- 1 day ago
How does a top titleholder transition from the pageant stage to real-world climate advocacy?
Let’s talk about it LIVE.
*Larz Kent Dawson* joins *Beyond the Headlines* to share his journey from Ginoong Pilipinas to reigning as Mister Earth International Philippines 2025. We dive into the demands of competing at the highest levels and how he continues to use his platform to push Filipino businesses toward true environmental responsibility.
Ask your questions in real time.
Let’s talk about it LIVE.
*Larz Kent Dawson* joins *Beyond the Headlines* to share his journey from Ginoong Pilipinas to reigning as Mister Earth International Philippines 2025. We dive into the demands of competing at the highest levels and how he continues to use his platform to push Filipino businesses toward true environmental responsibility.
Ask your questions in real time.
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NewsTranscript
00:22Good afternoon, welcome to Beyond the Headlines, I'm DJ Moises.
00:26We often celebrate achievements without fully understanding the journey behind them.
00:32Today, we're going beyond the photographs, beyond the runway, and beyond impressions to get to know the person behind the
00:41title.
00:42Joining us is Mr. Earth International Philippines 2025, Lars Kent Dawson.
00:49Hello, Kent. Welcome to Beyond the Headlines.
00:51Wow, hello, Sir Darwin. Thank you so much for this opportunity.
00:54It's been a while since I did an interview or anything of the like, so I'm kind of nervous, but
01:02I know I'm in good hands.
01:03You're very right about being nervous.
01:11No, no, no, no. This is just a conversation.
01:14So my first question then, it's because at least I'm among the people who got to know you even before
01:21pageantry.
01:22So my first question is for our viewers who are curious about your life back then.
01:28So before the pageant title, so it's plural, and before the national stage, what were the milestones that you were
01:40most proud of?
01:43Well, before I became a model, before I was signed to Sir Dexter Alasas, of course, I was just a
01:51normal college student.
01:54And I think some people may not know, or I mean, if you're a model and you do pageants, there's
02:02always this stereotype that it's all beauty without the brains.
02:05But I guess I'm proud to say that I graduated from the University of San Carlos two years ago now
02:12as Magna Cum Laude for BS Entrepreneurship.
02:17And I think that's, honestly, I didn't even expect that award or like that Latin honor.
02:23So I think that's one of my biggest and proudest award aside from the crown.
02:30Ziga, so you've mentioned a little bit of that already, but maybe you'd like to expound about the aspects of
02:38pageantry that people completely misunderstand.
02:47I honestly believe that in today's age and in society right now, pageant people, not just the men, but especially
02:56the women, they're such a driving force in creating advocacies and charity work.
03:04I mean, we've all heard about the advocacies of this Miss Universe, of this Miss Someone or Mr. Someone.
03:10But I think some people may say that it's only for show.
03:16But honestly, for me, in my point of view, it's a little goes a long way.
03:20If our collective effort, even if it's not even a, even if they just started their advocacy, it can go
03:28so much with in the long run.
03:32I'm going to quote one Miss Earth before our micro effect will have a, our micro efforts will have a
03:39macro effect.
03:40That's really one of the things that was stuck in my head.
03:46And honestly, it's, sorry.
03:48And it's funny because I'm also Mr. Earth now and she was Mr. Earth.
03:52Ziga, so speaking of micro efforts with macro effect,
03:57at what point in your life, when you realized that pageantry or even modeling is beyond looks and competition?
04:09When was, or what was your aha moment?
04:12To be honest, sir, Darwin, you know, it's so funny because when I was scouted as a model,
04:16I mean, my dad was a model before.
04:18So I kind of had a, I kind of knew the industry a bit.
04:23And it's so funny because when I was signed, I never wanted to join pageants.
04:29I kind of hated it.
04:30I thought it was a bit shallow.
04:33It's, and you know, like there's this stereotype with men,
04:36like you're in this underwear and bikinis and stuff.
04:39So I kind of didn't want to associate myself at that industry at first.
04:44But then one, one particular winner, I don't know if you know him, Eric Visser.
04:51He was, he was also Ginoong Pilipinas before me.
04:56Yeah.
04:56He really changed my outlook into male pageantry.
05:01I think he was really driven and advocacy driven rather.
05:05And not just about the looks, he was, he was eloquent.
05:09So I thought to myself that, oh, maybe pageantry could be for me.
05:14Because I mean, I've always, I've always been more about public speaking and the like.
05:23So I didn't think that pageantry could actually be an avenue for that before.
05:28So I'm sure because now you're established as a model and even as a pageant title holder.
05:36And you've mentioned that you followed someone's footsteps.
05:40And I'm sure they're also young Kents who also wants to be you.
05:47So for their sake, what does it take to become a pageant title holder that not many people have a
05:59full appreciation of?
06:03I honestly believe it's the balance of everything.
06:06Yeah.
06:07Because modeling is one thing, but pageantry is a different ballgame.
06:12I mean, in pageantry, you have to look good, you have to speak well, you have to have the greatest
06:17body, you have to be stamina.
06:20I mean, it's crazy.
06:21And you have to do that all at once in one pageant event.
06:25So, I mean, you can honestly, I honestly feel right now that it's more appreciated.
06:32I mean, pageantry in the Philippines is so big right now.
06:34So it's more appreciated now than before.
06:36But I honestly applaud all the girls, especially the girls right now, and the men who really put their full
06:44effort.
06:44Because it's not easy.
