I believe that the first ever set of the most admirable bachelors of Milagros was truly and incredibly successful. Little did we know, Milagros is actually teeming with equally admirable and amazing bachelors, who, on their own unique ways are successful, head turners, and more than deserving a deafening round of applause. The ones that we have generated can be just the tip of the iceberg and we have not tapped the whole resources we might have, who knows. The first group of young and good looking bachelors is continually thriving. Some had materialized “fairy tales” on their own rights. Gian Paulo Martinez, Atty. Anthony Villasis and Mark Dorongon are now all, unfortunately off the hook. Sorry ladies to break your hearts. Meanwhile, Paul Espinas recently launched his very own Vietnam-based company. But hey, cheer up, here is another set of young, full of character, beautiful faces and fresh admirable Milagreños to tease your hearts and maybe the answer to prayer to find someone who can live on the dream of your I Dos to “forever and eternity”.
If you would ask ladies what would be their standards for their ideal man – expect this four word answer – “Tall, Dark and Handsome” – but pretty much, this has become more of a cliché. Down the road, the deeper personality gives more weight when it comes to choosing a partner. The next roster of fine Milagreño gentlemen bear all these qualities, some with TDH and others, way more skin deep or the combination of both.
While both the first group and these fresh faces of the second have equal qualities, all of them are way unique from each other. The first batch of gentlemen were chosen solely by appointment and did not involve our ever active online community, so we decided to get everybody involved in the selection and searching process for Milagros’ hidden gems waiting to be mined. So, the process was to let the members of our online community, the TMA, to identify names, and put them on our walls for people to decide and vote via the number of likes, and individuals who got the most number of likes were boosted to be on top of the list, hence, “Most Admirable Bachelors”. A surprise of forty-eight (48) names of incredible young, hot, and lovely gentlemen surfaced, and the girls went gaga. However, we narrowed down to forty-two as six of the gentlemen did not meet our initial requirements for inclusion in the second elimination. There were others who have chosen to respectfully decline as they wanted to be more private of their personal lives, which we certainly respect. TMA respects personal space and privacy. After the second step, we have finally decided to put on a show, and so the fun began when members started casting their votes and there was even serious campaign in favor of their most favorite ones. But, at the end of the day, the best of the best rises up. The criteria was simple: 20% of the weight for the number of likes and 80% for personal character, intelligence and contribution to Milagros. Finally, the list was narrowed down to 12 Most Admirable Gentlemen of Milagros for the year 2017.
Due to distance, time zone, and availability of everyone for interviewing, these factors have made this writing bit challenging but worth waiting for. My own challenge having to work and write this up could have been a road block to not make this possible but hey, I am finally making it happen. In order for me to get to know these gentlemen better, I started chatting with them, trying to dig deeper and understand their substance, values, and things that make them happy, motivated, and positive person. Physically blessed they are yet we know that a person can be more attractive if they have the substance, that inner glow of a wonderful person that they may innately possess.
Without much further ado, here they are – YOUR CHOSEN ONES – the TMA’s next batch of MOST ADMIRABLE BACHELORS. Oozing with hotness, empowering, inspiring, dreamers, achievers, daring, bold with their dreams, astounding, marvelous, and most of all, admirable.
12. Jose Alex Azuelo Cedillo, 23, Student/Artist (Sitio Bato, Tinaclipan, Milagros)
Alex was very busy with guesting and performing in different radio and mall tours, concerts and TV show appearances together with his co-members of the Four Dimension (4D) boyband. It was a dream come true for him to perform in front of a big crowd. Tempting a show business life can be but Alex made a stand, choosing between a blooming career and pursuing education as he believes, education is essential to one’s personal growth. He temporarily left his boy band group. He is currently on his first year on his Bachelor of Secondary Education at Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT).
This 2015 Ginoong Pagdangan 4th Runner-Up from Sitio Bato, Tinaclipan, was once a volunteer in TMA Clean-Up activity in Brgy. Tawad cemetery. Alex also worked with me in “Rediscovering Guinluthangan” and I can attest that he is very humble, friendly, fun-loving, and kind-hearted person. Who can ever forget his viral video on social media sites where he was sharing some pure love in Quezon City, he was distributing clothes and blankets to homeless families. He is family oriented and very independent person.
