The model and the role model

A MYKIRU EXCLUSIVE

They're both tall, dark and handsome...

Mike Manansala and Will Devaughn

Does it ring bad for model-actor Will Devaughn (Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition 2 4th Big Placer; Mykiru's Hottest Hunk for 2007) to be regarded as "role model" of Michael 'Mike' Manansala?

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Last week, Mike drew silent laughs from the audience during the finals of Mister International Philippines 2009 when he answered "Will Devaughn" as his role model during the Interview portion.

Mike said that he admires Will because he's a famous model and is good in ramp modeling.

Some were not satisfied with his answer, but the judges did.

Mike actually answered it correctly.

According to a website, a role model is actually not easy to define because everyone has a different meaning of it. It says, "who your role model is depends as much on you as it does on the person you admire. Often, it is someone you would like to be like when you get older, or someone who does something you find hard to do."

Will Devaughn, who started out as a model, is now one of the country's leading men both in movies and television after he emerged as 4th Big Placer on ABS-CBN's Pinoy Big Brother.

With that, I guess, Mike wants to follow Will's footsteps especially that Mike also dreams of becoming an actor someday.

Even before the pageant, Mike, who has been modeling in Manila for 2 years already, has often been compared to Will Devaughn. (John Lapus was among those convinced that he somewhat resembles Will.)

Mike easily won the Mister Philippines 2009 title that night and will now represent the Philippines in Taiwan this December for the Mister International 2009 competition.

Of course, the issue doesn't stop there.

How would Will Devaughn himself react on this?

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Mykiru is quick to ask Will about Mike who looks up to him.

In a message sent by Will himself to Mykiru last Monday, Will actually knew beforehand about Mike and he himself was convinced that the latter looks like him.

He congratulated Mike for winning the title and wished him goodluck.

Here's Will's exact message to Mykiru:

"Hi Mykiru,

Sorry for the late reply but I just read the article today.

It's flattering to hear that the winner of Mister International [Philippines]resembles me somewhat. I was actually surprised myself because when I checked the link I knew instantly who you were referring to even before I knew who he was. We definitely have similarities. The given are the skin tone and of course the lack of hair. haha. I wish him the best of luck with his upcoming projects and career. Congrats Mike and God Bless!!

Will"

So nice of Will, isn't it? That's why he continues to be one of my favorite models and actors.

Photos courtesy of JAG, Bruce Casanova/OPMB, ABS-CBN and Mike Lim