Mister Bohol AR dela Serna (real name: Alberto Rodolfu dela Serna),  23, has defeated other hot contestants to win the coveted Misters of Filipinas-Supranational 2016 held on Sept. 18 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila.

AR, the son Alberto and former Poblacion 2 barangay captain Glorivic of Tagbilaran City, says winning in a national male pageant is a dream come true.

“Being the first Mister Supranational feels great. But with greatness comes great responsibility. I am looking forward in representing the Philippines in Poland this coming December,” AR tells VRS.

He says he feels overwhelmed and his win hasn’t sunk in yet.

“Until this moment, it hasn’t sunk in yet. I’m not thinking that I’ve already won,”  says the country’s first Supranational.

AR, who stands 6’1”, says he has always been in shape but admits he had to work extremely hard to achieve his impressive physique for the competition.

“The routine continues. I’ve been living a healthy lifestyle when I decided to join from last year’s edition. Plus additional help from pageant experts,” he admits.

So what is it about him that impressed so much? Mr Supranational-Philippines says it was just him being himself.

“Definitely my determination and character,” says AR when VRS asked what makes him stand out among other contenders in the Misters of Filipinas.

AR famously joined the Misters of Filipinas—the contest that determines who the Philippines will send in various male beauty pageants—twice (he was proclaimed 2nd runner-up last year) before winning one of the titles (others titles were Mister International Philippines, Misters of Filipinas Man of the World, Misters of Filipinas Manhunt International, Misters of Filipinas Man of the Year, Mister Asian Philippines 2016).

AR says his experience of losing the contest last year made him more confident for the international pageant.

“The experience from previous pageants really helps. I do consider direct criticism from my supporters and people’s comments through social media,” says AR.

He says he wants to inspire other people to see the positive outlook of life.

“Being Mister Supranational Philippines is a treasure that I would keep in my life. Being able to inspire other people and being able to make others smile is I think why there are events like this,” he says.

Prime Events Productions Philippines Foundation Inc. (PEPPS), the organizer of Misters of Filipinas says AR’s strong performance throughout the competition added to his good looks, strong personality and great character made him the perfect Mr. Supranational-Philippines.

Regil Dulfo, owner of Ramp Model Association of Bohol (RMAB), the company which grooms and handles AR, says he sees AR potential to become a famous model and personality.

“He is determined, dedicated and down to earth person,” he says.

AR will represent the Philippines in the first Mister Supranational 2016 which will be held in Poland, the same country where Boholana beauty queen Anna Maris Igpit-Taylor competed for Miss World 2006, on Dec. 3.

“I want to continue working hard (since) Mr Supranational is fast approaching, I can’t put my guard down. I will do my best in Poland,” he says.

According to the organizers, Mister Supranational is a contest with an exclusive formula, aiming to discover an instant celebrity and new talents for television and the modeling industry.

The first edition of Mister Supranational will happen in Krynica-Zdrój City, Poland. Over 40 candidates from around the globe are expected to compete, and they will start arriving in Poland on November 23.

AR has joined other male beauty pageant in previous years. He won the title Mr Generation East 2013 of  Sta. Lucia Generation East Model Search. He was also declared first runner-up in Mr Philippine Youth in 2002 but he replaced the dethroned Mr. Philippine Youth 2012 in Nov. 2012.

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