06:46I mean, for me, I did one national pageant and one international pageant the year I was graduating, in my
06:54fourth year of college.
06:55So I never really expected the Latin honors.
06:58But I'm glad I pushed through.
07:00I think that aspect of pageantry is not as appreciated.
07:03But I think it's getting there right now.
07:05So what you're saying is there are a lot of people in modeling and pageantry who also has a life
07:14outside modeling and pageantry.
07:17Now let's move towards the fun stuff.
07:20What usually happens backstage?
07:23Because people will see what's in front of them.
07:27But what usually happens backstage in a pageant?
07:32Well, in my experience, it's always the floor directors are yelling.
07:37Let's go!
07:38Let's go!
07:38Five minutes!
07:39Come here!
07:39Come here!
07:39Come here!
07:40It's always like that.
07:41And people are rushing, changing.
07:43I'm not sure if it's the women.
07:45But I've heard there's sabotages in the women.
07:48But for so far in the men, it's more of like a tulungan or like we all help each other.
07:55I remember there was this one time that we had to change to our swimwear.
08:01But some of the candidates were already wearing the swimwear underneath.
08:05But maybe like three of us weren't wearing the actual swimwear as underwear.
08:11So we had to go to this back room and we were just like, oh, just turn around and like,
08:15I mean, we've seen this.
08:16We all have this thing.
08:17So like, just imagine like you're not seeing anything.
08:19And that was kind of funny.
08:21And I guess that's some juicy secrets behind backstage.
08:25So there's more of, you can see that on stage.
08:28But there's more of teamwork, no?
08:30That's what you're saying compared to the usual competition that people see or hear, no?
08:37Yeah.
08:37So now let's go to your most recent title because you're the reigning Mr. Earth International Philippines.
08:45Yes.
08:46So what are the responsibilities that come with the title?
08:52Well, as you know, Mr. Earth from the title itself, it's about saving the earth.
08:57And I really, honestly, I didn't expect this.
09:01I didn't really expect this title to be honest.
09:03Because when you were helping me actually serve the speech and all, I didn't expect, I mean, we were like
09:09brainstorming about my projects with JCIC Boo and all the revert cleanups and stuff.
09:15And it only dawned to me when I was there on stage that, wow, this speech really like fits the
09:21Mr. Earth title.
09:22So I guess it's faith.
09:25It could be God's will.
09:26So the weight that Mr. Earth carries is more for the environment, less so the palms and pageantry of pageantry.
09:37So I guess I think I'm a good fit, would you say?
09:41And speaking of good fit, no, but this one is on modeling and pageantry in general.
09:48Let's play a little bit of a game.
09:50So that's the purpose of this thumbs up, which can also be thumbs down.
09:54So we used to play this in the show with other pageant title holders.
09:58So we call this sash or pass.
10:01Sash, you agree.
10:02Pass, you disagree.
10:04So this one's sash, pass.
10:08Okay, sige.
10:09First statement.
10:10The best candidate do not always win.
10:19Yes, unfortunately.
10:22Sige, can you, and the purpose is not actually to make the statement intriguing,
10:28but for you to shed light to the young men, young Kents, who would want to be you?
10:35Yes.
10:36From my experience, I have honestly seen the most prepared candidates in pre-pageant activities.
10:44And the most prepared, the most well-spoken.
10:47But sometimes they fail to deliver on the pageant night itself.
10:51The pressure.
10:52Yeah, the pressure kicks in.
10:54That's one thing.
10:55But also, I mean, I can't deny, in pageantry, there is sometimes there's always an element of like,
11:04I don't want to say favoritism, but something like,
11:08some candidates are more preferred by the organization than the others.
11:13But I honestly understand that because, I mean, at the end of the day, it's the organization's business.
11:20It's sort of the organization's prerogative to choose their title.
11:24Because, I mean, you're going to be working with them for a year.
11:26And you don't want to work with someone you don't really like or you feel like you're not a good
11:30fit.
11:30So I honestly understand that.
11:32So I guess the one thing that little Kents can take out or take away from this is,
11:38you really have to choose your organization that fits you well.
11:42So it's also like applying for a job for a company.
11:45Definitely.
11:46And speaking of that, the work honestly starts after winning.
11:51Because, I mean, I thought I was working for the crown when I was joining the pageant.
11:59But after the pageant, I was like, okay, now the real work starts.
12:02It's got to get it tiring.
12:04But it's a joy.
12:05I mean, if it's your passion, it's not a work.
12:08Sige, so this time has something to do with six-pack.
12:13Which one is, six-pack is harder to maintain than a relationship?
12:20Sige.
12:21Honestly, the six-pack is harder to maintain.
12:23I mean, after the pageant, after I joined the pageant, maybe like in, I worked out for the pageant for
12:30maybe like, let's say six months.
12:32I also lost in six months.
12:34After six months of like, well, to be fair, I was also, I was a bit, I feel like I
12:40got too skinny during the pageant.
12:41So I kind of was bulking up a bit for the international pageant.
12:44Because, I mean, it's going to be held in a Latin country in Venezuela right now.
12:48So, I mean, you all know the Latinos are like, big and buff.
12:51So I wanted to get a bit bigger.
12:53Now I'm starting to lean down again.
12:55And I feel like, oh my God, the struggle of wanting and achieving a six-pack.
13:00I'm back at it again.
13:01I guess it's just, some people have it, some people have it easier than others.
13:06Genetically, they try to, they get it quicker.