11. Cris Odeña Aganan, 31, Business Process Associate (Sitio Talisay, Calasuche, Milagros)
Cris is such a big photography fan. The photos he snapped were all amazing and visually stimulating. Among his collections of the pretty photoshe snapped himself were that mesmerizing sunset shot from his village in Talisay, Calasuche, one being in “pasil” (sand bar) and the organic ricefield shot he took which was by their house he grew up. With his love of photography, he clicks his camera where he finds serenity, calmness and inner joy.
Cris loves to climb mountains. He climbed Mt. Ulap (Itogon, Benguet), Mt. Daraitan, Mt. Batolusong and Mt. Maynuba (Tanay, Rizal), Mt. Pamitinan and Mt Binacayan (Rodriguez, Rizal), Mt. Maculot (Cuenca, Batangas), Mt. Batulao (Nasugbo, Batangas). His love of nature, adventure and photography is just perfect combination for everything he does. Mountains can be perfect for landscape photography and everything that surrounds it. He also can ensure that he gets his dose of calmness and serenity while doing all of the three. On top of this, Cris advocates love for the mother nature. Everytime he climbs the mountain, he makes sure that he picks up the garbages he found along the trek. He does the same with his garbages while on top of the mountain, camping. Music is another soul of this creative gentleman.
He graduated with honors in Milagros East Central School and Liceo de San Jose in 1998 and 2002, respectively. He successfully completed his BS Computer Science degree from Osmeña Colleges in 2009. He is now working as Business Process Associate in a BPO Company.
Cris is absolutely correct that best images can be captured from nature. Simple, nature lover, and adventurous person is truly admirable.
GDR: What’s your favorite thing about yourself?
COA: Aside from being simple and contented with what I have, my favorite thing about myself is that, I always care and appreciate nature.
10. Jofran Aganan Quinatagcan, 22, Cruise Ship Cabin Steward (Brgy. Magsalangi,Milagros)
Two of his wishes when he was a small boy were to travel the world and to help his family financially. Exactly the same wishes were granted to him because right now he is enjoying his work as a Ship Cabin Steward of Magsaysay Costa Crociere. “I really love my job because aside from seeing the world for free, I get to meet different people,” he said.
Joffran started his studies in Magsalangi Elem School and in 2011 he got his high school diploma from Liceo de San Jose. He took Associate in Marine Engineering from Northern Iloilo Polytechnic State College, Estancia, Iloilo and completed it last 2014.
“He is a family oriented, loves to travel and an independent person. He has a lot of plans for the family that he prefers to be single for now,” shared by his half-sister.
This happy go lucky man always spends time with his family and friends whenever he is off shore. His honesty and perseverance to help his parents and siblings is really admirable.
GDR: What’s your favorite thing about yourself? JAQ: Being an independent person.
GDR: Do you have any special talents?
JAQ: Wala po akong talent, kumain lang po (laughs).
GDR: You’re funny and that’s a talent, lol.
JAQ: Kaya gani nakatawa ako san nakita ko an post sa TMA kahuna ko nagadamgo lang ako.
GDR: What talent do you wish you’d been born with?
JAQ: A good rapper (laughs)
GDR: So you can sing pala?
JAQ: Dyos ko po kung alam mo lang guinapamalhas ako dati pag makahuyot microphone.
GDR: If you could only hear one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
JAQ: “Jesus takes the wheel”
GDR: By the way, are you in a relationship?
JAQ: I’m single.
GDR: Ano ba hinahanap mo sa babae?
JAQ: She must be simple and faithful to me.
9. Adriene Arcenas Buchacek, 24, Freelancer (California, USA)
Globetrotter, foodie, and talented are few best words to describe this Czech – Filipino lad, born and raised in United States. “He travels a lot and knows much about food, can tell never ending stories about all kinds of taste of food from different countries. He can’t forget his experience in the Philippines eating bulad (dried fish) with rice. He always make sure he has stew or soup with his meal as he doesn’t like his food dry. And most of all, he really loves seafoods!” revealed by his travel buddy.
