Although rains came in early, the disruption in our weather patterns does not change the fact that the months of April and May remain to be the hottest months of the year – both literally and figuratively. During this season, bikini opens and summer modeling competitions abound; and as a regular organizer of summer events, Starmall, one of the bigger chain of malls in the country, comes up with the third run of its annual body competition – Heatwave Summer Bikini Showdown.

This year, the bikini competition which launched the careers of Harry Chua and JC Dungo (of the Cappuccinos), features 14 young and gorgeous male hopefuls who would be vying to take home the grand prize and a bit of exposure for a possible acting career. The 14 male contestants of Heatwave Summer Bikini Showdown 2009 are: Russell Edge Ramos, Yco Mijarez, Nicos Bacani, Gamac Mendoza, Carlo Atienza, Rafael Morales, Oscar Ilada, Jr., Bullet Baldonado, Jay Barcelina, Alvin Orencia, Kevin Reyes, Julian Jerry Binarao, Henrick Salandanan and Dan Custodio.

The pre-pageant show for the first batch of contestants will be on May 13, 2009 at Cuba Libre Bar and Restaurant, 2nd Level of Starmall EDSA-Shaw at 7pm. The second batch of the contestants, meanwhile, will have their pre-pageant show at Cuba Libre Bar and Restaurant, 2nd Level of Starmall Las Pinas on May 15, 2009 at 7pm. The grand finals night of Heatwave 2009 will be held on May 29, 2009, 7pm at Starmall Alabang, along South Superhighway, Muntinlupa City. Admission to the pre-pageant shows and the grand finals night is FREE.

Thanks to Mr. Jeffrey Ventura, Corporate Marketing Officer for Starmall, for the pictures in this post.

Russell Edge Ramos

Yco Mijarez

Nicos Bacani

Some of the standouts in the competition

The rest of the male contestants

Gamac Mendoza

Carlo Atienza

Rafael Morales

Oscar Ilada Jr.

Bullet Baldonado

Jay Barcelina

Alvin Orencia

Kevin Reyes

Julian Jerry Binarao

Henrick Salandanan

Dan Custodio