13:09But for me, I think I just love food too much.
13:12So it's a bit of a challenge, but we're getting there.
13:16We have to, locked in.
13:17Sige, the first is on the achievement.
13:19How is a six-pack achieved?
13:23And then let's go to the maintenance after.
13:25But how is a six-pack achieved?
13:27Because maybe Eric and Mark are interested to know.
13:31Well, how is a six-pack achieved?
13:34First off, calorie deficit.
13:37Basically, I mean, we all have a maintenance calorie.
13:41What's the calorie level of this?
13:43It honestly depends.
13:45And there's an online calculator for that.
13:47You type in your weight and your activities.
13:52Because you could be like, you could have a sedentary lifestyle.
13:54You could be a very active lifestyle.
13:55So the calories depend on that.
13:58For me, I think I'm not really strict on that at this point.
14:02Because it kind of messes up with your mental.
14:05But for me, I go to a range of 2,500 calories.
14:10That's enough for me to fuel myself for the gym.
14:13But not also too much for me to gain weight.
14:17So as I work out, I do steps, a lot of steps, walking.
14:22Because it doesn't melt the muscle.
14:24So it only melts the fat because it's steady-state cardio.
14:26Because if you run too much, you're going to lose some of the muscle as well.
14:31So I think my biggest advice is walking maybe 10,000, 7,000 steps a day.
14:36I do the treadmill for like one hour on moderate speed.
14:40And weightlifting as well to maintain all the muscle and not lose it all from the cardio.
14:46So I think that's pretty much the main ways to get a six-pack.
14:52So now that the person has it, like you for example, what does it take to maintain the six-pack?
15:00Well, I'm not a good person to ask that.
15:03I guess I did not even maintain it more than six months.
15:07But I guess you just have to like, you don't, just don't, I mean, you work so hard to get
15:12that six-pack.
15:13Just don't let go of yourself.
15:14Because some people are like off-season.
15:17Like we're not doing a pageant right now.
15:19So I'm just going to eat, especially the holidays.
15:21I mean, it's in the Philippines.
15:23There's fiesta.
15:24There's always the food everywhere.
15:25And we're also invited in fiestas a lot to judge.
15:28Yes.
15:28That's crazy.
15:29Like we do buffets and stuff.
15:31Especially like around the province.
15:34It's crazy.
15:34Like the food there is so amazing.
15:36So I guess just control yourself and don't lose too much of the discipline.
15:41Because it's always discipline.
15:42So now we go back to some hacks.
15:45A good pageant answer outweighs runway performance.
15:51Well.
15:53First, agree.
15:54Okay, okay, okay.
15:57Can you repeat the question again?
15:58A good pageant answer outweighs runway performance.
16:03No.
16:05Said, yeah.
16:07Because I'm just going to defend my answer.
16:10Because you have to do, you have to have a nice, I mean decent at least, pasarela in order to
16:17get to the Q&A round.
16:20But honestly, it depends on the pageant, honestly.
16:24Because you could, I mean, for say, Miss Grand, you could actually get away with it.
16:31Having a very nice pasarela and not so strong answer.
16:36You could go even win.
16:40But like for something like Mr. Earth, Miss Earth.
16:43Even if you have the best pasarela, if your answer is like, does it make sense, for example.
16:53It's really like, nah, you're not doing it.
16:55So what you're saying, and I think this is also some hacks, no?
17:00Among the pageant hacks that our viewers will be watching is aside from what you said, it's like applying for
17:05a job.
17:05You're also saying that a candidate also needs to be familiar about what the organizers would prefer, no?
17:15Definitely.
17:16Is it an organizer for runway or is it an organizer who has a preference for pageant answers?
17:22Yes.
17:23I think that's why it's really important to study the prototype of the pageant.
17:27And not just join.
17:28Yeah, not just join.
17:29I mean, some people join for the fame, for the sponsor.
17:34I mean, there's nothing wrong with that.
17:35I mean, we always, it's a stepping stone.
17:38Pageantry, in general, is a stepping stone to something bigger and greater for your future.
17:42But maybe at least to increase your chances of winning, just choose a pageant that really aligns with your look,
17:50especially your look, your vibe, and just your prototype in general.
17:54Because some people make the mistake of joining a different pageant that doesn't really fit them.
18:00And it's kind of a shame losing for that.
18:05So, but the way I'm listening to you now, I'm also having better appreciation that it's also like applying for
18:12a job for a company.
18:14There are certain company cultures or company values.
18:19And it's important also for a person to be aligned to those so that the person would be happier.
18:26Yeah.
18:26Or better chances also of being asked to join.
18:30Yes.
18:31Because there's the right fit.
18:34Sige.
18:35Now, the next one is, male pageantry deserves better recognition compared to female pageantry.
18:44Can I do a mid?
18:46Sige.
18:46Yeah, okay.
18:47You can do the mid.
18:48But you have to elaborate.
18:50Yeah.
18:50Because we can't deny that female pageantry is more supported, not just financially.
18:59I guess there's some historical background with the female.
19:03I don't know.
19:04There's some kinks there, here and there.
19:07But like, I honestly believe that although male pageantry should be more appreciated, I don't think it should go over
19:15female pageantry.
19:17Because I think female, I mean, even for me, like, female pageantry is, never mind, I wouldn't say that.
19:29It's more glossy, it's more glamorous, it's more entertaining, I guess.
19:37Because with male pageantry, you can only do so much with all the art side.
