Entertainment

Marc Gueco wins 5th Ginoong Pilipinas-USA 2008

Los Angeles-based Marc Gueco won the 5th Ginoong Pilipinas-USA 2008 title held at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Consulate in New York City on Friday, December 7, 2007. The event was hosted by CBS News-New York anchorwoman Kristine Johnson and former Ginoong Pilipinas 2003 1st runner-up winner Nomer Yuzon. Entertainment was provided by Ali Ewoldt (Cosette of Broadway’s ‘Le Miserable’) and Bill Cipriano.

Asked ‘What is the meaning of being ‘a fulfilled gentleman’ and why?” Gueco reacted, “Being a fulfilled gentleman is a man who treats everyone with courtesy and respect because that is God wants us to treat each other. And a man can be fulfilled if he could make even such a small difference in this world.”

Marc Gueco received a $1,000.00 cash prize, a sash and a custom-made trophy. He will compete in India for the International Man competition which will be participated in by over 50 countries worldwide.

Ginoong Pilipinas winners’ participation in these international events will continue to promote the beauty and diversity of the Filipino people and the Philippine culture. Ginoong Pilipinas has initiated numerous charitable events benefiting various humanitarian causes. Previous winners and candidates have joined together to make a difference. This year’s pageant benefited the Southern California Wildfire Relief efforts.

Marc Gueco, who stands 6’1” was born and raised in Manila, Philippines. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Management degree from La Salle University before moving to Michigan with his family in 1997. Marc has four siblings. Two of his sisters live in Spain, his other sister in Las Vegas, and his brother in Michigan. Marc believes that his family is one fo the most important things in his life. In 2000, Marc moved to Las Vegas with his sister and explored the realty business until recently decided to further his modeling and acting career (Marc is a SAG member). Marc is currently residing in Los Angeles and works for Asset Management Corporation.

Marc began his modeling and acting career at the age of twelve. He has appeared in several television commercials and print advertisements for Carl’s Jr. Restaurants, Hooters, MGM Studio 54, and most of all major high end casino hotels and resorts in Las Vegas such as Bellagio, Wynn, Mandalay Bay, MGM, among others. Marc was a modeling instructor for five years at John Robert Powers Modeling Agency and the International Model Talent Association (IMTA) and has accrued commercial works independently.

The Ginoong Pilipinas-USA is yearly produced by Elton Lugay. Among judges this year include Mr. Bong Prada Lim (Chairman of the Board), April Tiamzon (Asian Journal Publications Associate Director, New York), Tom Scarangelli (New York Police Dept.), Danny Pagsambugan (Bb. Pilipinas Pageant – Jersey City, NJ Executive Franchise Producer), Emerald Damian, Grace Edwards (fashion designer-NY), and Jing Monsanto (San Francisco, CA). For more pics from the male pageant, browse at Photo Gallery.

Photo and text by Oliver Carnay