A full-bloodied Indian student who grew up in the Philippines was named Man of the Year 2016 during the maiden competition held in Indonesia last Saturday night, as he dedicated his stint in the international pageant to his father who is stricken with brain cancer.
Karan Singhdole, 23, described himself as a full-bloodied Indian but 100 percent “Pusong Pinoy.”
Other winners were: Tarek Moaykel of Lebanon, 1st runner-up; Tim Bertrams, Netherlands, 2nd runner-up; Trịnh Xuân Nhản, Vietnam, 3rd runner-up; and Meirizal Rifa’i, Indonesia, 4th runner-up.
Days before he left for the contest, Singhdole said that he was very optimistic about the first male pageant.
“I am dedicating this contest to my father who has cancer. I hope to make my family proud. I am happy, confident and optimistic about my forthcoming contest. I know that everyone will be behind me and supporting me,” Singhdole said.
When he won the Misters 2015 contest, Singhdole said that he stopped going to school to take care of his father and concentrate on modelling.
He is currently enrolled at STI College where he is in third year taking up hotel and restaurant management. His hobbies include going to the gym, basketball, cricket, running, biking, and swimming.
During the pageant, Singhdole wore wardrobes created by Filipino designers. His formal wear was designed by Francis Libiran, his national costume created by Edwin Uy and swimwear, Olan Roque.