19:42That's why I guess the male pageantry always has this connotation of being, like, sexy and being, like, maybe, like,
19:50you know, all the stereotypes.
19:53So, I wouldn't want to say, like, male pageantry should go be over the female pageantry.
20:00But I guess it also deserves more appreciation.
20:03So now, let's talk more about you.
20:06In your view, or per your experience, good looks are a blessing and a burden.
20:14Good looks are a blessing and a burden.
20:19What?
20:22Ah, good looks is a burden and a blessing.
20:27No.
20:28Because you're thinking it's like you already acknowledged that you're good looking.
20:31I would never.
20:33But anyhow, sige, a blessing and a burden.
20:36Wow, I don't know how to answer this.
20:38Maybe no?
20:38Okay, sige.
20:39Why not?
20:40I mean, you can't deny in today's society, looks could get you, jobs could get you.
20:47There is, I do believe in the thing as pretty privileged, especially when you're in a big city, or even
20:54internationally.
20:56Good looks, if you really know how to, like, use your, that sounds so bad.
20:59But, like, if you really know how to capitalize on your looks, you could really, like, survive, make money.
21:05But, at the same time, you really have to back it up with skills, knowledge, and all.
21:12But, I wouldn't say it's a burden.
21:15I guess, I've read something on the internet once that it's a burden being so guapo because people think you
21:24have all these girls.
21:25But, honestly, the girls are, you're often labeled as a playboy and stuff.
21:31But, I never really experienced that, I guess.
21:34I mean, I wouldn't really consider myself conventionally attractive here in the Philippines.
21:38That's why I've leaned more towards modeling all these years because I have a very strong face.
21:45It's not as pleasing, especially to the ladies.
21:47Like, some say that you're guapo, but you're not joa material.
21:51So, I was like, okay, like, I just, at least I'm making money from it.
21:57No, but, but, going back to pretty privileged, I'm glad that you brought that up also.
22:03Because, there was this study, and I'm, one of my regrets is because I did not keep the article, but
22:09I've read this many years ago.
22:12And, there were a group of, by the way, this is like a recognized global international, or global magazine.
22:20Magazine, no?
22:21Oh, wow.
22:22And, then, I forgot whether, but it's on the League of Times, no?
22:28So, that league, no?
22:29And, then, the respondents were asked, so, what the research company did was they placed photos of people, both good
22:39-looking and not so good-looking.
22:41Conventionally, good-looking, at least, generally perceived as good-looking.
22:46And, they were asked, the respondents were asked, which among these people are leaders in organization?
22:53And, a very good 90% of them chose the good-looking ones, no?
22:59So, and, that's, and now, there's a term for that.
23:02Now, people tend to gravitate, and they trust, well, whether we agree or disagree, no?
23:08They tend to trust people who are good-looking, no?
23:13So, it's honestly, that's honestly, that's honestly, that's honestly, that's honestly, super unfair.
23:20But, you know, another, another good analogy is, like, I just read this somewhere as well.
23:24So, in buying, like, dogs, for example, or, like, cats, the expensive ones are always the best-looking ones.
23:32The purebreds, thoroughbreds, even in horses.
23:35I mean, I do ride a bit of horses, and the better the quality, the nicer the shine of the
23:42hair or fur, it's really, like, it really, like, there's always a price to it.
23:48Imagine if they do that on humans, it's crazy.
23:51I would never.
23:51Yeah, and that's why, to be fair with the world, and that's why there is such a reminder as don't
23:57judge the book by its cover, because people generally have the tendency to judge the book by its cover.
24:04Sige.
24:05Sige.
24:05Now, let's go still with the cover, no?
24:09Every attractive person knows that they are attractive.
24:13Every attractive person knows that they are attractive, no?
24:19Oli!
24:21I don't know.
24:23I wouldn't agree.
24:24Not all.
24:25Not all.
24:25Sige.
24:26Tell me one particular story of somebody who is good-looking, but he or she is not aware that they're
24:36attractive.
24:37Well, since there is this saying that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, beauty is subjective, I remember
24:44joining my maybe second pageant, there was this candidate that all of us candidates when asked, who was the best
24:54-looking guy in this room?
24:55It's always this guy, but I guess, but he never really went further into the pageant.
25:03So I guess it's, we were always like, and even him was like, he was always insecure about this part
25:09of his face, this part of his that.
25:11So we were like, wow, how could he be so insecure?
25:14He's like one of the best-looking in this pageant.
25:17But I guess it's, when you're working in the industry, I mean, this is my personal experience myself.
25:23When I was a normal person, when I was in college, I thought I was good-looking.
25:27I thought I was maybe above average.
25:29I don't want to say that.
25:30You already said it.
25:32Continue.
25:32But like, I thought I was that, I was all that.
25:37But when I started working in modeling, when people, when there's a pool of you with, there's always someone better
25:45looking, better skinned, taller, more eloquent, I guess it humbles you a bit.
25:51So, I mean, from my experience, if you're a model, if you're a pageant king or queen, you're mostly humble,
25:59even insecure.
26:02Because there's just too many others also.
26:08So it takes a lot of confidence also to be in that environment.
26:12Exactly, yeah.
26:13And if you're not as full of a person that, let's say, if you're too young, if you haven't experienced
26:20life and you really have a lot of self-confidence, self-assurance, it's really hard to be in this industry.
26:29Because you're, I mean, for me personally, I'm Manila-based right now and the competition is crazy.
