Dissecting the Man of Himologan 2008

By Chef Ed Dychauco
Pots and Pans

A VERY first in the City of Golden Friendship in this year's list of activities is the search for the Man of Himologan 2008 (a.k.a. Mr. Cagayan de Oro City 2008).

Anchored on social responsiveness and personality development, this competition aims to bring together confident, intelligent, socially motivated and talented young men from all over Cagayan de Oro City in the search for a youth icon that would serve as the role model for Cagayan de Oro's youth sector.

A group of 15 young fine, good-looking men were introduced to the public recently through a press conference last Monday (August 4, 2008) at Brewberry Cafe along Velez and Chavez Sts., this city. Several press people from all media were around to cover the event, which started around 4 p.m. with a short prayer followed by a brief history of the name Himologan (Huluga Cave).

Himologan, being the original settling place of the first settlers in Cagayan de Oro, is featured to make the new generation be aware of its glorious past and contribute to its improvement. Needless to say, I got to learn something new again about our city's history!

These gorgeous and magnificent male species epitomizes and personifies the young male generation of our time. With ages ranging from 18 to 25, most of them are college students and stand 5'7" to 6'1" tall! When asked why they joined this competition, most of them said they want to help contribute changes in the society, in their own little way. Some of them wanted to develop their self-confidence, some expect to have doors open for them for a better future and of course, promote tourism in the city. Others just wanted to have fun, be an inspiration, and leave a legacy to the future generations.

Problems they have seen affecting the society today include poverty, ignorance, poor or no education, hunger, pre-marital sex, drug addiction and pollution. And the candidates wowed the press with their charming and witty answers of course.

The 15 stunning candidates include: Niel Enteria (18 years old, 6'0"), Gringgo Bayang (19 years old, 6'1"), Patrick Jose Chua (20 years old, 5'11"), Jonard Suan (21 years old, 5'91/2"), John Paolo Galolo (20 years old, 5'8"), Ben Arian Tan (18 years old, 5'71/2"), Reynaldo de la Cruz (18 years old, 5'7"), Ralph Rafael Navarro (18 years old, 5'7"), Richard Vacalares (20 years old, 5'8"), Abdul Sadat Saripada (21 years old, 5'10"), Marlone Nagac (22 years old, 5'101/2"), Nyl Popera (19 years old, 5'101/2"), Jay Buot (23 years old, 5'9"), Jeymar Aparici (25 years old, 5'9") and Michael John Amper (21 years old, 6'1").

Organized by Metro K Events headed by Eric Abaday and accredited by Promote CDO as part of the calendar of activities for the city fiesta, this year's search for a young Kagay-anon man should embody the ideal traits of the Cagayan de Oro Man, a modern man of Himologan: God-fearing yet courageous, wise yet with a heart for others, and self-disciplined yet fun-loving and friendly.

In connection with Metro K's advocacies and The Man of Himologan's objective, all the finalists will undergo training for capacity building, environmental education, reproductive health awareness, tourism, culture and heritage immersion, media buildup and exposures, thus opening up opportunities for them to fully utilize their leadership potentials not only for their own development and welfare but also for the benefit of the other youth groups in the city, most especially the young male group.

Calendar of activities will include the following: Fun Wear Competition on August 13 at the Ghana, The Site, Rosario Arcade, LKKS at 8pm, Monologue Competition on August 15, Feeding Program and Health Talks and the Boy's Town Foundation in Lumbia, Fashion Competition on August 20 at the Gaisano Mall, Pre-Pageant Competition and Sponsor's Night on August 21, Motorcade around the city on August 23 and finally, the Pageant Night on August 24 and the Rodelsa Hall, Liceo de Cagayan University at 7 p.m.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/cag/2008/08/12/life/dissecting.the.man.of.himologan.2008.html