Neil Perez —  Mister International 2015 — redefines what it is to be both a pageant hunk and a policeman. PeopleAsia‘s Greggy Vera Cruz talks to the handsome cop in this special feature.
Proudly Philippine-made
If the names usually associated with pageant crowns are those of women, it was about time to herald the triumphant proclamation of Neil Perez. He, after all, bagged the elusive crown of Mister International 2015, the first ever for the Philippines, in prestigious ceremonies staged at the ballroom of the Inter-Burgo Hotel in Ansan, South Korea.
He unabashedly cried tears of joy upon his proclamation. Neil’s family, close friends and relatives back in Manila, needless to say, were just as euphoric. Even his colleagues in the workplace were equally thrilled and very supportive. “They were so proud of my victory. Imagine, a mere policeman like me winning the first Mister International title for our country? My joining initially (the Philippine edition of the pageant) was not just meant to be a racket; it was to disprove the misconception that all policemen are fat and bulky.
“There is also a (new) breed of cops out there who are like us — that basically depends on one’s respective duties and assignments. Like me, for instance, I belong to the Elite Unit. We’re more on the tactical side of things so we are required to be fit and agile. As a role model, I hope as well to inspire my colleagues to be fit and physically conscious,†Neil narrates in the vernacular to this writer during this exclusive interview in 2015.
A role model, indeed; because even his preparations for the Singapore-based pageant were as sturdy as his robust chest, as firm as his bulging biceps and as rigid as his rock-hard abdominals.
“I really focused on my workouts to improve and tone my body. I also honed my skills in modeling and developed my self-confidence. During the Question and Answer portion, as everybody knows, I also spoke in Tagalog and used the services of an interpreter. Though I did not win any special awards, being accorded the title of Mister International 2015 is more than enough,†the 31-year-old hunk excitedly reveals.
During Neil’s send-off ceremonies to Ansan, he also dedicated his possible victory (and win he did!) to his fellow policemen, the Fallen 44 officers of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Forces who were brutally killed during the recent Mamasapano encounter. Six of the casualties, unfortunately, were Neil’s batchmates.
On the job
Professionally known as P02 Mariano Perez Flormata Jr., Neil is a member of the PNP-Aviation Security Group (formerly known as AVSECOM). He ticks the tape at 5’11†and tips the scale at 175 lbs., all evenly distributed in that toned and muscular frame of his.
“Prior to the pageant proper, I was assigned to the Special Operations Unit and was an instructor of a counter hijacking course. I was then on duty at Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. I was totally clueless about male pageants and modeling, so I let my discoverers teach me the rudiments of the trade,†he fondly recalls.
As the reigning king, Neil is kept busy and on his toes by various travel itineraries both here and abroad. One of his activities here on local shores, meanwhile, is to intently promote a healthy lifestyle, which is one of the pageant’s advocacies. Neil also personally teaches his workout regimen during  TV guestings and personal appearances. “It’s like being the public relations firm of the PNP,†Neil hastens to add.
Needless to say, with his masculine charms, manly good looks and a heavenly body to boot, numerous offers to join show business have been dangled before him. The lure of the klieg lights, however, will have to wait, albeit temporarily.
The impressive embodiment of masculinity shares, “I am still basically a policeman so I am under contract. I have a responsibility to that contract, and to the organizers of Mister International as well. Perhaps, when I have relinquished my title, I could then study my options.
“But I intend to go back to the Elite Unit after my reign finishes. I was a bomb technician (complete with K9 dogs); when I won the title, I was reassigned to the PCR. I had different duties. That is why I plan to go back to my former job description. After all, that is where the action is,†Neil concludes in this interview from last year with his endearing smile.
The action, indeed, is waiting for would-be offenders.
For if Neil Perez were the police officer to apprehend you, who wouldn’t want to be caught?
Mr. Internatio-Neil 2015 Q&A
If you have the hots for men in uniform, then, undoubtedly, this gorgeous cop will make things sizzle even more, with or without his shiny badge and his winning sash. To wit:
-Who is your patron saint?
The Black Nazarene.
-What is the sexiest part of your body?
It has to be my abs. After all, that is what makes the girls go crazy.
-If you were a superhero, who would you be?
If I were Iron Man, I feel I would be more effective in my duty as a police officer. I would be able to save more lives, hunt the terrorists and go after wanted criminals. I also idolize Tony Stark, his alter ego.
-Briefs or boxers?
Boxers.
-Older or younger women?
Younger.
-Showbiz crushes?
Karylle and Max Collins.
-What turns you on in women?
First impression counts; that includes her physical traits and how she carries herself in a conversation. A firm butt is also a plus factor.
-Wet smoker or good kisser?
Good kisser.
-Woman on top or woman below?
Woman on top (breaks into boyish laughter).
-Being a police officer, what kind of criminal would you like to catch or apprehend?
That would be the rapists. The way they treat and disrespect women is a no-no. They should be punished for their heinous crimes.
(By GREGGY VERA V. CRUZ |Photography by RAYMUND ISAAC | PeopleAsia April – May 2015)Â
