Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Honoring a Father, Teacher and Anthropologist: Dangal ng Haraya Award Bestowed to F. Landa Jocano

Eminent anthropologist F. Landa Jocano
For a son, he was a man always on fire. For a colleague, he was an esteemed guide and teacher. For a whole nation, he was a symbol for inspiration and someone it owes an immeasurable debt of gratitude to. F. Landa Jocano had always been the indefatigable researcher and pioneering anthropologist. 
The magnitude of his contributions to the Philippines was realized when he passed away on October 27, 2013, due to cardiac arrest at the age of 83. Tributes have been held. Several months later, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) posthumously bestowed him its highest recognition, the Dangal ng Haraya, an award for a lifetime of achievements in the arts and cultural work. 
Jocano was honored, the citation reads, "for his exemplary contributions in the field of cultural and historical research, having pioneered the use of participant observation a methodology in Philippine ethnographic research" and "for being one of the earliest Filipino social scientists who used his rigorous trainings in anthropology as evidenced by earning his Ph.D. to produce numerous groundbreaking studies and published works which served as reference materials of educational institutions in the country and the basis for creative cultural work."
The simple and intimate ceremony was held on May 22, 2014, at the NCCA Building in Intramuros, Manila. It was attended by NCCA officials led by its chairman Felipe de Leon Jr. and acting executive director Adelina Suemith; Jocano's friends and colleagues; and personages in arts and culture. An excerpt of a Panay Bukidnon chant was performed by Rodolfo Caballero, Panay Bukidnon chanter from Calinog, Iloilo.
National Museum director Jeremy Barns announced that they will be naming a wing after Jocano at the museum, which is undergoing renovation and expansion after finally reacquiring the building which housed the Department of Tourism. This came as a sweet surprise as Jocano's career started at the National Museum.
Receiving the Dangal of Haraya award was Jocano's son, Dr. Felipe Jocano Jr., who is also an anthropologist. His reminiscences on his father were insightful, entertaining and inspiring. He could have gone on and on all night long, and maybe for several nights, like the epic chant Jocano helped popularize and preserve, but time was severely limited.
A former student who became Jocano's collegue, Dr. Carolyn I. Sobritchea, lecturer at the Asian Center, attempted to sum up his works and contributions, refreshing the memories of those familiar with him and educating those who weren't. Sobritchea had assisted him in researching and writing his books on slum life and the Sulod. She also edited and proofread some of his works.
Jocano was known for his pioneering works in anthropology in the Philippines, particularly his work on Philippine prehistoric civilization.
"He is widely known, here and abroad, for his numerous field studies and publications on Philippine folklore, prehistory, cultural communities, folk medicine and organizational culture," Sobritchea said.
Born into a farming family in Cabatuan, Iloilo, on February 5, 1930, ninth of eleven children, Jocano ran away to Manila after finishing elementary school because his family could not afford to send him to high school. He worked his way through secondary school at the Arellano High School. He returned to Iloilo in 1954 where he finished a Bachelor of Arts degree at the Central Philippine University in 1957. During this period, he developed an interest in folklore. Eventually, he began searching for and studying epics in the Philippines, leading to the publication of the Hinilawod, a Central Visayan Folk Epic, for which he is widely known.
It began with a question to a literature professor, related Jocano Jr. The professor was teaching epics such as The Odyssey, the Iranian epics and Le Morte d'Arthur. Jocano asked if we have epics of our own. The professor answered, "Well, we don't. If you want to find out, go ahead."
"Thus began a journey in looking for epics which led to Central Panay. After he recorded the chant, he went back to his professor. He went and found it. That was the kind of person my father was," he said.
Jocano came to work at the National Museum through noted anthropologist Robert Fox. Through a grant, he pursued graduate studies at the University of Chicago, earning a Master in Anthropology in 1962 and a doctorate degree in Social Anthropology in 1963.
When he returned to the Philippines, he taught at the University of the Philippines.
"Dr. Jocano taught at the University of the Philippines for nearly half a century," Sobritchea said. "He first joined the Department of Anthropology in l967 then moved to the Asian Center in 1973 as professor of Philippine Studies. He served as chairman of the UP Department of Anthropology, director of Philippine Studies Program at the UP Asian Center, dean of the UP Institute of Philippine Studies, and head of Asian Center Museum Laboratory. He played a key role in developing the content and direction of the graduate program in Philippine Studies as well as the training programs for government personnel of various government agencies such as the Foreign Service Institute of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department and the National Defense College. As the head of the Asian Center Museum Laboratory, he spearheaded the collection of cultural materials and photographs of ethnic groups across the country for use in graduate studies and appreciation, primarily of scholars and students. He strongly argued for the rereading of pre-colonial history and challenged the overly diffussionist slant of early works on this period.
