Larz Kent is a very articulate and intelligent model and pageant winner from Manila
What inspired you to participate in a male beauty pageant, and what do you hope to achieve or represent through this experience?
I was modelling for a while and was presented an opportunity by my manager to join Ginoong Pilipinas which was the qualifying pageant for Mister Universe Tourism. I never really liked pageants and thought it was too superficial until I got into it and realized how much good you can do with the platform. As a volunteer at JCI Cebu I used pageantry to promote my causes in advocating for the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
Can you share some insights into the preparation process for a male beauty pageant, including the challenges you’ve faced and the lessons you’ve learned along the way?
Male pageantry is definitely more objectifying in terms of our bodies, sometimes society has this pre conceived notion as to what our bodies should look like. That said, I worked really hard to achieve a presentable physique to best represent the Philippines in the international stage. But still I received a lot of online bashing and body shaming in the pageant duration. This part of male pageantry needs a lot of work but I believe we can catch up with inclusivity and body positivity just like in female counterparts.
In your opinion, what qualities or attributes are essential for a successful male pageant contestant, and how do you embody these traits?
I honestly believe if you are aiming for an international crown you need to have a strong physique, and good communication skills. Being conventionally attractive is also a plus. I don’t necessarily embody these traits, but I worked hard and tried my best.
How do you plan to use your platform as a male pageant contestant to advocate for causes or make a positive impact in your community?
As what I have said, I volunteer in an organization promoting the UN SDG’s even before joining this pageant. (We provide livelihood, clean water, sports recreational activities, waste disposal facilities and many more to the unreached communities around Cebu) so I’m just truly grateful I have this platform and avenue to promote sustainability. It’s really important for me not just in terms of environmental practices but as well as sustainable for the future as this is what I believe is lacking in charitable programs nowadays. It’s not very “long-term”.
What are you most looking forward to during the pageant experience, and what do you anticipate will be the most memorable aspect for you?
I always treasure the brotherhood I have created with my fellow candidates. I love meeting new people, and the exchange of culture is always something I’m excited to know more about.
How do you envision the role of male beauty pageants evolving in the future, and what changes would you like to see within the industry?
I honestly hope that male beauty pageants will become a more purposeful and advocacy driven platform that serves as a catalyst for change in society. I mean if our female counterparts can do it then why can’t we.
