Representing the Philippines in the upcoming Mr. Bear International pageant in Bangkok, Thailand, Dean Buiza, alongside the reigning Mr. Bear Philippines 2022 Donald Lapez, is gearing up for the competition.
Scheduled for April 13, the event will see them vying against 12 contestants from around the globe for the esteemed title of Mr. Bear International.
Buiza shared insights into his preparations, revealing that he underwent rigorous training in pasarela with aces and queens. Despite his background in runway modeling, Buiza emphasized the importance of shifting the focus from clothes to personality, learning how to command attention through attitude and facial expression.
“We had pasarela training with aces and queens, sobrang saya and and dami kong natutunan kasi ang knowledge ko is runway modeling so damit dapat yung nakikita pero sa pageant dapat ikaw yung focus sayo dapat tumingin yung mga tao hindi sa damit. Kaya sobrang iba nung tinuturuan kami. The walk was okay pero kinailangan ng attitude para ma pull mo yung focus ng mga audience sa mukha mo.”
Additionally, he underwent training for question and answer delivery to ensure impactful responses. Expressing gratitude for the support and sponsorship received, Buiza highlighted the unique challenges and learning experiences of his preparation journey.
“And shempre also nagkaton din kami ng training sa question and answer at kung pano yung tamang pag sagot na inspiring at mapaganda yung delivery. The rest is all the costumes and outfits na kailangan namin. Nagpapasalamat ako sa mga tumulong saakin at sa mga nag sponsor. Lubos po ako nagpapasalamat.”
Reflecting on his biggest asset for the competition, Buiza underscored his positive attitude, emphasizing his intention to enjoy the journey, build connections, and represent the Bear Community in the Philippines and the nation as a whole.
“I think my biggest asset is my attitude towards the competition, I just want to enjoy this journey, have fun, make connections and of course represent the Bear Community in the Philippines and our country the Philippines.”
In terms of advocacy, Buiza expressed his commitment to promoting respect and acceptance within the Bear Brotherhood, aiming to challenge stereotypes and foster inclusivity and diversity.
Buiza extended a warm invitation to fellow Filipinos to support him during the finale and crowning of Mister Bear International, scheduled for April 13. He pledged to deliver his best performance to inspire and uphold the honor of representing the Philippines.
Mister Bear International, founded by Mr. Vajira Somlim in Bangkok, Thailand, goes beyond the traditional pageant format, celebrating masculinity while promoting body positivity, borderless brilliance, and bear brotherhood. Contestants are encouraged to showcase their talents, intellect, and social awareness in a diverse and inclusive space.
The final event, Bearism: Harness Cave Party, is set to take place on April 13 at Holiday Inn Bangkok Silom.
