Few years back, one of the most prestigious pageant
outside the Metro Manila that gained a huge following was the Hari ng Negros.
Too bad, the pageant is now dead. Hopefully, somebody resurrects it. To bring
us back to this pageant, I am posting here the story of Emmanuel “Emman” Labirua,
the first Hari ng Negros.
It was back in the summer of 2003 when I was approached to
screen for a new male pageant and represent the City of Canlaon. Back then the
world was young and I was a naive 17 year old. I of course said my regrets to
the talent scout but later on (because of consistent nagging from friends) I
finally agreed.
The morning of the screening I was scared. I did not know
what to expect. I honestly thought I would be the joke of my friends and the
town. I still remember looking out of the morning sun and contemplating how to
get out of the situation. Should I tell the organizers that I'm sick? Should I
just disappear into the forest? But something inside me told me to fight my
fears and face my destiny.
During the screening we were asked questions from a panel
consisting of the Who's Who in Negros society. Believe me, it was the most
frightening situation. After the screening 14 out of 50 applicants passed and
we became the first batch of Hari ng Negros - Ginoong Canlaon.
The week after screening the 14 of us traveled around
the city and some even trekked the volcano for the promotional pics of the
pageant.
The competition was tough. A lot of these guys were
pageant veterans. I was actually the youngest in the batch. We started bonding
after the pictorials. It was during this time that I realized even though some
of us came from different backgrounds with shady pasts and indecent
upbringings, none of that matter, we were just a bunch of young, crazy guys who
just wanted to have fun!
One thing I noticed with the Hari ng Negros - Ginoong
Canlaon pageant is that there always has to be a major production number or two
and a "more than the usual" set design. During my year, the
organizers decided to depict Canlaon City with a nature background complete
with waterfalls and exotic plants.
Mr. Garry Bascones became the first Director of the pageant.
Every year the organizers change directors. It is to give opportunity to
talents from all over Negros. It is also to keep the pageant from being too
monotonous. According to the organizers, "to breath in new life into the
production every year." So expect to see a different style if you decide
to watch.
After the rehearsals
I was really scared. Reality started to sink in. I couldn't believe in my wildest
nightmares that I would be part of a male pageant. The worst part is that I had
to walk in a bikini fronting my family, friends, classmates, neighbors and
thousands of total strangers. I not only had butterflies in my stomach, but
also bumblebees, dragonflies and killer wasps.
PAGEANT NIGHT
The Canlaon City Sports and Cultural Center was filled to
the rim. I remember backstage praying for a miracle. Also this time, Mt.
Kanlaon was very active and restless. Days before pageant night, the volcano alert
level has gone up. You can see steam and smoke rising out of the its crater.
"Please have a major eruption, so it will be an act of nature that will
cancel the show, please, please please!!" I kept praying to no avail.
Well, here it goes...
The first portion of the show was the Tribal wear where we
introduced what place we were representing.
The Top 5 finalists were announced. From left to right
Grizaldy Gamboa of Bacolod City, Don Austria of Victorias City, yours truly of
Canlaon City, Steve Serad of San Carlos City and Joeden Espinosa of La Carlota
City.
The final question that was asked to all 5 finalists was.
"What makes you cry?" Most of the guys answered when they see a
family member get hurt. When it came for me to answer, I played with the audience
a little (knowing there were lots of teeny bopper girls rooting for me) and
answered, "When I miss someone so much, knowing I wouldn't find her no
matter how hard I look (thunderous screams from girls), but seriously crying
does not make me less of a man, it just shows that I am in touch with my
emotions, thank you."
The 4th
Runner up is La Carlota City, the 3rd Runner up is Victorias City, the 2nd
Runner-up is San Carlos City, the 1st Runner-up is Bacolod City and yours truly
became the 1st Hari ng Negros - Ginoong Canlaon.
Soon after the pageant I went into deep contemplation and
did some soul-searching. Intrigues started to spruce up regarding my victory
because I was from Canlaon City and it was a hometown decision (even though
none of the judges were from Canlaon). This only added to my insecurities.
I admit I do not have an Adonis body nor was I great on the
catwalk like the other guys I competed with. Canlaon City at this time had no
body-building gyms so I had to improvise. Having no barbels around was no
excuse. I would secretly frequent places (junk shops, construction sites, river
beds) where I could get a grasp of things and lift objects that would start
building definition to my muscles. After a while I started noticing a
difference.
My body started to get toned
which helped me gain some self-esteem. Nevertheless, I felt the title needed a
purpose. Being the first winner, I had to work hard to set the standard for all
future Haris to come. I did not want this event to be used as a venue for male
exploitation, but rather an avenue for excellence and unity among Negrenses.
You see, Negros Island is
divided. You have the Occidental side which speak Hiligaynon and the Oriental
side which speak Cebuano. I guess I was lucky coming from Canlaon because I
could speak both dialects. Canlaon City sits on the crossroads of the two very
distinct cultures.
Realistically, I cannot solve
society's problems like drug addiction, truancy, poverty, hunger etc. Which
Negros has more than its fair share of. The greatest power I have is to help
influence my generation into reaching out for the greater good.
For this, Negros needed a King, and I for one will give her
one.
Proud to be a Negrense. Forever, Hari ng Negros.
Emmanuel Labirua, Hari ng Negros 2003
PLEASE LIKE MY FACEBOOK PAGE:
Cute naman. The Hari writes well too -- hoped it was his own writing at d kinuento sa manunulat?
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