Adriene was an academic scholar at California State University of Fullerton (CSUF) where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts with double major in Communication and Business Marketing. He likes to watch fantasy movies, addicted to fiction books, in fact, he collected all the Harry Potter book series. You’ll love his different piano renditions, so if you are bored just check him out in YouTube and watch how awesome his hands move as he plays piano. But what inspires me more about Adriene is his Filipino attitude. He is very polite, hardworking, family oriented and frugal.
He believes his family should give something back to Milagros which his mom had already started. He was part of the amBAG ideas project and I’m excited that he will be going back to Milagros to personally distribute the bags comes May 2018.
GDR: Would you rather have unlimited money or love? AAB: Unlimited love because you can find money.
GDR: What is your special talent? AAB: I can play piano.
GDR: What talent you wish you would have been born with? AAB: I wish I can dance that well.
GDR: How do you like your eggs cooked? AAB: Scrambled eggs would make my day.
8. John Glenn Vila Danao, 22, Law Student (Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila)
He now lives independently since his parents and brother moved abroad. Being alone is not an issue as it helps him to manage his time, to focus and to be more responsible person.
John Glenn was born and grew up in Manila. He finished his elementary education in San Felipe Neri Parochial School in Mandaluyong. He went to Don Bosco Technical College (Mandaluyong) for his high school and took Political Science in San Sebastian College – Manila.
During his elementary days, he really wanted to be on a spotlight that he tried to audition and did a photoshoot fir a tv program in Kapamilya Network. However, his dad disagreed because he worried that this might affect his studies. He then focused on his favorite sport which was swimming. He represented his school in an inter-school swimming competition and nailed it. This guy is really into sports, aside from swimming, cycling and playing basketball are next to his top list of sport activities.
According to his cousin, “Glenn is a very sweet guy! He manages his family business very well and whenever he is free he would spend time with us. He always motivates his nieces and nephews to do whatever their dreams are.” She revealed also that he wanted to enter the PBB House. “He visits Milagros during summer just to see his Lola Sana,” she added.
He is currently on his second year for the Juris Doctor program at San Sebastian College Recoletos – College of Law. He wants to be successful in his law practice, however, politics is never in his future plan. Another consideration, if he successfully passes the Bar Examination, he will immigrate to Canada, where the whole family is residing now.
This man with tantalizing eyes is admirable because he is a good and responsible son, sweet and caring.
7. Paul Jowen Rosero Blancaver, 26, Senior High School Teacher (Brgy. Narangasan, Milagros)
He believes that sharing knowledge and educating the kids is his passion that he chose the noblest profession. When he passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) in 2011 all he wanted was to start serving his fellow Narangaseños. He was born at Narangasan, in Milagros.
Sir Paul Jowen went to Narangasan Elementary School and Masbate National Comprehensive High School in 2003 and 2007, respectively. He finished his Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education major in English from Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT) where he also earned his Master of Arts in Education.
This very down-to-earth and friendly mentor added another feather on his cap when he passed Civil Service Examination for Professional in 2012. Currently, he is teaching in Serafin C. Rosero Memorial High School.
His dedication to impart his ideas to his students, his being cool and respectful teacher is definitely admirable.
GDR: What’s your favorite thing about yourself? PRB: I am willing to learn [new] things. I can place myself to other’s shoes.
6. Kenneth James Rosello Valenzuel, 23, Hotel Business Centre Service Associate (Brgy. Bacolod, Milagros)
He is gifted with such good looks and captivating smile which will surely capture your heart. Evidently, he got most number of votes (152 likes). This “crush ng bayan” is hopeful that someday his co-Milagreños will see him on TV as an endorser or a commercial model.
Kenneth grew up in Milagros and finished his elementary and secondary education from Milagros West Central School and Liceo De San Jose, respectively. In 2014, he completed his Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Management from Osmeña Colleges and was presented a Leadership Award. After graduation, he worked in different hotels in Cebu and Boracay. Currently, he works in The Peninsula Manila in Makati as Hotel Business Centre Associate.