"Many of Dr. Jocano's pioneering studies on Filipino values, folk medicine and early-childhood socialization practices, among others, provided rich data for the development of culturally-sensitive policies and programs of schools and various government agencies," she continued. "Indeed, his pioneering efforts to influence development practitioners to ground their work on anthropological knowledge have immensely contributed to the pursuit of policies, programs and services that are attuned to the diverse values, social contexts and aspirations of Filipinos."
For these, Jocano received numerous awards including the Ten Outstanding Young Men; (TOYM) award in 1965l; the 1971 Cultural Heritage Award, given by the Philippine government; and the National Science Special Award of Merit in 1974, given by the National Science Development Board (NSDB). He was also listed among the 12 Top Scientists of the Philippines by the National Research Council of the Philippines in 1988.
"For us in the social science, this is a dream," Sobritchea said.
Other awards included lifetime achievement awards in 2006 from the National Museum and the UP Archaeological Studies Program. In 2007, he was conferred the membership into the Philippine Legion of Honor with the rank of Maringal na Pinuno (Grand Officer).
"But what is perhaps the most valuable contribution of Dr. Jocano is the knowledge and skills he imparted to his students," Sobritchea averred. "As a classroom teacher and fieldwork supervisor, he is fondly remembered for teaching people-centered ways of doing social science research. He ensured the safety and security of everyone in the field even as he also cautioned them to be always respectful of the norms and practices of the communities being studied. He passed on to his students the legacy of grounded theorizing and reflexive ethnography. "
Those who were not personally taught by Jocano learned from his numerous books, which include Sulod Society (1968); Growing Up in a Philippine Barrio (1969); Folk Medicine in a Philippine Community (1973); Slum as a Way of Life (1975); Ilocano: An Ethnography of Family and Community Life (1983); Hiligaynon: An Ethnography of Family and Community Life (1983); Filipino Indigenous Ethnic Communities: Patterns, Variations, and Typologies (1998); and Filipino Prehistory: Rediscovering Precolonial Heritage (1998).
Jocano's contribution to the study of Philippine folk literature is the documentation and translation to English of the folk epic Hinilawod of the indigenous Panay Bukidnon of Western Visayas. From 1955 to 1957, he spent time with the Panay Bukidnon chanters and eventually published the book Hinilawod: Adventures of Humadapnon (Tarangban I), reprinted 2007. Jocano Jr. was six years old when his father was transcribing Hinilawod. It was the sound to which he which he fell asleep.
The anecdote was a glimpse on Jocano's work and family life fused together. Many times, his work influenced family life. Jocano Jr. remembered his father to be "always on fire from one idea to another."
"His unstoppable nature affected his family," he said.
He recalled for two years, they lived in the slums when his father was studying slum life. He remembered the violence in the community. His father joked, why go to action movies when the real action is here.
Jocano Jr. also said his father was a complex individual; it was not easy to define him. Similarly, his works are not easily classified-whether folk literature, prehistory, ethnography and others. But almost everyone is sure of one thing-the inestimable value and impact of his works.
Jocano joins his fellow Dangal ng Haraya awardees, Dr. Jesus Peralta for cultural conservation; Danny Dolor for cultural promotions; Felice Sta. Maria for cultural management; and E. Arsenio Manuel and Isagani Medina for cultural research, given on July 20, 2001; Efren Abueg, Lourdes Saquing Dulawan, Purita Kalaw Ledesma, Augusto Villalon, Basilio Esteban Villaruz, and the Philippine Association of Printmakers, given on August 9, 2002; Dr. Rustica Carpio for writing and art criticism; Amelia Lapeña-Bonifacio for cultural management; Dr. Samuel Tan for cultural and historical research; and Pura Santillan-Castrence, Corazon Iñigo, Gilda Cordero-Fernando and the Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit headed by singer-actress Mitch Valdez for the promotion of Philippine culture, given on February 23, 2007; and senator Edgardo Angara for patronage of arts and culture, given on June 21, 2013.
The Dangal ng Haraya was usually given together with the Alab ng Haraya (Flame of Imagination). The two recognitions were created under the leadership of NCCA chairman Jaime Laya and executive director Virgilio Almario. Alab ng Haraya is given to artists, cultural workers, works, groups and institutions, who had made an impact and significant contribution to arts and cultural development in categories such as published series of articles on culture and the arts/cultural journalism or documentation, arts management, choreography in dance, library and information services program, production, individual recognition and cultural conservation. On the other hand, the Dangal ng Haraya is the lifetime achievement award.

