Heatwave 2008: A Summer Bikini Showdown was held at Cuba Libre Bar, Starmall Alabang (formerly Metropolis) on May 29, 2008 contrary to earlier reports that it was to be held at The Garden Resort, 4th level of the same mall. Probably the torrential rains that night made the organizers decide to move the event to a cozier venue than to have the contestants and spectators suffer the outpouring of precipitation. Despite the heavens’ uncooperative mood that night, several people still flocked the bikini showdown to witness the stiff competition among 11 muscular male and 9 gorgeous female candidates. It was hosted by last year’s female grand winner, the very witty Bess Galvez.

The bikini showdown’s elimination round was divided into three segments: Military wear, Beach wear (sponsored by Finds Department Store) and Swimwear (from Yto Gonzaga designs). After the male and female candidates walked the ramp wearing those creations, several special awards were given out (Click Here for the pictures from those segments). Kish McBride took home most of the special awards, namely: Best in Fantasy wear, Mr. CD Jeans, an Informatics Computer School scholarship and other prizes. Dave Velasco was awarded Mr. Photogenic and Mr. Physique; while Dexter Sanchez was chosen as Mr. Personality.

After the giving of special awards, the 11 male contestants were trimmed down to 6 to continue with the competition, and these six were: Herson Barias, Gian Ocampo, Kish McBride, Chris Ong-hay, JC Dungo and Dave Velasco. They were again made to walk the ramp to model Resort wear and Swimwear from Yto Gonzaga designs (Click Here for the pictures of the Top 6).

After around 3 hours of competition, the summer bikini showdown was put to a close by the awarding of the winners. The male division winners were: 2nd Runner up – Herson Barias, 1st Runner up – JC Dungo and Grand Winner – Kish McBride.

Overall, the show was very organized and well-choreographed. I don’t mind the visual feast either. I’m definitely going back next year to cover Heatwave 2009.

Herson Barias

Kish McBride

JC Dungo