The next Mr. Bear Philippines is scheduled to be crowned on June 8 via a beauty pageant that hopes to “redirect body positivity into a positive body outlook”. For this pageant, organized by the Mr. Bear Philippines Organization, 16 “bear-sized” Filipinos will compete for the right to represent the country in the Mr. Bear International competition (details TBA).
In the LGBTQIA+ community, bears belong to a subculture involving men who are hairy and/or heavy-set, and usually – though not always – displaying stereotypical/traditional masculine traits. Emerging in the late 20th century, the bear community has various subgroups, including muscle bears, otters, and leather bears. Nonetheless, even if this community is “often defined by certain physical attributes that are traditionally associated with its members”, such as prominent body hair, round belly, and a thicker body build, “the bear community is inclusive of individuals who may not fit these stereotypes, emphasizing a broader representation of body types within the community.”
Mr. Bear Philippines, therefore, focuses on “weight, fitness, healthy lifestyle and bear brotherhood”.
Doors open at 7:00PM on June 8 at the APOLLO World Class Male Entertainment & KTV Bar, 717-B Roxas Blvd, Parañaque City, Metro Manila. Tickets sell from ₱690 (early buyers) to ₱790 (regular). Walk-in buyers pay ₱990.
