Suited for the crown

What it means to represent a nation, inspire a stage, and live as modern gentlemen

Photography Mark Neto Diaz (The MND Area Studio) | Grooming Maui Nelson & Christian Rey Arapoc | Stylist Rick Sotelo

By Rodmill G. Lopez

They wear crowns, but their stories go far beyond the stage. Mister International 2024 Samuel Nwajagu, Mister Supranational 2024 Fezile Mkhize, and Mister Global 2024 Daumier Corilla have spent the past year traveling the world, carrying their titles with pride, and discovering just how much impact male pageantry can have. In this exclusive GLEN Magazine interview, the three share their journeys: the lessons they brought from home, the misconceptions they hope to break, the rituals that keep them grounded, and the flavors, destinations, and styles that define them offstage.

As part of your duties as a crowned winner, you travel all over the world. What has been the most inspiring part of your journey so far?
SAMUEL: Well, the most inspiring part is understanding people. We often have preconceived perceptions, but when you actually travel and meet them, you start to see the beautiful side of who they are. I’ve traveled to Thailand and the Philippines, and the people have been amazing. It’s also valuable to experience life in a completely different way because it helps you inspire others more. I’ve learned to understand cultures, absorb the good, and share the good from my own background.

FEZILE: My journey has been so colorful. I’ve been able to travel to quite a lot of countries. The ones that really stick out for me are those where we worked with the Sasakawa Foundation on leprosy awareness and eradication. We went to Ethiopia, visited hospitals in Addis Ababa, and raised awareness about leprosy—showing people that those affected can be cured and helping break the stigma. We also traveled to Mozambique and Ambula for similar work. It was especially meaningful because it’s within Africa, where I’m from, and being able to give back to my continent has been truly fulfilling.

DAUMIER: So far, the most inspiring part of my journey has been connecting with different cultures. I’ve only been to Thailand so far, but I plan to travel more. Mister Global is about spreading awareness, promoting global unity, practicing kindness toward people and the environment, and advocating for peace, wisdom, and knowledge.

What makes pageantry a good platform for men?
SAMUEL: For me, pageantry is a school of self-growth and discovery. I competed in Misters of Nigeria, my national pageant, and learned so much about myself. The competition involved a series of tasks—from speech development to walking and talent tasks—that helped me discover and showcase who I truly am.

FEZILE: Pageantry is incredible because it brings out the best in you. It’s demanding, but being inspired by others—from your own country or internationally—pushes you to elevate yourself. Competing internationally exposes you to people striving to improve themselves, and that environment alone is invaluable. One pageant experience can teach you lessons about life and personal growth that are hard to find elsewhere. Iron sharpens iron, and that journey makes you better.

DAUMIER: Pageantry is a great platform for spreading a message, whether about fitness, global issues, or local problems. It provides visibility and connections that can boost your career, whether in business or showbiz. Essentially, it’s a stepping stone and an amplifier for your future ambitions.

What lessons have you learned from home that you carry with you on this journey?
SAMUEL: A quote that resonates deeply with me is: “We don’t have to be great to start, but we have to start to be great.” Most times, we wait to feel ready, but we’re never truly ready. The lesson is to start, take that first step, and learn along the way. You don’t need everything figured out—just the will to keep moving.

FEZILE: In my country, we have a saying called Ubuntu: “Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu,” which means a person is a person because of the people around them. Life is better when you pour into your community. When you sometimes fall short, your community lifts you up. If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.

DAUMIER: I learned about bayanihan, the Filipino tradition of community support. In the U.S., people may greet each other, but the complete community spirit isn’t as prevalent. Applying bayanihan globally could reduce conflicts, racism, and wars, allowing resources to be used for education, infrastructure, and helping communities. Kindness can solve many problems.

In your opinion, what’s the biggest misconception people have about male pageants?
SAMUEL: People initially see pageants as female-centered and assume male pageants are all about looks. But it’s about impact, advocacy, and being a beacon of hope. Male pageantry transforms men from models into role models, making a positive difference in society.

FEZILE: Many think pageantry is just “peacocking”—looking good for the sake of it. In reality, it’s about self-improvement and striving to be the best version of yourself. Titles are earned through hard work, growth, and dedication. It’s a platform for inspiring others.
DAUMIER: Some people think male pageantry is only for the gay community or about looking sexy. But it’s about empowering men, just as we empower women. Competitions like Mister Pilipinas Worldwide are moving male pageantry toward a classier, more respectful direction.