26:35When, I have probably applied, audition, casted for like 100 plus in the span of six months, 100 plus commercials,
26:45runways and stuff.
26:46I probably got maybe like four or three out of the hundreds.
26:49So it's, rejection is part of it.
26:52And by the way, thank you for sharing that.
26:55Because the value of showing up still applies, even for attractive people.
27:03Well, I feel you because I also am not aware that I'm attractive.
27:07Sadly, the others also are not aware.
27:10I'm aware.
27:13Anyway, now let's talk about social media, whether it's pageantry or modeling.
27:20The number of followers matters more than talent.
27:23Number of followers matters more than talent, whether social media or whether pageantry or modeling.
27:29Okay, yes.
27:30Let's talk about that.
27:31Unfortunately, unfortunately.
27:34Just an example.
27:36I've lost, I wouldn't say a lot, but some projects because I didn't have as big of a following than
27:44this person and this person like that.
27:46Because, well, honestly, I also understand that because coming from, as an entrepreneur myself, as a business person, you would
27:52want some visibility with your product or with your pageant.
27:56I mean, people are paying this X amount for exposure and stuff.
28:01Might as well get all the mileage that you can with all the following and stuff.
28:07Unfortunately, in this media age, followers does matter, even especially in pageantry.
28:14If you're not as famous, you don't get featured as much.
28:18You don't get invited from the sponsors.
28:23So, you don't have as much shoots.
28:26So, I guess that's an unfair advantage, but I totally understand that.
28:31So, you just have to work, I guess, be a fame whore.
28:36I think that that's one of the realities now.
28:40Whether we agree with them or we don't, but it is a reality.
28:44It is a reality.
28:45Because, well, it's not even just modeling or pageantry, but once it is an entrepreneurial endeavor, then following, unfortunately or
28:56fortunately, is often attached to revenue opportunities.
29:01So, I would understand also, like you, if there's a preference.
29:05Although, I wish there is none, but it happens.
29:09Yeah, but going back to your question, Sir Darwin, talent, although talent can also lead you to that level of
29:16following.
29:17So, I guess…
29:18That's a good point.
29:19Continue.
29:19Because, honestly, let's say, for example, a good example, let's say pageantry.
29:25CJ O'Piazza, we all know her passarello skills.
29:31She is one of the best.
29:32She even has a school.
29:33But, a few years back, before she won Miss Grand, she was in the shadow.
29:39She wasn't as famous as the rest of the frontrunners during her time.
29:44So, I honestly believe that timing is also important and destiny.
29:48I honestly believe in that.
29:49So, if there's anyone out there who feel like their talent, their efforts are not getting any recognition, just wait
29:58for your time.
29:59I'm also waiting for my time, but, like, we're all waiting.
30:02So, you know, just keep hustling till we get there.
30:05And speaking of waiting for your time, you practiced your acceptance speech in front of a mirror.
30:13Did I?
30:14Yep.
30:16Isas or pass?
30:19Acceptance speech.
30:20Yeah, or your, what's this?
30:21Crowning speech.
30:23Or crowning interview.
30:25Not gonna lie.
30:27Yes.
30:29I mean, I've read, I think someone said, I think it was Emma Tiglau.
30:36I think it was Emma Tiglau.
30:39She said that when she won Miss Grand International, she forgot to practice her winning smile, her winning, her last
30:50walk when you do the waves and stuff.
30:53That's why she had a viral phase, even Catriona.
30:57But I've heard, like, there's some pageant camps who actually train for those kind of stuff.
31:04But for me personally, I should do that probably.
31:09I mean, manifest.
31:10I was about to say manifest.
31:12You should manifest.
31:13But I did practice my, what am I gonna post, like, my thank you post on Facebook, like, thank you
31:20all for this, for this, for this.
31:21But I wouldn't say I practice, like, the walk and stuff.
31:26Because I think for male pageantry, you just announce the winner and you get crowned and there's something you don't
31:31really...
31:32I don't know, I can't remember, like, doing a walk or, like, a final walk.
31:36So I guess...
31:37Sigel, I'll put you on the spot.
31:38Ooh.
31:41And you already have a national title.
31:43So, without naming names, so that I will not get you into trouble.
31:47But how is your thank you post would sound like?
31:50Sigel, without naming names.
31:51So, you will not offend somebody you might miss because this is spontaneous.
31:59Putting me on the spot for sure.
32:01I would say, first off, thank you, Lord, for giving this opportunity to me for this opportunity, for this title
32:13that you have entrusted.
32:15I think I'm very spiritual.
32:18So, I think I would first thank the Lord.
32:22Then, of course, we have to thank all the partners, all the creatives that helped me with the pageant.
32:29I don't know if I'm giving you what you want, but if you want, take a full thank you speech.
32:33No, just an idea of the spaces of gratitude.
32:38And I think your first being tells a lot about who you are.
32:43Wow.
32:43Yeah, thank you.
32:44I think that's it.
32:45Mainly, it's more about the Lord.
32:46Because I honestly feel that the Lord is in control with my destiny and with my life.
32:53So, I just trust His plans for me.
32:56So, whatever comes my way, whatever trials, I think I will always go get over them, push through them.
33:04Because it's, I mean, there's just saying that there's no battle.
33:09You can't, I mean, something like that.
33:11It's just along the lines.
33:13Yeah, I think so.
33:14So, speaking of challenges, this one is, the friend zone is usually self-inflicted.
