The Fifth Annual GINOONG PILIPINAS USA 2008 goes to MANHATTAN

MARC GUECO, Ginoong Pilipinas USA 2008 (Pageant Program Photo)

MARC GUECO, Ginoong Pilipinas USA 2008

Event host, KRISTINE JOHNSON (CBS 2 News)

Guest Performer, ALI EWOLDT (Cosette, Les Miserables Broadway Revival)

The Fifth Annual Ginoong Pilipinas USA pageant and fundraiser was held last night, Friday, Dec. 7, 2007 at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center on 556 Fifth Avenue between 45th and 46th Streets in Manhattan. Previous pageants were held in California. Last night's event was more than a celebration of the Philippine culture and Filipino men in America. Ginoong Pilipinas USA is a service-based organization known for its humanitarian efforts. This year, the organization will donate the event’s proceeds to the widlfire victims of California through the Southern California Wildfire Relief Efforts of the American Red Cross. Two months ago, wildfires threatened thousands of Southern California homes, destroying structures and forcing thousands to evacuate. The lovely CBS 2 News anchor Kristine Johnson hosted the program. Broadway star Ali Ewoldt, who played “Cosette” in the Broadway revival of Les Miserables was the evening's delightful guest performer. During the program, Johnson and Ewoldt who are both half-Filipino, indicated their interest in reconnecting with their roots.

MARC GUECO, the tall and handsome 27 year-old model from Los Angeles emerged as the winner besting other finalists that included Francis Aquino (Hollywood), Paul Askedall (New York), Ryan Enriquez (New Jersey), Bernabe Fernandez (San Diego), Brian Fernando (San Francisco), Marlon Flores (New York), Amando Ibanez (San Francisco), Kapono Kobylanski (Honolulu), Moses Mata (Washington, DC), Jason Regis (Florida), John Sandiego (Connecticut), John San Juan (New York), Michael Turner (New York) and Roger Wingfield (Michigan). Mr. Gueco, who believes that respecting others marks a Filipino gentleman, received $1,000 cash, in addition to the trophy and sash and the honor to represent the country to the annual Mr. International event in Asia. Previous winners have participated in international competitions and earned accolades. Ginoong Pilipinas-USA 2006 winner CHRIS FRIEL bested 30 other Asian-Americans in the Mr. Asia-USA 2007 pageant.