After over two months of preparation for the pageant, the first ever search for Mister and Miss Expo World Philippines came to a close last night, October 6, 2008. The show brought together, aside from the candidates’ family, fans and supporters, people from different showbiz circles, political groups, fashion associations and media networks to Metro Bar in West Avenue, Quezon City to witness the next big thing in Filipino pageants – Mr. and Ms. Expo World. The search was organized to choose the next Philippine representatives to the 2008 Mister and Miss Expo World Pageant to be held in Guatemala City, Guatemala. The male candidates who made it to the finals were: Athan Collado, Anton Gomez, Dennis Resaldo, Patrick Joseph Perlas, Julian Jerry Binarao, Jerico Argana, Johnner Paulo Parales, Hiroshi Torobu, Joshua Pacquiao, Cargean Racho, Carlito Rosadino, Jr., and Neil Bryan Bernardo.

Before the pageant started, a pre-judging was conducted to trim down the contestants to five pairs (five men and five women). While the scores were being tabulated, the Mr. and Ms. Expo World Philippines 2008 finalists were made to walk the Metro Bar ramp wearing the creations of Rickie Abad (Swimwear), Renee Salud (Mens’ Barong Tagalog) and Edwin Uy (Ladies’ Evening Gowns). [** Note: Click on the links to view the pics of the contestants] At the end of each segment, special awards were given out: Mr. Regroe – Joshua Pacquiao; Dermclinic Image Model (male) – Athan Collado; Unisilver Time Image Model (male) – Athan Collado; Mr. Pagcor – Hiroshi Torobu; Mr. Photogenic – Anton Gomez; Best in Swimwear (male) – Athan Collado; Best in Barong Tagalog – Neil Bryan Bernardo.

The final five pairs were then announced. Carlito Rosadino, Jr., Athan Collado, Patrick Joseph Perlas, Hiroshi Torobu and Neil Bryan Bernardo were the top five men. To test the remaining male candidates’ wit, charm and intellect, the were made to go through the question and answer portion. Most of them were really nervous and lost their composure while answering the difficult questions. This final test, however, determined who among them will be sent to Guatemala. And the final tabulation revealed the following results: Second Runner Up – Hiroshi Torobu; First Runner Up – Neil Bryan Bernardo; Discovery Model of the Year – Patrick Joseph Perlas; Face of the Year – Carlito Rosadino, Jr.; and Mr. Expo World Philippines 2008 is Athan Collado.

Overall, the show was a great success. It was a great production and OJY Entertainment Productions should be commended for their efforts. Kudos to Mr. Robert “Obet” Yap for a job well done! And Goodluck to Athan Collado in the Mr. Expo World 2008 to be held in November in Guatemala City.

Athan Collado (Mr. Expo World Philippines 2008)

Carlito Rosadino, Jr. (Face of the Year)

Patrick Perlas (Discovery Model of the Year)