His heart for the indigenous peoples (IP) is what propelled Al-Hakam Reggie Dimalanas to grab the offer to represent the Philippines to the 2017 Mister and Miss World Culture.
Born in the Province of Maguindanao but raised and educated in the neighboring province of Sultan Kudarat, the 23-year old Political Science graduate wants this experience to raise public awareness and generate support to the various IP groups in Mindanao in the Southern Philippines.
“I have always felt the need to support, in whatever way I can to the IP groups. I feel like I have a duty to protect them. . .to improve their living conditions. . .to make the lives of the Badjaos, the Tedurays, the Blaans better”, said Al-Hakam, a Maguindanaon from the town of Buluan, referring to three of the numerous ethnic groups in Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat.
A veteran of male beauty pageants, who is also the reigning Rajah ng ARMM 2016, Ginoong Tacurong Tourism 2015, Sultan Kudarat Ambassador Tourism 2015 before he was handpicked by the Philippine organizers of Mister and Miss World Culture to become the country’s representative to the annual international pageant, says he “takes his duty as a role model and ambassador of goodwill very seriously” and these rare opportunities of being in the limelight after winning all these titles is a “good platform to bring public awareness to the plight of indigenous peoples.
This year, as the Philippines plays host to the 2017 Mister and Miss Culture World, Reggie, unwavering in his commitment to showcase and educate the viewing public about the rich culture and heritage of the Philippines, dedicates this experience to be in an international stage to all the lumads, the settlers and the Bangsamoro people of Mindanao.
Mister and Miss Culture World Organization, the host and organizer of its namesake beauty pageant, is an international organization working to foster public understanding and increase awareness on the diversity of people’s cultures and heritage. Now on its third year, this year’s pageant in Manila convened 28 candidates across the World. Pageant Night recently concluded on May 26, 2017 at the Teatrino Promenade, Greenhills.
Born in the Province of Maguindanao but raised and educated in the neighboring province of Sultan Kudarat, the 23-year old Political Science graduate wants this experience to raise public awareness and generate support to the various IP groups in Mindanao in the Southern Philippines.
“I have always felt the need to support, in whatever way I can to the IP groups. I feel like I have a duty to protect them. . .to improve their living conditions. . .to make the lives of the Badjaos, the Tedurays, the Blaans better”, said Al-Hakam, a Maguindanaon from the town of Buluan, referring to three of the numerous ethnic groups in Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat.
A veteran of male beauty pageants, who is also the reigning Rajah ng ARMM 2016, Ginoong Tacurong Tourism 2015, Sultan Kudarat Ambassador Tourism 2015 before he was handpicked by the Philippine organizers of Mister and Miss World Culture to become the country’s representative to the annual international pageant, says he “takes his duty as a role model and ambassador of goodwill very seriously” and these rare opportunities of being in the limelight after winning all these titles is a “good platform to bring public awareness to the plight of indigenous peoples.
This year, as the Philippines plays host to the 2017 Mister and Miss Culture World, Reggie, unwavering in his commitment to showcase and educate the viewing public about the rich culture and heritage of the Philippines, dedicates this experience to be in an international stage to all the lumads, the settlers and the Bangsamoro people of Mindanao.
Mister and Miss Culture World Organization, the host and organizer of its namesake beauty pageant, is an international organization working to foster public understanding and increase awareness on the diversity of people’s cultures and heritage. Now on its third year, this year’s pageant in Manila convened 28 candidates across the World. Pageant Night recently concluded on May 26, 2017 at the Teatrino Promenade, Greenhills.
