Visser standing at 6 feet 3 inches will compete next year in Jakarta, Indonesia, while the reigning Mr. Universe Tourism Philippines Kelvin Vicente Aguilan will compete in Manila later this month.

GINOONG Pilipinas 2019 winners and runners-up .

After all the sleepless nights, daily training and less than a month of preparation, the 21-year-old Filipino-Dutch from Cebu was proclaimed the grand winner of this year’s edition of Ginoong Pilipinas during the coronation night held at Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza Makati, Sunday evening, 27 October.

“I am so proud that I was able to represent Cebu and the Cebuano’s with pride and to keep proving that Cebu is indeed a pageant powerhouse,” said Erik Lennart Visser, a licensed private pilot who bested 21 hunks to earn the Ginoong Pilipinas — Mr. Universe Tourism title.

Visser standing at 6 feet 3 inches will compete next year in Jakarta, Indonesia, while the reigning Mr. Universe Tourism Philippines Kelvin Vicente Aguilan will compete in Manila later this month.

“Being so new to the world of pageantry, I had to pull out all the stops, together with all those who support me, to work on constantly improving myself and to physically and mentally prepare me for the big stage. I am so grateful to have been a part of this pageant, and now it’s time for even bigger opportunities,” Visser added.

He also won Best in National Costume by Val Sandiego, Best in Formal Wear by Roland Magalang, Darling of the Press and Ginoong Coro Hotel, the official residence.

The coronation night full of fun and excitement was hosted by Nicholas Timothy Fowler and Simone Nadine Bornilla.

Visser’s court includes Misamis Occidental’s Romart Lagura, who emerged as Ginoong Pilipinas — Man of the Year, another heavy favorite just like Visser.

During the press conference held right after the coronation, Visser revealed that his greatest competitor was Lagura because of his well-toned physique which, indeed, won him the Best in Swimwear by Simone Swimwear.

The 28-year-old Lagura at 5 feet 10 inches tall is the owner of a pension house and bar, has a degree in hotel and restaurant management. He assured that he won’t need an interpreter when he competes in Myanmar next year. His warm and charming personality made him win the Ginoong Cariñioso Award presented by Nix Soriano of Nix Institute of Beauty.

Cavite’s Clark Cardoniga, woth matinee idol looks, was named Ginoong Pilipinas — Gentleman of the World. The 19-year-old shared that never in his wildest dreams did he think he would have courage enough to join something like Ginoong Pilipinas.

“It’s hard to say exactly how I’m feeling, but I hope that my victory at Ginoong Pilipinas 2019, you’ll see more than just a crown and a title. I hope you’ll see a man, who is working for the betterment of others,” he said a day after he was crowned.

Cardoniga was crowned by Gentleman of the World inaugural winner Philippines’ Mark Avila who was also awarded with Best in National Costume and Mr. Talent in the recently concluded pageant held in Manado, Indonesia last Thursday evening, 24 October. Just like Avila, Cardoniga will compete in Indonesia in a year’s time.

ERIK Lennart Visser in National Costume by Val Sandiego.

The last time the province of Masbate sent a representative to Ginoong Pilipinas was in 1996. Twenty-four years after, Placer’s native Lorenzo Isip brought pride after winning Ginoong Pilipinas — Mister of World. “Looking back, I was just an ordinary probinsyano studying in the city to fulfill my mother’s dream to finish my studies. Being a product of a broken family, I have to man up and support my own education. My single mother and siblings have been my inspiration throughout my journey,” Isip shared.

The 20-year old basketball player standing 6 feet tall will fly to India next year to represent in the inaugural edition of the Misters of World pageant. “Being here in the national stage, competing in no less than the Ginoong Pilipinas, used to be a far-fetched dream, but now I’m relishing every bit of it. Never did I expect that joining modeling and pageantry just so I can earn extra for my studies would lead me to this. I couldn’t ask for anything more than being able to represent my hometown Masbate. I am born and raised in Placer, Masbate, and one of my main goals in joining this pageant is to showcase our beloved Rodeo Capital of Southeast Asia.”

Iloilo’s future lawyer John Michael Suelo was proclaimed Ginoong Pilipinas first Runner-up. The articulate 25-year-old standing at 5 feet 9 inches from Jaro is currently a fourth-year law student at Central Philippine University and is the national president of Association of Law Students of the Philippines.

Batangas’ Ruslan Kulikov is Ginoong Pilipinas 2nd Runner-up. At 5 feet 11 inches tall, this Russian-Filipino is currently a Communication student and the reigning Mr. STI Philippines who appeared dashing and debonaire in a suit by Nat Manilag.

The 22 Ginoos walked on the stage in their swimwear and formal wear before they were narrowed down to 15 semifinalists and trimmed down to eight finalists who faced the judges’ questions.

Prior to the coronation night, all preliminary events took place at Coro Hotel, Kalayaan, Makati City. These men showcased their talents during the talent competition held on 24 October before facing the media after where Cagayan’s Jordan Sibbaluca, who performed a hip-hop dance, won the Ginoong Talent.

On 25 October, the pool located at the roofdeck of the hotel hosted the swimwear competition. A day before the coronation, 26 October, the hotel lobby became a place of color during the national costume and formal wear competition.

Ruslan Kulikov, Ginoong Pilipinas 2nd runner-up.

Mandaluyong’s Albrecht Pring was voted Ginoong Photogenic and copped the Ginoong Audience Award, while Ifugao’s Cliff Casumpang was proclaimed Ginoong Ambassador of Peace and Ginoong Social Media Choice Award and Baguio’s Perry got the Ginoong Texter Choice Award.