The late anthropologist F. Landa Jocano’s son  Dr. Felipe Jocano Jr. accepted the Dangal ng Haraya, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts’ (NCCA) lifetime achivement award, for his father from NCCA acting executive director Adelina Suemith and NCCA chariman Felipe de Leon Jr.
Dr. Felipe Jocano Jr. reminisced about his father 

From left: Dr. Carolyn Sobritchea of the Asian Center, NCCA acting executive director Adelina Suemith, Dr. Felipe Jocano Jr., NCCA chariman Felipe de Leon Jr., anthropologist Dr. Jesus Peralta, and National Museum director Jeremy Barns

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Designed for Work and Play: Acer Launches New Products and Partners with NBA


The new Acer Aspire Switch 10 can transform from laptop to tablet in a snap.This and other new Acer products come with a new NBA laptop bag.
Acer Philippines launches a new hybrid gadget, as well as updated versions of its laptops that will fascinate not just the technologically-inclined, but also ordinary students and professionals. And to make them more enticing, the top information technology company enters into a strategic collaboration with a popular sports league, strengthening the branding of both groups.

Aspire Switch 10: A Happy Hybrid
Leading in the innovation of hybrid devices, Acer releases another two-in-one gadget after its Iconia W4—the laptop-tablet Aspire Switch 10, the most conspicuous and impressive characteristic of which is its quick and easy switch from laptop to tablet, and vice versa. With an aluminum chassis, it is also sleek and handsome.
This 10.1-inch device can, indeed, be used as a laptop and a tablet. With the magnetic Acer Snap Hinge, one can easily detach it from the keyboard dock to be used as tablet. Attach it to the keyboard dock to be used as a laptop. One can also attach it facing another side for a display mode. 
Switch 10 uses Windows 8.1 and has up to 64 gigabytes of storage and two gigabytes of RAM. It also comes with Intel Atom (Bay Trail T) quad-core processor, Microsoft InstantGo technology, and Acer LumiFlex IPS display (1366 by 768 pixels).
Weighing 0.59 kg and less than 0.35 inches thin, it is very portable enabling you to work almost anywhere with a battery life of up to eight hours. Built-in AcerCloud technology delivers a data management experience, connecting you to your data wherever you go.
The keyboard has a full-sized USB port, a microSD card slot, a mini-HDMI port, and integrated Precision Touchpad technology, designed to support Windows Touchpad gestures.
Like the Iconia W4, the Aspire Switch 10 is made for both professionals and students, thus, the entry-level pricing, another attractive quality. Prices range from P20,000 to P23,000.
   
