success?” He replied: “I define success not only as truly reaching one’s objectives and goals but also learning from your failures. I say this because in life, I was taught the hard way in learning that. I worked hard and went to school and after two years, I graduated with a degree in Business Management. So I am here to inspire the youth and my peers in society. Everything is possible; if I can do it, so can you.”
A deadringer for actor Donny Pangilinan, Austin is also a ramp and commercial model; he is a member of the Professional Models Association of the Philippines.
Two finalists were named as Mr. National Universe Philippines 2023: Ruslan Kulikov of Batangas City and Kenneth Aniban of Cavite City.
Completing the roster of winners are:
Nathaniel Tiu of Cebu City, Mister Earth International Philippines 2024; Ryan Cruz of Cagayan Province, Mister Charm Philippines 2023; Gabriel Bautista of Pasig City, Mister Globe Philippines 2023.
Shawn Khrysler Sulit of Oriental Mindoro, Mister Beaute Internationale Philippines 2023; Lhenard Cardozo of Taguig City, Mister Tourism International Philippines 2023; and Phil Tungul of Lubao, Pampanga, Mister Teen International Philippines 2024.
Tungul was awarded on stage by reigning Mister Teen International Robert Walcher IV who won in Bangkok recently. He also sat in the judging panel along with his mom, actress Patricia Javier.
Former Binibining Pilipinas finalist and now DILG Undersecretary for Plans, Public Affairs and Communication Atty. Margarita N. Gutierrez chaired the esteemed panel of judges.
The 4-hour show, organized by the Mister International Philippines Organization headed by Ameer Gamama and in collaboration with Mister International CEO Atty. Manuel Deldio, streamed live on the pageant’s Facebook page and was hosted by actor Nico Locco and former Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental titlists Emma Tiglao and Gabrielle Basiano.
