A competitive pageant entrant from Cebu is vying for the premier national male pageant in the country in the hopes of representing the Philippines in international competition. Before the international competition begins, hopefuls first try their luck on the national stage, clamoring for a place to represent the country.For John Ernest Tan Ting, an athletic second-year physical therapist from Cebu, his journey in Mister International Philippines 2022 (MIP 2022) began as a result of his growing interest in the field of pageantry.In an interview with SunStar Cebu on June 21, he said that he is driven to take his opportunity to step into the spotlight in MIP 2022.“Especially coming from the context that this is my first pageant, I didn’t really have any opinion when it came to the pageantry. So the main reason why I joined was the opportunity. Life is too short not to take chances,” he said.John has had his share of setbacks, yet he still sees them as a vital component of success.Challenges fuel his desire to succeed, and he wants to instill that attitude in everyone. John’s motivation for participating in the competition extends beyond its glitz and glamor. He believes that it has a more profound purpose. It is a platform for him to promote his advocacy of creating programs that will help the individuals to be holistically healthy.“For the old people, especially with the pandemic, they have been staying at home. I want to create programs that will enable them to be physically and mentally healthy—walking, swimming or just being active instead of just staying at home,” he said.During the inaugural edition of the MIP 2022, where 33 candidates were unveiled, John stood out as he was awarded the “Frontrow Alpha Male” award from pageant sponsor Frontrow.Growing interestDespite the public’s growing interest in John’s stunning physical appearance, John admits that he is still challenged to keep his physique well-maintained.“I think this is my first time ever trying to be physically aesthetic or my body has to be really good-looking. Because back then it was more so, especially with basketball from Ateneo de Cebu, it was more so your body has to be in condition, and has to have a good stamina. You have to look good, you have to have the right diet. I think that is the main thing that I am struggling with since it is very new,” he said.This year’s MIP is promoting men’s participation through sports and wellness.With the outbreak of the pandemic, there is no better cause for this pageant than empowering men through physical activity.On June 23, after two years of hiatus due to the pandemic, MIP 2022 will be staging its Preliminary Presentation and National Costume Show at the ballroom of Winford Manila Hotel and Casino in Manila.Meanwhile, the Grand Coronation Night will be held on June 27 in the grand ballroom of Okada Manila in Parañaque City.