The Updated Aspire S Series UltrabookAcer has, meanwhile, updated its Aspire S Series Ultrabook, a line of Windows 8-run laptops, with next-generation Intel iCore processors. The 13.3-inch Aspire S3 now has Intel Core i5-4200U processor. It is also equipped with new NVIDIA GeForce GT 735M graphics for HD movies, efficient editing of photos and vibrant game play. For sound, it is clearer because of its Optimized Dolby Digital Plus audio enhancement and Acer Purified Voice technologies.
It also features a patented dual-torque hinge and auto light-sensing keyboard, as well as Acer TwinAir cooling technology. For data storage, users enjoy four gigabytes of onboard DDR3L system memory and 500 GB 2.5-inch 5400 RPM. Also, with Acer Fast Resume technology, this laptop bounces back from sleep mode three times faster than a standard Ultrabook.
On the other hand, the two 13.3-inch S7 models are equipped with Intel iCore i7-4500U chip, plus Intel HD 4400 graphics and full HD LCD displays enhanced by IPS technology.
While retaining signature characteristics of older Ultrabooks, important hardware and software features were refined, including next-generation Acer TwinAir cooling technology, the aluminum unibody build incorporating Gorilla Glass 2 design, the 10-point touch WQHD display, and Acer InstantGo. With these, Acer boasts to have the best touchscreen Ultrabook in the world.
The Acer Aspire S7 Series laptop also features Acer Purified Voice technology, Intel Wi-Di (wireless display) connectivity, the patented dual-torque, T-shape hinge frame and auto light-sensing keyboard, and an improved battery life of up to eight hours. 
   
New Aspire V5 is Thinner and Lighter
Acer’s new Aspire V5 laptop series has been redesigned—slimmer and lighter than previous-generation models. Other than that, it comes with hardware that is meant to meet the demands of today’s lifestyle and work.
One can choose from the latest Intel or AMD processors and select either the NVIDIA GeForce GT7XXM series or AMD Radeon HD8750 discrete graphics. Its audio quality comes from its four built-in speakers and integrated Dolby Digital Plus Home Theater1.
It comes in three screen sizes (11.6, 14 and 15.6 inches) and multiple color choices. The 11.6-inch HD model includes a touch screen option, while the 14-inch and 15.6-inch models are available either in high-definition (1366 by 768 pixels) or full high-definition (1920 by 1080 pixels) with IPS technology. All configurations come with a full-size backlit keyboard, the key cap area of which is eight percent larger than previous-generation models.
The Acer Games portal provides excellent gaming experience, while the Amazon 1Button serves online shopping and lifestyle needs. For data management, the Acer Aspire V5 series laptop also includes an SD Card reader, two USB ports, and an Acer Converter Port.
   
A Partnership with the National Basketball Association
Until June 30, purchase of these new Acer gadgets—the Aspire Switch 10, the Aspire S Series Ultrabook including the S3-392G-54204G50tw, the S7-392-74504G25aws and the S7-392-74504G25tws models, and the Aspire V5—comes with a free limited-edition National Basketball Association (NBA) laptop backpack.
This is part of a new promotional partnership forged by Acer Philippines Inc., the local subsidiary of global information technology company Acer Inc., and the NBA. Acer acquires the rights to use the basketball league’s logo and other materials. At the same time, Acer will be integrated into NBA media and events in the country, including NBA TV and NBA.com, and NBA 3X Philippines 2014, an event that will combine exciting 3x3 basketball action with free NBA entertainment and experiences for fans.
Manuel Wong, general manager of Acer Philippines, is optimistic that the partnership will be a very successful one because basketball and gadgets remain top interests in the country.
“Acer Philippines is truly grateful for this milestone partnership with the NBA. Acer and NBA share the same relief on empowered stakeholders. Both have demonstrated its value by giving delightful experience to their customers, globally. It requires concrete passion and felt dedication to meet heightened standards, until it becomes part of our DNAs. These have made Acer to be the number-one PC and projector brand in the Philippines by volume and revenue for more than six years now, and the NBA as one of the Filipino household conversation centerpieces for many years,” Wong declared.

For more information, visit Acer Philippines Web site at www.acer.com.ph or www.Facebook.com/AcerPH.

