Monday, July 30, 2007 More than Just Faces on Campus By Karl Aries Emerson F. Cabilao
(Second of two parts)
AFTER getting a peek at the life of a part-time model and actor, Zup keeps the spotlight on campus heartthrobs and what’s beneath the so-called celebrity skin.
Thanks to his Spanish blood and looks, Jerold Ma Coup Irizari was one of the top winners of the inter-school Mr. Campus Face Cebu pageant last year. That earned him a ticket to Manila, where he was one of Visayas’ representatives at the national competition. He was only 16 then and narrowly missed the top five finalists (he ranked 6th). But he was already contented with the result.
“I was still such a kiddo competing with seasoned contestants then so I did not get my hopes up,” says JD.
This head-turner then made waves in his own college at the University of San Carlos by copping first runner up honors at the Mr. Nursing contest. Recently, JD was awarded 2nd runner up in the Mr. Crypto contest and is scheduled to compete in the regional level later this year.
Pageants for a Cause.
The nursing sophomore was very straightforward when he was asked why he joined pageants. “The main reason is to earn extra income from the prizes that I’d get if I get far. I do not like to always ask money from my parents especially for my gimmicks. That’ s why I give these pageants an effort and also, it opened opportunities for some stints in ramp modeling,” shared the student-model.
Of course, he does not discount the numerous lessons that he learned from his experiences. Aside from enhancing his self-confidence, he professes that pageants have taught him to be more open-minded. “During these events, one meets and deals with different people so you must be open to whatever they have to say, good or bad,” he says.
And it also made him appreciate even more the value of discipline: “I was really chubby before so I had to trim down a bit and keep a certain weight. That needs a lot of willpower.” All that and a few more stuff like respect and patience, this guy’s stints at pageants are definitely for worthy causes for him and his family.
Childlike Role Model.
Even if he has yet to win a title, JD considers his runner-up finishes as equally important. “The responsibility is still there. Just like the actual winner, runners-up serve as role model to other young people. For me, young people should live a life free of vices, respect their parents and elders, be good and responsible students and of course, always God-fearing,” he confides. His being a role model also led him to occasionally transform himself into another breed of model-in fashion, albeit part-time.
Behind the Glitz.
With all the lights and stage props, male pageants and fashion shows are snapshots of glamour and prestige. But is it just that? “The tension is always high backstage. One needs to know how to present himself well and speak ones mind clearly in front of a lot of people. That could be a pressure-cooker for many. Rehearsals are at times a killer but we always make sure we enjoy even some minutes of it with the new friendships made.”
Talk about extracting the good out of the not-so-good times. Edgar and JD are indeed among the few who have both the looks and immense talents. And yeah, qualities that are worth emulating.