33:21The friend zone is usually self-inflicted.
33:25So, elaborate.
33:29Okay.
33:31To be honest, I don't, I don't, I'm not the type of person to date around and stuff.
33:38But in my experience, like, I've been kuya zone.
33:42Yeah, I've asked one pageant title holder before.
33:46And she was like, thank you, kuya.
33:49And I was like, oh, is that, is that, is that friend zone?
33:52Is that kuya zone?
33:53I was like, okay, I'll just take this as a no.
33:56I guess I inflicted myself in the friend zone, in the kuya zone.
33:59So, well, I guess, agree.
34:01Sige, so now, for those who are friend zoned or kuya zone, what would be the suggestion for people who
34:11are in that zone as we speak?
34:15Advice?
34:16Yes.
34:17I should get that advice.
34:19But maybe what should you tell yourself?
34:21How should I tell myself?
34:24Maybe not be more persistent, I guess.
34:27I guess you really have to be, I don't know.
34:32Well, right now, relationship is not really in the, it's not a top priority for me right now.
34:37Because my life's a bit of a mess.
34:39I'm like, I just moved to Manila and stuff.
34:42And I have a pageant going, coming on.
34:44So, I guess you just have to push yourself if you really want something.
34:49I mean, in general, not just in relationships.
34:51If you really want something, you really have to work hard for it.
34:54So, same with the, if you really want that person, you should really, like, put in the effort.
34:59And pour all, I mean, I have this, in relationships, I have this philosophy that it's, I give my all
35:08until I'm, let's say, until maubusan ka na, parang ganun.
35:14Because, at least, you go for broke, no?
35:16Yeah, at least you have no regrets at the end.
35:19Now, first impressions are usually accurate.
35:25First impressions are usually accurate.
35:28Okay, tell us more about the no.
35:31Well, from my experience, like, from the people I have talked to, their first impression of me is always, like,
35:44intimidating, not as friendly.
35:47I mean, a lot of people don't actually approach me first.
35:50I, that's why I have to, like, be, be extra friendly.
35:55And I guess that's the thing with a burden with a face.
35:59Not really, not necessarily a good looking.
36:01But for me, personally, I've always, like, people always have said that I have a strong look, very editorial, maybe.
36:11So, a lot of people don't approach me as much, maybe.
36:16But I've always tried to be welcoming.
36:19That's why I've joined all these organizations, all these.
36:21I try to be as visible and smiling and welcoming in everywhere I go.
36:27Because it's, I don't want to be labeled as someone like Soplado.
36:31I mean, some people kind of like that.
36:32But for me, I don't, I kind of don't like it.
36:34So, I try to be as much as possible to be more approachable.
36:37So, that's why I don't.
36:38First impression is...
36:40No, actually, but from your answer, I can tell that you can also be Sunstar's editor-in-chief.
36:45Wow.
36:46No, because you said you're very editorial.
36:49Sunstar, are you guys following?
36:52Hi, Mildred.
36:53There's somebody who is editorial here.
36:56Check it out.
36:57This one.
36:57Let's go back to...
36:59Pageantry reveals character more than it reveals beauty.
37:05Pageantry reveals character more than it reveals beauty.
37:09I agree.
37:10For the reason being, pageantry is not just a one-day thing.
37:15It's pre-pageant activities.
37:16I mean, right now, it's crazy.
37:17I think the Miss Universe had to run for like three months.
37:22So, you cannot fake your attitude and stuff.
37:27Oh, yeah.
37:27You cannot.
37:28It's really important.
37:29I have a good experience.
37:32I'm not going to go in too much detail because he's going to know who he is.
37:36But we had some candidates in a previous pageant that I joined.
37:42Let's just say one of the few because at least it's going to be hard to guess.
37:46Because he was...
37:48We all have the...
37:50I don't know how you call it in men, but like diva in the women.
37:55He was...
37:55Divo.
37:57That's a good one.
37:59He was really demanding stuff.
38:03And it was crazy because he was a frontrunner during that time.
38:07He was demanding all these things.
38:09And it was the talk of all the candidates.
38:13People were like...
38:14People were side-eyeing this guy.
38:16So, I guess it really does reveal something.
38:19So, did the person make it eventually?
38:21I wouldn't want to say that.
38:22The person still made it.
38:25From your reaction, I know.
38:28He didn't win.
38:31So, what you're saying is that's also the advantage for some pageants to run for a few weeks.
38:39Because the people get to know the possible winners.
38:44At least even in that duration.
38:46One good example.
38:48I mean, I've actually met you, Sir Darwin, through Miss Cebu, right?
38:51Oh, yeah.
38:52Toastmasters, Miss Cebu.
38:53And Miss Cebu is also a kind of long duration of a pageant.
38:58So, I mean, you would know that the judging starts from the pre-pageant activities.
39:04The finals on the coronation night.
39:08It's really just a culmination of all those events.
39:10So, I guess you really have to put a little advice for all the aspiring pageant kings or queens.
39:19You have to put your best foot forward from the start.
39:22Because that's how the organizers will see your stamina.
39:25The real you.
39:27Because after winning, especially when there's an international pageant,
39:31they want someone who they can count on, who is independent.
39:34So, that's really important as well.
39:36And now, to cap this part of the episode, this is the final statement.
39:42A crown does not make a king.
39:46A crown does not make a king.
39:53Yeah.
39:56Okay, elaborate.
39:58A crown does not make a king.
40:01More so, a king doesn't need a crown.