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

A Curated Buffet at Cucina of Marco Polo Ortigas Manila


Even before the hotel has formally opened, Marco Polo Ortigas Manila’s all-day restaurant, simply called Cucina, is drawing sizeable crowds of diners, mostly from around the business district of Ortigas Center of Pasig City, the dining landscape of which seems to be more vibrant nowadays. 
Cucina opened last March with the soft opening of the hotel at the 24th floor, where the reception area is also located. The L-shaped restaurant can seat 156 people, and sports high ceilings, tall windows with equally tall louvers for natural lighting, moody earth tones and quirky wood partitions that are almost sculptural pieces, fomenting Old World charm punctuated by modern sensibilities
As with any hotel restaurant, Cucina’s main draw is its buffet, which has seven or eight stations curated in such a way that each interactive open kitchen station almost overlaps with one another, save for one or two, to provide a seamless array of Continental and Asian gustatory delights.
The stations include Chinese, Indian, British, Filipino, Japanese (mostly sushi and sashimi), Italian, carving and dessert. The seafood is laid on a blue-lit bed of crushed ice at the start of the buffet spread. The cheeses, cold cuts and charcuterie station is ensconced by circular walls in the middle of the dining area.
Though Cucina’s buffet spread is not as expansive as the others, Marco Polo Ortigas Manila prides itself in emphasizing flavors rather size through the careful selection of buffet items, overseen by its British executive chef Benjamin Roy Rendell, who brought with him over 36 years of experience in international hotels as well as exposures to different cultures, influencing his culinary style. Aside from winning gold at the Salon Culinary Bahrain, and acknowledged as creating Bangkok’s best brunch and best buffet and grill in Thailand for five consecutive years, he also has cooked for Queen Elizabeth II and other heads of states at state dinners. Rendell believes in purity—simply prepared classic dishes with contemporary approach. 
Marco Polo Ortigas Manila’s executive chef Benjamin Roy Rendell
Cucina’s buffet highlights some of his signature dishes, one everyday for the week.
On Mondays, best get the appetizer—buttery and delicate French dish of pan-fried duck liver with spring salad, sautéed apple cider dressing and calvados glaze. 

Pan-fried duck liver with spring salad, sautéed apple cider dressing and calvados glaze
On Tuesdays, the warm Thai beef salad topped with grilled fillets of US beef mixed with traditional Thai dressing and chili takes center stage. This version is a good introduction to the classic Thai dish for those averse to spice, but the lovers of spicy Southeast Asian dishes may be a tad disappointed because its characteristic piquancy is tempered.
Every Wednesday, Filipino cuisine is represented by the barbecue pork and chicken marinated with lemon, garlic and soya, and served with atchara, pickled green papaya strings.  

Filipino-style barbecue pork and chicken marinated with lemon, garlic and soya
On Thursdays, the kitchen will be manned by Marco Polo Ortigas Manila’s Hong Kong chefs to prepare dim sums and the star of the day: chili crabs prepared in Cantonese style. The seafood feast continues the two following days with moules mariniere and warm rock lobster thermidor. Moules mariniere is a French dish using imported mussels braised in Chablis wine, herbs, garlic, dairy butter and beer. It is served with French fries. On the other hand, each serving of thermidor has half of rock lobster sautéed with shallots, brandy, white wine and tarragon, and served in a mustard-flavored cheese sauce.

Chili crabs Cantonese style
Warm rock lobster thermidor, half rock lobster sautéed with shallots, brandy, white wine and tarragon, and served in a mustard-flavored cheese sauce
Moules mariniere, imported mussels braised in Chablis wine, herbs, garlic, dairy butter and beer
Go sumptuous on Sundays. They’re having filet of Beef Wellington (boeuf en croute), using prime US beef tenderloin coated with pâté and duxelles. This is then wrapped in pastry and baked. This is accompanied by potato gratin and Madeira sauce.
These special dishes are meant to keep the buffet experience from being boring, and in Cucina, buffet is not about the quantity but the quality.

