MALE pageants are becoming increasingly popular lately and a new player has emerged in the field: King of the World Philippines. Set to be presented to members of media today are 43 Filipinos who will slug it out for the title, including a gorgeous guy from Bacoor, Cavite – Howell Adrian Liao Pantollana.
Fairly new to the pageant scene, and already in his 30s, this successful e-commerce entrepreneur suddenly shifted his sights to competing.
“I’ve been living all these years with the purpose of growing my business every single day. I focused more in achieving all the things that I wanted in life,” says Howell, who is a proud single dad to two children. “My children, Micheco and Hero, are the reasons why I work harder to give them the best.”
When asked why he’s joining King of the World, his first foray into pageants, he explains: “I’ve been a responsible father of two for a decade now and I’ve realized there are times I ask my own purpose for myself and how I should value myself as an individual, setting aside what I have already been doing for my family. And this is one avenue that I have always wanted to do.”
It’s not just for himself that he is joining pageantry, he says.
“Ultimately, I want to set an example for ny children.
“I want my children to see me that even at this age, there are opportunities we can still jump in and all we must do is just to work, learn, and plunge,” Howell states. “This kind of field or industry (pageantry) can make us discover and show our hidden talents, charisma, and the value of our self-worth. Hopefully my children will see this, and I will be happy to mentor them as they go through their own paths and opportunities.”
Howell also knows pageantry is a good platform to advocate for his beliefs and advocacies. In his case, his heart is for senior citizens.
“I advocate for seniors, because I want to make sure that the dignity of seniors is preserved. They deserve quality of life such as physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health and wellness,” he stresses. “Not all seniors are lucky enough to have that quality of life. Part of my advocacy for them is to make sure they have access to adequate nutrition, as well as have social interaction, community activities and events.”
This hardworking and successful businessman from Bacoor is preparing for the competition and is leaving no stone unturned. Winning will mean so much to him as he further takes the plunge in being a public personality through pageantry.
He is serious in using this platform for his advocacy. But apart from that, he wishes to show everyone that pageantry is not just for the young. It can also be for men like him who may already be considered a late bloomer and someone who already has children.
“Some people like me still have dreams. And if we dream, it is up to us to make it come true. Pageantry is a form of celebration. Me winning would show that any man can celebrate his age and his life experiences. I want to inspire people that it is never too late.”
Howell clarifies that this is his first and last foray into pageantry and vows to make a difference to his family, community and the world at large.