What makes him admirable? Aside from being “gwapo” and “stylish”, he is always willing to make a difference by involving himself in charity activities. Among them is regularly donating blood at blood banks every three months to save lives. He was also one of the volunteers of TMA’s first ever amBAG project held in Nagurang Island. Kenneth enjoys photography during his spare time and takes great selfies.
GDR : Do you have any special talent? KJV : Singing.
GDR : That’s wonderful! If you could only sing one song for the rest of your life, what would it be and why? KJV : I would love to sing John Legend’s “All of Me” because the lyrics sayss everything.
GDR : Are you currently in a relationship status? KJV : I’m single.
GDR : Are you usually the heart breaker or the heart broken? KJV : Heart breaker with valid reasons. I don’t keep someone who is a cheater.
GDR : Has someone ever spread a nasty rumor about you? KJV : Nasty? Wala naman so far kay maayo ako na tawo sa tanan.
GDR : What is something most people don’t know about you? KJV : Maka Diyos ako. I go to church almost everyday.
5. Antonio Tan Romero, 27, Seafarer (Brgy. Bangad, Milagros)
The 5th spot goes to this gentleman from Barangay Bangad. The youngest in the family of five and currently working as able-bodied seaman of Maersk Line for four years already.
“Toni” as he is fondly called by his family and friends, is also very skilled person. During his high school days in Masbate National Comprehensive High School (MNCHS), he represented Masbate Province and won as champion in “Asexual Propagation Competitions” held in Polangui, Albay and Tabaco City, Albay last 2006 and 2007, respectively. He won also in “Guhit for a Cause – Championship Competition 2015” held in Quezon Memorial Circle, Quezon City. 
This Mr. Maritime 2009 first runner-up of University of Cebu Maritime Training Center where he obtained his Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation loves to share chocolates to kids in his compound whenever he is on vacation, “yun lang ang kaya ko for now para mapasaya sila at minsan lang sila makatikim ng chocolates,” he confessed.
Now, he is enjoying his life as a single. “I am starting to love hiking, I realized we have to appreciate every God’s creation here. I keep on doing this to forget what happened with my past relationship,” he said.
GDR : What’s your favorite thing about yourself? ATR : My talents… I can draw and sing. Bunos na la an pagsayaw.
GDR : Astig! You can sing and dance huh. ATR : You want sample? (sent singing voice clip – Bakit Kung Sino Pa)
GDR : oh that was a nice rendition of yours (laughs) ATR : Thanks. Team sawi ako eh.
GDR : Last movie you watched? ATR : “The Flowers of War,” I suggest you to watch it.
GDR : What is something most people don’t know about you? ATR : That I have a sense of humor and golden hands…
GDR : How do you like your eggs cooked? ATR : Half boiled egg, malasado. Amon permi ginakaon ko pag naga gym ako.
4. Brian Vasquez Borja, 30, Bank Relationship Officer (Brgy. Calasuche, Milagros)
Another brave and goal-getter Filipino expat in Doha, Qatar continuously shines in his chosen career. Brian always exceeds the company’s expectations whether in the Philippines or in abroad because of his hard work and determination. Like his present organization’s tag line “we make possible”, he ensures that he will be a quota buster again this year same as he did in the past couple of years.
Undeniably, this be-dimpled charming guy is an achiever. As a matter of fact, he was their class Valedictorian in Calasuche Elementary School in 1999, he was an honor student when he finished high school, and graduated Cum Laude in Osmena College. He earned Bachelor of Science in Commerce Major in Management. Aside from academic excellence, he also is an artist and a genuine young leader. He won in different mural painting, poster, abstract and slogan contests. He effectively served and empowered the youth when he was the SK Chairman in Brgy. Calasuche from 2002 to 2007.
Despite of his hectic schedules in his work, he always finds time to share God’s word by being an active member of Single For Christ -Doha. Right now, Brian is enjoying his job as Relationship Officer in one of the leading banking institutions in Qatar, The Mashreq Bank.
His being bold, career oriented, being congenial person and his faith in God is indeed admirable.
