jerald goes express

credits: david fabros photography/ vision capture

jerald is from the land of smile, philippines. this hottie is a title holder, winning both national male pageant, mr. philippines usa 2006 ( second runner up) and maharlikang pilipino's mr. tourism (first runner up) 2006. "i've noticed that the standards of beauty in filipino culture entails being multi-racial, specifically mestizo (light skin), one of my intentions of joining the pageant was to represent the full-blooded filipinos. i wanted to send out a message to filipinos that being brown is beautiful." jerald charmed the philippines and this time he will share this winning charm at ExpressMEN, jerald is NEXT. another exciting exclusive happening only at the site of excitement, ExpressMEN.

Always Exciting. Always ExpressMEN.

credits: aaron scott photography

"as a young boy, i longed to be a naval officer like my father. growing up, i always wanted to be as chiseled and well-groomed as the males in advertising. but being a filipino in america, i knew that my chances of making it big in this country would be slim. as i matured, i realized that the lack of philippine representation in main-stream media was a good tool in motivating me to try to break into that industry. if there aren't many filipino male models in america, then why not be one of the first to inspire others."

credits: jeremy g/ holly-berry (make-up)

"comfort is my style. if you're comfortable with what you're in, then that qualifies as your own personal style. living in the bay area at california, the weather can be unpredictable at times. it goes from extremely foggy to warm and clear in a matter of hours. to adapt to the environment, i wear layers: undershirt, button up, sweater, and jacket. it's rare seeing me in just a plain t-shirt. even in hot weather, i try to wear a button-up or a collared shirt. it somehow fits my personality. my closet ranges from clean and preppy, to casual and urban. i like to mix it up to fit my mood. as far as designers, i don't have a particular brand that i like. if it looks good, fits well, and is reasonably priced, then i'll buy it."

credits: jw2 photo

"i can't recall a specific situation of where i felt out of place. i usually avoid putting myself in uncomfortable situations. but when i do find myself out of place, i try to make the most of it and have fun with it."

credits: vlad veksler

"i don't consider myself as a successful model. i haven't had any major deals or campaigns and i don't think i qualify to answer the question on what's the recipe to succeed in this field. my assumption would be that confidence, optimism, perseverance, and determination are important traits models should possess. you need to look convincingly confident in the product you're modeling. and without confidence, you won't have belief in yourself. everyone gets rejected in this industry. you have to suck it up, keep going, and hope for the best in the future."

credits: jw2 photo

"it's always hard modeling in my underwear, whether on stage or on camera. haha. part of the reason why i get so uncomfortable is because i just don't think i have the body to show off. that's why i don't have many body photos in my portfolio at the moment. also, it doesn't fit my playful personality. its always a challenge and i gain from it every time i have to do it."

credits: spritely photos/eagle craft scooters

"food is a vital component in filipino culture, so i didn't grow up with a healthy diet. and during college, the dorm cafeteria was basically a buffet, so i ate as much as i could. i was skinny for the majority of my life, so i would overeat to add some bulk to my bony figure. besides dancing hip hop 10 hours a week, i didn't have any other physical activity, this definitely had a toll on my body. i began to notice a major change in my weight during college. i went from weighing 125 pounds my freshman year in college to 165 my 4th year (and it wasn't muscle weight). so i really wasn't conscious about my diet and fitness until after college, especially before the pageant competition. after reading countless fitness books and magazines, i reduced starchy carbs and high fats from my diet. i replaced white rice and bread with brown rice and whole wheat. i reward myself at the end of the week with a delicious filipino meal after being disciplined for the whole week. i now weigh a consistent 145 pounds, and i'm happy with it."

credits: david fabros photography/ vision capture

"i do a variety of workouts, including circuit training, total athletic conditioning, weight training, and some cardio activity. working out has become one of my favorite pastimes. a day for me isn't complete without some exercise. it can be something simple like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, and parking my car at the farthest spot."

credits: iman studios bay area/ holly-berry (make-up)

"here's my advise for aspiring models, be comfortable with who you are, being comfortable with yourself boosts your confidence. stay positive, positivity will build your charisma it will draw people towards you. be passionate, to make it, you have to want it. without the passion for it, you won't be driven to work for it. maintain yourself - in the physical sense, take care of yourself, including your skin and body. proper nutrition, regular exercise, and grooming habits don't only make you look good, but they keep you healthy."

credits: david fabros photography/vision capture

"it's hard for me not to smile every hour, that's the philippines inside me, coming from the land of smiles, anything can make me smile, from babies, funny shows, good songs, and yes, food! knowing that i'm fortunate with everything that i have and surrounded by love of family and friends, i think these are enough reasons to smile."

jerald is not only a pageant winner but at the same time he devotes forty hours of his week as a payroll analyst for a research group at berkeley, he is also actively involved in philipine community events at bay area, on weekends he's at home with his family and friends at sacramento. jerald believes that rejection is part of this industry, and the only way to deal with it is to accept it for what it is and to move on, taking that event as an opportunity to improve one's self, after all rejection is part of the learning process in a school called life. to know more about him click jerald

ExpressMEN WARNING: Jerald charmed the nation, this time his charms and smile will win hearts.