40:06There's a soundbite there.
40:11Because, going back from what I've said earlier,
40:17it just couldn't be your time yet.
40:19So, you could always be a king.
40:22Well, okay.
40:23I'm just going to, from my own experience,
40:27I joined a pageant where I never made it to the first cut.
40:32But, yeah.
40:33But a month after I joined another pageant, I won.
40:36So, a different pageant.
40:39So, I guess, I still was a king, even if I didn't win.
40:44That's a good point.
40:45Yeah.
40:46But, it just wasn't the right fit for me for that time.
40:51Yeah.
40:52So, now let's go back to the interview, but I just have a few more here.
40:56Wow.
40:56So, aside from Ghostbuster, when you have a difficult day, who do you call?
41:02That was a nice joke.
41:03Okay.
41:06But, I still get the reference.
41:08Okay.
41:08Okay.
41:11Who do I call?
41:13Yes.
41:13When you are having a difficult day.
41:16I guess my mom.
41:18It's more, it goes along the lines of,
41:21Mom, you can go to Gcash.
41:23Small problem song.
41:25I'm just kidding.
41:26Okay.
41:26Yeah.
41:27I guess my mom, definitely.
41:29Or my manager.
41:29Could be my manager.
41:30I'm like, hello?
41:33When it's more work-related, but mostly, it's always my mom.
41:38Because, you know how the moms always seem to have the solution?
41:43They can find stuff immediately.
41:45It's crazy.
41:46From epoxy to Gcash.
41:48Yeah.
41:50Okay.
41:51Okay.
41:51Okay.
41:52What brings you peace when you are overwhelmed?
41:57Prayer.
41:58Elaborate.
41:59Okay.
41:59I guess this has happened more so often and recently than before.
42:04I guess since I've been away from my family living in Manila.
42:09When I feel anxious and all, I always just listen to, let's say, worship songs.
42:16And maybe like, not just worship songs in general, but maybe like a slow, more classical music.
42:23Classical type.
42:24And just pray.
42:25I think it really calms me down.
42:27Calms my anxiety and all.
42:28And just breathe.
42:30A good view from your condo doesn't, that could be a good help.
42:35But, or another side from prayer, if she doesn't.
42:39When you say good view, you're looking outside.
42:42Yeah.
42:42Not inside the condo.
42:43Could be both.
42:45Could be both.
42:47Yeah.
42:48Or another, like a more physical, technical advice or answer for that is walking.
42:55Walking really helps me focus and really reground myself and re, it's more of like a refresh for me and
43:05like align myself back to what I want, my goals and stuff.
43:08And this question is really for those who are also wanting to be more out there, not necessarily modeling or
43:20pageantry.
43:21Because once a person is already out there, then the person becomes vulnerable for whatever people would say about him
43:28or her.
43:29So what was that particular criticism that you heard in the past that actually made you better now?
43:40Oh, I have an answer more for what criticism I got that made me really, I didn't say it actually
43:53motivated me.
43:55It really, it was the most hurtful criticism, but as well, in hindsight, it was the criticism that really stuck
44:02to me and made me push to be better.
44:06Yeah, it was, I think it was, it was in Tagalog.
44:10It was when I joined my international pageant.
44:13The, it went along the lines of non-verbatim.
44:17Ang hirap mo ipaglaban or parang ganun.
44:19Okay.
44:19It was.
44:20That hurts, no?
44:21That, it really does hurt.
44:23Just hearing it.
44:24Yeah, it was Philippines, ang hirap mo naman ipaglaban.
44:28I was like, wow, that really hurt.
44:31It was really like, that was like, tagos sa puso.
44:33So, so, okay, so maybe I should really do, try to be the best.
44:39I mean, because representing the Philippines is, it's really like a big thing.
44:44It's not, not everyone gets the opportunity.
44:47There's a lot of pageants, but not everyone selected if you could represent the Philippines.
44:52So, I think that really pushed me to, to work harder more.
44:59I mean, that was, I was quite young as well.
45:01I was like, and to be fair, it was on Flattering Photo.
45:06I guess that's why they had the comment.
45:08So, I guess that really pushed me harder.
45:11On the flip side, what compliment also means the most to you?
45:19Wow, compliment.
45:21From the top of my head, I think it's, wow, you're actually smarter than I thought.
45:30Or like, no, there's a term, no, there's a term for that now.
45:34So, I get you.
45:34It's what they call microaggression.
45:38Yeah.
45:38No, because, but you continue because it happened to me, but I'll reserve.
45:42Yeah.
45:42Continue.
45:43I'll just, I'll just keep it brief in mind.
45:45No, no, no.
45:45You can continue for the rest of the 30 minutes.
45:47Yeah.
45:48Okay.
45:49It was more, the, the compliment was more of like, uh, uh, you're actually more eloquent.
45:55Like, you, you kind of speak more because I, I've met this, uh, he's also actually a
45:59passionate guy.
46:00Uh, we have competed together, but he, I guess he didn't really know me in my interviews.
46:06I think that's why it's kind of important to really, when you, when you talk to people,
46:10you really have to put your best foot forward when you're, when you're engaging, when you're
46:13in conversing, because, because I was kind of new that time in Manila and I was a bit
46:19shy, a bit timid.
46:20So, I didn't really like, I wasn't really like conversational and stuff.
46:23So, I guess he was just shocked when, when I did an interview that he was, oh, you're
46:27actually super eloquent.
