THE BORNEO POST
DECEMBER 28, 2007
Mister International 2007 contestants say it all
RESORT STYLE: Contestants of Mister International 2007 after the swim wear video shoot at
the newly-opened Damai Puri Resort. Also present is last year’s winner Wissam Hanna (4th left) of Lebanon.
by Georgette Tan
KUCHING: Adib Othman, Malaysia’s representative in the Mister International 2007 Pageant, initially did not want anything to do with it.
“I turned it down because it is not my game.” he confessed, when interviewed by reporters at the Damai Puri Resort after the video shoot at the beach.
When it became apparent that Adib was the best man for the job, the organisers managed to persuade him to change his mind. He has been enjoying every moment since.
“I’ve met people from all around the world, and gotten to know their culture and lifestyle. Nobody speaks the same language, but we somehow still managed to talk to each other. I have never experienced an environment like this.” he said.
As a Sarawakian being paraded around his own hometown as part of an international contest, Adib admits feeling the pressure of being Mr Malaysia in a place where everyone knows everyone else.
“I’m their local host. I get to explain our city and culture to them, but I’m also hearing their different points of view about things that I take for granted. I’m seeing Sarawak through their eyes.” explained Adib.
When asked what his family thinks about him being in the pageant, Adib said, “My family always encourages me to do something challenging. I’m here for the experience and I’m honoured to represent Malaysia.”
The 26-year old may sell cars for a living, but his true passion lies in music. He is the front-man for a local band called ThEccentrix and recently played to a full house at Unplugged Showcase @ MOJO.
He gave us a glimpse of the pageant’s behind-the-scenes by revealing a small part of his daily routine.
“Gym with Mr Korea (Oh Jong Sung) in the morning and jamming with Mr USA (Jake Hill) in the night,” he said.
Adib’s Korean gym buddy chalks up a great deal of firsts for this pageant.
“This is my first time travelling out of the country, and my first time on a plane,” said the 27-year old Oh Jung Sung, who sports a temporary tattoo on a toned bicep - souvenir from their visit to Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV) that morning.
“I enjoy the weather in Kuching. I love summer, and it’s winter in Korea now.” he said.
The Mr Korea winner described how he was very skinny as a teenager, before he got tired of it and started training hard to hulk up. His efforts paid off.
In addition to being an Applied Chemistry student, Oh is also a personal trainer, a runway model and occasionally, a bodyguard.
Oh is clearly relishing his experience here, citing the food as one of the best parts, saying: “I love Malaysian food. Especially kolo mee.”
While enjoying the company of his fellow contestants and throwing himself into a slew of new experiences, he hasn’t forgotten why he is here.
“I hope I win.” he said. “I’ll get to travel more!”
Amr Samaha of Egypt is no stranger to travelling. The 19-year old private pilot and a mechanical engineer student is no stranger to Kuala Lumpur, but had never been to Sarawak before.
“I didn’t know I’d enjoy it so much.” he said. “The best place we visited so far is the Sarawak Cultural Village this morning. We saw all the cultures of Sarawak in one place and we were welcomed like family.”
This year’s Mr Egypt described his being here as a series of luck. A friend convinced him to join a university-level contest, which he won. One contest led to another, resulting in Amr beating older and taller contestants to cinch the Mr Egypt 2007 title.
“I won on the questions,” he said, explaining that his frequent travels brought him the latest of happenings around the world.
Amr is already working with a charity as part of his Mr Egypt obligations, raising awareness in breast cancer and championing education for those who would otherwise languish under the yoke of ignorance.
What’s waiting for him after the pageant?
“Another exam!” he said. “I’m taking my commercial pilot exam in USA after I’m done here.”
USA is represented by American folk musician Jake Hill. Very widely travelled in his home country, Jake is, however, in Asia for the first time.
“I love travelling. I’m more comfortable moving than staying in one place,” he said.
The 24-year old said he had read up on Kuching but is still surprised by the local hospitality and how relaxed the city is. “I thought it would be crazier. I’ve not seen one police car the whole time I’m here. Back home, you hear sirens all the time.”
He is also surprised by his fellow participants.
“I found that humour is universal despite the language barrier. Everyone laughs at similar things,” Jake said, adding that Gudiel from Guatemala is the funniest guy he’s ever met.
“We’re all far away from home, so we got close in a short time. I think I’ll come away with relationships that will last the rest of my life,” he said.
Jake, who majored in English in university, reads a lot and is currently reading William Trevor’s “The Story of Lucy Gaunt”.
“I want to express myself exactly the way I want to,” he said, explaining that he only became more comfortable with himself in university.
“It helps with my music. Music is an important part of my life,” he added.
Alberto Garcia of Venezuela is the last of the contestants to arrive, missing the first few days of sight-seeing.
“I was unable to get a ticket to Sarawak. It was very difficult because of the holiday season,” he said.
Now that he is here, he is enjoying as much of the experience as he can.
“I’m grateful to the Mister Singapore Organization (organiser of the Mister International pageant) and the people of Kuching. Being here is a very unique experience.”
23-year old Alberto, a famous model in his country, confessed that it is difficult to be away from his family during Christmas.
“It’s my first time celebrating Christmas away from home,” said the business administration student, who also works at his family hardware store in addition to modelling.
When asked if he has any specific cause to champion if he wins, Alberto said that he will work with any cause that needs help.
“I am a person of great thought and heart. I will give my best to whatever charity or cause that needs the most help,” he said.
There are 17 countries participating in Mister International 2007 - Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, Egypt, Greece, Guatemala, India, Italy, Korea, Latvia, Lebanon, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, USA and Venezuela.
Mister International 2007 is in Malaysia for the first time. It is organised by Mister Singapore Organization and jointly organised by Alaric’s Productions and Alam Mutiara.
The Grand Finals will take place tomorrow night at Crowne Plaza Riverside Kuching.
The Borneo Post Online, Malaysia, 30.12.07
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