Photo Courtesy || MyTV Cebu
Cordillera - Rickmhar P. Bayonao, representing the Cordillera region in Ginoong Pilipinas 2023, achieved remarkable success during the May 20 finals held at IL Corso Lifemalls' Central Piazza Amphitheater in Cebu, Philippines. Not only did he win the prestigious Best in Festival Costume award, but he was also honored with the title of Mr. Congeniality.
Originally from Masla, Tadian town, Bayonao had previously been crowned Mr. Student Leaders of the Philippines in 2019. In 2022, he achieved the first runner-up position in the Mr. and Ms. Kalinogan Mountain Province pageant, also winning accolades for Best in Advocacy/Interview, Best in Ethnic Wear, and Best in Formal Wear.
Bayonao proudly represented Mountain Province as Mr. Mountain Province 2022 and participated as a representative of the province in the Search for Mr. and Miss Cordillera Autonomy Youth Ambassador in the previous year.
Despite initial concerns about being judged or criticized by the community, Bayonao expressed feeling a sense of liberation during the swimwear photoshoot, which greatly boosted his self-confidence.
As his first national pageant experience, Bayonao expressed profound gratitude for all his supporters who played a vital role in helping him secure a spot as one of the top 10 finalists in Ginoong Pilipinas.
The Ginoong Pilipinas pageant made a grand comeback, aiming to become the leading male beauty pageant in the country, equivalent to Binibining Pilipinas.
