A MALE model and pageant enthusiast launched the screening of Negros Occidental’s bet for Hari ng Pilipinas (HNP) 2022 held at SM City Bacolod last week.Joelito Aspan Orencio Jr., who is also the provincial pageant director, said it is a new male pageant system aimed to discover and nurture modern Filipino men and showcase their unique set of qualities on a global stage.He said the pageant set for May 22 to 28 will be the first “prestigious male pageant” in the province.”Its mission is to create opportunities that would elevate our men from ordinary individuals to extraordinary role models,” Orencio said, adding that “opportunities not just to compete internationally but also to grow individuals in areas such as fashion, entertainment, education, community leadership and in business.”Meanwhile, seven applicants passed the initial screening for the Negros Occidental HNP 2022 pageant, with Rommel Guanzon added to the list after the last selection at the Sky Lounge Stonehill Suites in Bacolod City on Sunday, April 9.The official candidates will vie for the crown and will represent the province in the national competition and “be the face of Negros internationally.””Official candidates will showcase themselves to the public with confidence, charisma , x-factor and intelligence. Fifteen official candidates will be presented soon to the people and we can’t wait for the series of activities that the organization prepared for these aspiring kings,” Orencio said.He said that he is hopeful that the pageant could also help provincial tourism by promoting and endorsing tourism sites of different local government units “globally.”Aside from Orencio, the screening committee included Ms. Philippines Globe 2019 first runner-up Jelliane Rose Villacuatro, Carlos Durana Makeup Studio Chief Executive Officer Carlos Durana; Mister Grand Philippines semifinalist Aljec Candelasa, Toastmasters International Club 2020 President Chino Pineda. (PR)