Beef Wellington
Cucina is open daily for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner from 6:30 to 11 p.m. Price for lunch buffet starts at P1,400 net, Monday to Saturday. Brunch on Sunday starts at 1,700 net, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dinner buffet starts at P1,700 net (Sunday to Thursday) and P2,000 net (Friday to Saturday). Breakfast buffet is P1,225.71 net.
Marco Polo Ortigas Manila is at the corner of Meralco Avenue and Sapphire Street, Ortigas Center, Pasig City. For more information contact (632) 720-7777 or book online via www.marcopolohotels.com or email manila@marcopolohotels.com. Visit facebook.com/MarcoPoloOrtigasManila or follow @MarcoPoloManila on Twitter or Instagram or experience MPMDining.com. 



Two recipes from Benjamin Rendell

Lobster Thermidor

Ingredients:
Shallots (300 grams)   
Butter (100 grams)     
Olive oil (½ cup)
Slipper lobster tail (cleaned, 1 kilo)
Penne pasta (500 grams)
White wine (¼ litre)
Brandy (½ cup)
Fish stock (1 litre)
Double cream (½ litre)
Dijon mustard (120 grams)
Mustard grain (50 grams)
Egg yolk (8 pieces)
Cheddar cheese (grated, 200 grams)
Swiss cheese (grated, 200 grams)
Parmesan cheese (100 grams)
Mozzarella cheese (100 grams)
Chopped parsley (30 grams)
Molden sea salt (50 grams)
White pepper powder (20 grams)       

Procedure: In a hot pan, add the olive oil and butter. Sauté for five minutes until translucent. Add the lobster tails for two to three minutes and then add the brandy and white wine, then cook for two minutes. Take out the lobster tails and add the fish stock. Allow all to evaporate to half to its original volume. Add the cream and gently simmer until rich, and the sauce will coat the back of a spoon. Add the lobster tails. Add the Dijon mustard and mustard grain, cheddar cheese and Swiss cheese with the cooked pasta. Add the chopped parsley and mix in the egg yolks. Be careful not to re-boil again. Place the mixture into an oven proof serving dish and sprinkle with mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, and place under the grill until all the cheese has melted and is a light brown in color. Serve immediately.

Warm Thai beef salad

Ingredients:
US fillet of beef (140 grams)
Thai fish gravy (3 tablespoons)
Lime juice (3 tablespoons)
Soy sauce (3 tablespoons)
Oil (3 tablespoons)
Brown sugar (2 tablespoons)
Minced garlic (1 teaspoon)
Shallots (3 pieces)
Cilantro (½ cup)
Basil leaves (sliced into ribbons, 1 cup)
Mint leaves (½ cup)
Red onion (100 grams)
Cucumber (100 grams)
Cherry tomatoes (100 grams)
Baby red chilies (20 grams)

Procedure: Season the beef with salt and pepper and grill with the oil until medium rare. Allow to rest. Prepare the dressing by mixing Thai fish gravy, lime juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic and chopped shallot. Slice the beef into thin slices and mix with the mint leaves, basil leaves, big dices of red onion, cucumber and cherry tomato halves and the dressing. Add the baby red chilies in small slices. For presentation, heap into the center of the plate and decorate with sliced shallot, cherry tomato and coriander.