46:29Like, you should join this.
46:30You should join that.
46:30That's a good one.
46:31Yeah.
46:32That's a good one.
46:32Yeah.
46:33Well, let's leave it at that.
46:34I reserved my comment about microaggression in some other episode.
46:38Oh, you're, ah.
46:40No, no, no.
46:40But, no, because I don't like, oh, okay.
46:42No, my, my, because there was a time and I did not have a word for it, but there was
46:47a time
46:47I was traveling representing my company, not the Philippines, but my company.
46:52And then somebody made a comment like, oh, I'm surprised that you can speak good English.
46:57And I was like, there are so many.
46:59At the back of my mind, you know, there are so many people in the Philippines who can speak
47:04good English.
47:05Especially in Cebu.
47:06Yes, and, and, and because the manner, no, but this is different from your experience.
47:10The manner it was spoken, I was even confused because it was supposed to be a positive comment,
47:16but for some reason, I did not like it.
47:18Backhanded.
47:19Until later on, I encountered the word microaggression, meaning where there's something about you that
47:25surprises people because they thought you're not like that.
47:29Yeah.
47:29But in your case, no, that's different.
47:31That's a very encouraging remark now that moved you even forward from modeling to pageantry.
47:38Now, before we end, let's go back to the 10-year-old Kent Dawson.
47:47I mean, for just a sideline, Kent Dawson is actually my dad.
47:53Oh, so Lars.
47:54Okay, Lars Kent Dawson.
47:57If we go back to the 10-year-old, Lars Kent Dawson, and you're now talking to him, what
48:05would you tell him?
48:08Start working out.
48:10I'm just kidding.
48:11You know?
48:12No, I wouldn't say that.
48:15I guess, trust your gut and listen to your heart.
48:23Just an explanation.
48:25At 10 years old, I honestly believe that what I'm doing now, I've always wanted to do since
48:34I was a kid.
48:34Aha.
48:35Which is good.
48:36Which not, I didn't know what it was exactly.
48:40But I was really, as a kid, I was kind of smart, like book smart.
48:49I did high grades.
48:53I was top of the class, maybe like top eight, one to eight.
48:58I never go beyond eight.
48:59So I think that was a, I was pretty studious as a student, but I've always, I had always,
49:07there was a time in my, maybe like around 10 years old, I've loved art.
49:12I love being creative.
49:14So I guess continue to push that passion because all the things that I did in line with that,
49:22even when I was in high school, when I did all these extracurricular activities, when even
49:28if my mom was like, you should focus more, there was a time that I almost did not graduate
49:32or I was delayed a bit because I was doing so many extracurricular activities like org
49:36works, performing and stuff.
49:38And I guess it all made sense now that I chose this career path.
49:44Like I did hosting, I did all this and that because that was really the preparation or like
49:51the, the molding of Lars right now.
49:55So I guess I would tell myself to just keep pushing for those experiences rather than being
50:02so focused on academics.
50:05So if we are then to go back to the people in your past before national recognition and
50:14before your pageant title, and then we would ask them what, which part of Lars Kent Dawson
50:20still did not change?
50:23What do you think will be their answer?
50:27Well, my classmates always, my classmates always, my classmates in high school or elementary
50:32have always told me like,
50:34What do you think will be the same, Lars?
50:36What do you think will be the same for me?
50:37Because I'm a little bit too far from my degree.
50:39But for me personally, I don't really see myself as a little bit too far from my degree.
50:43I don't really see myself as this and that.
50:46I think I'm pretty much the same.
50:47It's, it's really just, it's really just, this is the line of work that I chose or was
50:52like, I was given the opportunity to have this line of work.
50:55So I guess it could be like, it could be like, wow, or like it's because it's not as, it's
51:01not that accessible maybe to many, but I guess I still look at it as work and it was just,
51:08I just, I'm just a normal person given a great opportunity.
51:12So it's still like, why, why would I be, why would I be all flashy and all about it?
51:22So I guess it's, you just really have to remain humble.
51:26So beyond the headlines, this is now the last question.
51:30Beyond the headlines, Lars Kent Dawson is?
51:36A regular guy.
51:38A regular guy.
51:40So thank you very much for your time.
51:42It's been a very good conversation and I'm glad that it's not an exception.
51:48To the fun we normally have here in the studio.
51:52Yeah.
51:53Thank you so much, sir, for making it so light and easygoing.
51:55I was kind of nervous.
51:56I mean, it's my first interview in like seven months.
51:59The last interview I did was, was for my national pageant and all of those.
52:03Now that I'm working towards my international pageant, I'm, it's a nice, nice footing to get
52:08used to it, to get the groove.
52:10And especially with you who also did a little bit of my training for the Q&A and I'm so
52:14grateful
52:15for that.
52:15You better watch out for the second interview.
52:17Wow.
52:18I hope so.
52:19I hope so.
52:20I hope so.
52:21Give it another nice opportunity.
52:23Thank you so much.
52:23Thank you very much.
52:24Thank you so much.
52:25Behind every headline is a human story.
52:29Crowns may be earned, but character is built.
52:33Titles may open doors, but it is our values that determine what we do once we walk through
52:41them.
52:41So I'm DJ Moises.
52:43This is Beyond the Headlines.
52:45Thank you for joining us.
52:46See you again tomorrow.
53:16We'll see you again tomorrow.
53:17Bye.
53:19Bye.
53:22Bye.
53:24Bye.
53:25Bye.
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