“For those who really don’t know me they say that I am an extrovert but I myself can say that I am an introvert too. Having both characteristics is kind of weird. “- Brian
3. Ace Alvin Mortel Tan, 24, Civil Engineer (Brgy. Poblacion East, Milagros)
Hard work, brilliance, humility and focus, these are important attitudes that made Ace a well-sought Civil Engineer in the Province of Masbate.
Ace finished his grade school at Milagros West Central School and secondary from the Masbate National Comprehensive High School. He was successful in making his way in the world of politics in a very young age. In 2010, the SK Chairmanship in Poblacion East and consequently elected as President of the Municipal SK Federation. In effect, as SK President of the Municipal Federation, he was bound to sit on a position in the Municipal Legislative body as Ex-Officio, represented the young Milagreños as their voice in the council. He faithfully served until 2013.
He graduated from Mapua Institute of Technology last 2014 where he earned his undergraduate degree and successfully passed the board examinations the following year. He was an in-campus volunteer and officer for the Philippine Red Cross. 
“He is not kuripot, he is just matipid but very generous and always nanlilibre,” revealed by his sister. “He plans to get his MBA degree very soon,” she added. His sense of patriotism, optimism, creativity and true young leader were the most admirable qualities that Ace Alvin possess.
“No matter what your profession is, don’t forget to at least serve your beloved land..Masbate” -Ace
2. Arwin Escala Almodal, 31, Health & Safety Engineer Manager Brgy. Jamorawon, Milagros
Second spot goes to this approachable and motivated OFW from Qatar. He is one of the most successful bachelors from our hometown. Beautiful house, luxury car, huge farm, and newly opened businesses are the manifestations that his hard work and perseverance were paid off. In spite of his accomplishments and outpouring blessings, his feet remain on the ground.
Arwin attended Jamorawon Elementary School and Jamorawon National High School. In 2008, he finished his 2 years Practical Nursing from Tojong College in Cebu and worked in Mactan Doctors Hospital for a year. An opportunity came in 2009 when Drydocks World Dubai hired him from the Philippines. Unfortunately, he was not happy with his job’s environment and compensation. He was about to give up but someone encouraged him to take up a course on health and safety. In 2011, he earned his diploma in Safety and Fire Engineering from Central State University of New York – Dubai. Upon graduation he moved to another company and worked as Health and Safety Advisor. And in 2015 he decided to grab the offer of Abu Dhabi Commercial Energy System LLC where he is presently working as Health and Safety Engineer Manager.
This basketball enthusiast has a big heart not only for his family but for Milagreños. Early this year, Arwin and another OFW from Masbate initiated an activity not only to support TMA’s advocacy for equality but to give joy to the people of Jamorawon. He sponsored a pageant for LGBT community. Arwin has always been generous to TMA as everytime we have projects, he would gladly share his blessings with us.
His altruistic and prompt support to the organization, his being cheerful and down-to-earth attitude is absolutely admirable.
“Grabe inaguihan ko sa Dubai, tika-surrender na ako sadto. Inungod-ungod ko na lang pag adal kag sa training. Nagbunga man tanan na sacrifices ko.” -Arwin
1.Vince Noel Llamazares Lupango, 23, Financial Adviser/ Law Student (Brgy. Tigbao, Milagros)
Versatile leader, intelligent, caring, handsome and straightforward are Vince’s dominant qualities. No doubt, it is agreable indeed that the top spot for the 2017 edition of TMAs Most Admirable Bachelors is reserved for him. Confettis, please!
Vince was an academic scholar at Far Eastern University where he had his BS Psychology undergraduate degree. Perhaps, he was the first Milagreño to graduate from this university taking home the Magna Cum Laude honors.
He represented Milagros in 2014 Mr and Miss Rodeo where he placed second runner-up. He is an active member and coordinator for Luzon of Let’s Do It Philippines, a movement for environmental care. He was a co-founder of One Youth Philippines. He is pursuing his law studies a San Beda College of Law.
I really admire his low profile personality, versatility, intelligence and attitude.
“To live up to my credo of letting my light shine and being a blessing to others, by applying my God-given talents and knowledge for the betterment of my fellow youth, our country as a whole,” – Vince
Taga Milagros Ako 