Boholano wins Great Man of the Universe PH

By Leo Udtohan

TAGBILARAN CITY-  Joshua Marapao Lillehagen of Bohol was declared as the winner of Great Man of the Universe Philippines 2022, the first edition of the pageant held on Sunday night, Nov. 13 at the Novotel Manila. 

 

"After winning the title, I was in awe. Indescribable feeling. I was trying so hard not to cry on stage, " said the 19-year-old man from Calape town. He bested other 39 candidates from the country and overseas. 

Lillegen also received the “Darling of the Press” award. His video on Bohol province was declared Best in Tourism and Culture Video.

He said joining the Great Man of the Universe Philippines was the smartest thing he has done so far. 

"I think the smartest thing I’ve done so far was joining this pageant Great Man of the Universe Philippines, and gaining exposure and getting back into modelling, which is a passion of mine ever since 2018 when I first started modelling," said Lillehagen who is currently doing his Bachelor’s degree in media and communications in the University of Wollongong in Dubai. 

He dreamed to become an actor. 

"I’ve never actually thought about doing modelling as a kid, however it has always been my dream to get into acting and becoming a big movie star one day. It then became a dream of mine to become an ABS CBN actor too after watching TFC with my Lola when I was a kid," he said. 

He described himself  brave and competitive." I never back down from a challenge and when I do take up a challenge I will do anything and everything to win," he said. 

In Bohol, he won the Sandugo Festival King 2018. 

As a tourist destination, he said his province has so much. 

"Bohol as a whole is an amazing island, and there’s too many places in Bohol that are a great place to visit that I cannot choose one specific place," he said. 

His message to the world:  "Anything is possible if you put your mind to it, if you really try, if you really put your heart and soul, plus blood and tears, everything can be achieved."

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Joshua Lillehagen from Calape, Bohol province has won the first Great Man of the Universe Philippines 2022 held at Novotel Manila on Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022. Photo: Khim Magtagad/TAN