Warm Thai beef salad topped with grilled fillets of US beef
 

Thursday, June 05, 2014

Man of the Hour: John Spainhour Competes in Mister World

Mister World Philippines 2014 John Spainhour
In what may well be the shortest beauty contest in the history of the Philippines, 26-year-old Filipino-American model John Spainhour was judged on May 29 at the Glorietta 5 Atrium in Makati City to become the country’s representative to Mister World. He flew the following day to Torbay, England, to compete against about 50 other contestants at the international male beauty pageant, the finals of which will be held on June 15.
Spainhour’s selection lasted about 30 minutes, competing against 24 year-old Iranian-Filipino model Sam Adjani, who was declared Philippine representative in the next Mister World contest in a surprise revelation by Cory Quirino, chief executive officer of CQ Global Quest, the national franchise holder of Mister World in the Philippines.
Witnessed by an audience composed mostly of reporters, the affair presented the two “finalists,” who were then asked questions by the judges, as well as members of the audience. They were also asked to take their shirts off, showing off impressive abs. Judges included Quirino and Rowena Tomeldan, vice president and head of operations of the Commercial Business Group of the Ayala Malls, one of the major sponsors of the Philippine search.
Born in South Carolina, United States, Spainhour was a former Marine Corp Scout sniper and went to work as model in the Philippines after finishing his service. He competed in the 2012 Century Tuna Superbods Challenge, emerging as champion, while competitor June Macasaet, who would later become the Manhunt International 2012 winner, was first runner-up. Spainhour has appeared in many television commercials, campaigns and on runways, particularly the Bench underwear shows. He is also becoming notable in Japan, appearing in sexy video commercials. Spainhour is said to be outdoorsy with inclinations for camping, snowboarding, hiking and scuba diving.
His military and athletic background, said Quirino, will be advantageous in the competition.
“This is not just an ordinary ramp modeling kind of competition,” she said. “So we have to send a candidate who has preferably an athletic background, someone who can actually undergo all the rigors of Mister World.”
“My prior job required a lot of discipline, a lot of hard work, a lot of dedication,” the six-foot-and-one-inch tall Spainhour said during the onstage interview. “Of course, if you apply that to anything in life, it’s going to benefit you greatly.”




While waiting to compete and in preparation, Adjani will train with the Philippine Army for a year.
There are five challenge events in Mister World: Sports, Multimedia, Talent, Extreme and Fashion and Style.
“I didn’t know these until we sent Andrew Wolff,” Quirino recalled.
The Filipino-British rugby player and model was handpicked to represent the country in the pageant held in Kent, England, on Nov. 24, 2012. Wolff won in the Multimedia Challenge and was included in the top 15 in the Extreme Sports Challenge of the contest. In 2012, when the Multimedia Challenge was added, the contestants were brought to Canterbury with their cameras and mobile phones, and tasked to document Canterbury. Wolff won with his 15-minute film exploring the Church of England.
“We already got the right thing. We got already what Mister World wants,” Quirino said.
Her confidence was spurred by Wolff’s achievement, as well as Megan Young’s win in the 2013 Miss World. CQ Global Quest is also the franchise holder of Miss World, whose United Kingdom-based organizer is also the same as Mister World’s.

Mister World Philippines 2015 Sam Adjani
 

Established in 1996, Mister World is said to be “the search for the world’s most desirable man.” This is different from Mr. World, which is a bodybuilding competition in the United States. Mister World is one of the four biggest international male beauty contests. The others are Manhunt International, Mister International and Men Universe Model. Winners traditionally live in London during his reign, acting as “the symbol of today’s man” and help out in the causes of the Miss World Organization as well as promote understanding and goodwill.
The Philippines has always sent contenders to the contest. Past contestants include Christopher Celis (1996), Rico Lee Miguel (1998), Roderick Dilla Salvador (2000), Marco Antonio Tamayo (2003), Emmanuel Mago (2007) and Alvin de Joya (2010). CQ Global Quest got the franchise in 2012.
Beauty pageants have been all about women. Men being appraised more for their strength than their beauty, male beauty pageants are often perceived as a curiosity if not frivolity, failing to garner the attention that women beauty pageants draw.
In the arena of international male beauty pageants, the Philippines has a considerable share of victories. Achievers include Aaron Small, Manhunt International 1993 third runner-up; Joseph Roble, Mr. International 1997 winner; Vincent Pinto, Manhunt International 1997 second runner-up; Alexander Aquino, Mr. International 2001 winner; June Macasaet, Msanhunt International 2012 winner; Alvin de Joya, Mr. Asia 2013 second runner-up; Gil Wagas, Mister International 2013 fourth runner-up; and Wilfred Placencia, Mister Global 2014 fourth runner-up. 

From left: Event host Divine Lee; John Spainhour; Cory Quirino, chief executive officer of CQ Global Quest; Sam Adjani; and host Tim Yap during the final screening at Glorietta 5