MANY may not know it but Mr. Puerto Rico Fernando Alvarez who won first runner-up at the Mr. World 2016 pageant held in London last July 19 partly trained here in the Philippines before he took part in the biennial male contest.
“Pinaghandaan n’ya talaga ang Mr. World contest. Well prepared s’ya nung umalis s’ya sa Philippines last May 13. He was having second thoughts if he would join the Mr. World contest but I encouraged him,” said Psalmstre’s top honcho Jaime V. Acosta.
Acosta recalled the fearless forecast of 21-year old Alvarez who told him that Mr. India would be his biggest rival for the title.
Rohit Khandelwal of India eventually won the contest. It was India’s and Asia’s first win in the male pageant.
Second runner-up honors went to Mr. Mexico.
Other contestants who made the semifinals of the Mr. World contest were representatives from England, Kenya, Brazil, China, El Salvador, Poland, and Scotland.
The six-foot guy came to Manila when he competed at the 2015 Mr. International contest.
Acosta said that Alvarez felt so sad when he only finished in the Top 10.
“Sponsor ako sa Mr. International last November and I gave him the Mr. Psalmstre award. After that, I talked to his parents three times, hanggang nagpirmahan na kami as brand ambassador s’ya ng Psalmstre. Then pumunta s’ya rito to fulfill his job,” he added.
In January, Alvarez signed a 15-month contract for Psalmstre. Acosta said that Alvarez is bent on pursuing a career in local showbiz after his stint in the pageant.
Acosta said that Alvarez is taking Pilipino lessons here and in his native land.
Hardworking and professional, Alvarez took part-time jobs as trainer in modelling, as an English tutor, and sales associate in a clothes shop.
Alvarez loves basketball and gym. He returns to the country in October.