Joshua Marapao Lillehagen: 'Always be kind even to those who aren’t'

By Leo Udtohan

Joshua Marapao Lillehagen is Bohol's representative to the "Great Man of the Universe". Photo: Aplaya Multimedia

The first thing that people notice in Joshua Marapao Lillehagen is his towering height, even when he was Sandugo Festival King 2018. 

Zoom out a bit and you notice his good looks that, according to TAN manager Roger Ryan "Khim" Magtagad, “he is getting more handsome each day,” and then, zoom out some more, his well-kept, well-toned body. “Not to brag but women and pa-women swoon over his goodlooking looks whenever he goes to the malls here and even in Dubai and Australia," adds Khim who has an eye for beauty and brawn. 

Joshua, 19, who hails from Calape town, is Bohol's official representative to the "Great Man of the Universe"-Philippines search which will culminate this November. 

Last week, he had a courtesy call to Gov. Aris Aumentado to seek support for his upcoming participation in the pageant. He was definitely thrilled to have discussed his plans with the young governor. He expressed his gratitude to Aumentado for the warm welcome and manifestation of support. 

Joshua is now in Dubai for a vacation while at the same time undergoing a training program focused on the physical, mental and emotional strength needed for the search. 

He said joining the "Great Man of the Universe" is 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," Joshua said. 

And what are his preparations for the contest? 

 

"I’m really giving this pageant my all. I’m watching what I eat, making sure I’m not consuming too many carbohydrates. I’m also going to the gym six times a week, doing cardio in the night and in the early morning to lose fat and keep myself in shape," he said. 

"I’m also doing facials at House of Beauty, and taking good care of my skin to reduce the amount of break outs I have. I also went to my dentist, Vertulfo, to get my teeth whitened. And finally, I get my nails done at Nailux so that my hands always look clean," he added. 

A Sagittarius, Joshua stands 6’2”; weighs 176 lbs.; and wears small-size shirt, medium-size briefs and size-13. 5 shoes.

Have you always wanted to join modeling since you were small? "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 (The Filipino Channel) with my Lola when I was a kid."

Would you rather be smart but not too handsome or handsome but not too smart? "I would rather be smart but not too handsome because I was told when I was around 15 to 16 years old that looks are temporary, however knowledge is forever, and knowledge is power."

Joshua Marapao Lillehagen: 'I feel like my best asset is how brave and competitive I am. I never back down from a challenge and when I do take up a challenge I will do anything and everything to win.'  Photos: Litrato ni Juan by John Michael Ladura and Aplaya Multimedia

What are you taking up in college?  "I’m currently doing my Bachelor’s degree in media and communications in the University of Wollongong in Dubai. The reason why I chose this specific degree is because when choosing what I wanted to do for university, I wanted to get into acting school, however my parents weren’t going to support me financially with that degree because acting isn’t a certain career path, you need a little bit of luck and connections in order to get into that. So I chose media and communications because that’s the closest thing I could get to acting in front of the camera, I would at least be behind the camera."

What do you think is the biggest decision that you’ve made in your life? "To be honest with you, even though it was the smartest decision I’ve made it was also the hardest decision I’ve made too because I never actually had plans to get back into modelling and this opportunity came out of absolutely nowhere. I know most people would probably take this opportunity in a heartbeat, but in all honesty I wasn’t ready for it. I was out of shape, and I wasn’t taking care of myself and shaping myself for modelling anymore since Covid hit."

What is your motto in life? "My motto in life is to always be kind, even to those who aren’t. I’ve learned throughout the years is that when you leave this earth, nobody cares how well you did in your English test back in grade 7, but people would care about how you helped them study for it, especially if they get a good grade because of you. However long you are in this life for, always try and do good no matter who the person is, because at the end of the day people will care about your heart rather than your mind."

What are your winning traits? "My winning traits are that I’m resilient, I’m trustworthy, I’m loyal and I’m respectful."

What winning tips you get from your trainor/ handler? "Some winning tips I get from my handler is to never give up."

How do you handle bashers?  "I invite them into my life because that’s my sign that I’m making it and I’m close to success."

Do you have secrets sustaining your pogi points?  "Eat, sleep, repeat."

What is your best asset and why? "I feel like my best asset is how brave and competitive I am. I never back down from a challenge and when I do take up a challenge I will do anything and everything to win." 

What advocacy experience do you have? Maybe you have an important message to share ... and being a model would be the venue or forum to start your advocacy. "Some advocacy experience that I have is giving back to my community, especially in Calape. Calape has helped me so much whenever it came to my modelling, whether it was supporting me or even just the wildlife and scenery. Because of this, I enjoy giving back to my community after all the help they have given to me."

Who’s your role model?" My role model is my father. He has always been the one person I have always looked up to and listened to whenever times got too rough, and when it comes to really big decisions I always ask myself what would my father do."

Any other woman whom you admire? "A strong and powerful woman who I admire is my mother. She’s the person who gave birth to me and raised me when I was a child and taught me what’s right and what’s wrong. Without her I don’t know where I’d be in my life."

How you will convince people here and abroad that it is more fun in Bohol? "It’s all in the saying, Bohol has it all, and it’s all in Bohol. Which is very true, based off of all the tourist attractions and numerous activities you can do on this beautiful island, it truly has no boring days. You can always do something in Bohol any and every day of the week. Bohol has some of the most beautiful scuba diving and free diving sites if you’re into that, but if you’re afraid of the ocean then you can always find something to do at Island City Mall, or visit the world famous Chocolate Hills and climb over 200 steps to go up the mountain. There is always something fun to do in this beautiful island, Bohol."

Bohol's "Great Man of the Universe" Joshua Lillehagen pays a visit to Gov. Aris Aumentado. Also in photo is Lillehagen' s manager Roger Ryan "Khim" Magtagad. Photo: Aplaya Multimedia

What place in Bohol you would like to promote and bring your friends?  "To be honest there isn’t just one place in Bohol I would promote and bring my friends to because the island of Bohol as a whole is a beautiful island and there’s always something to do no matter what province you travel to. You can always travel to the Chocolate Hills and see the beautiful view at the top of one of the mountains you can climb, or you can go into the city of Tagbilaran and experience the night life, or if you’re a daytime person you can go into any of the malls and shop for good quality clothes or delicious food with the friendliest staff. 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."

What qualities of the Boholano youth would you highlight? "Their resiliency."

What is your favorite quote? “Don’t waste your time with explanations, people only hear what they want to hear.” - Paulo Coelho

Describe yourself in three (3) words:" Resilient. Trustworthy. Spiritual. Resilient - no matter how many times I get knocked down I will get right back on my feet again. Trustworthy - no matter what I will always try and tell the truth in full, even if the truth will hurt.  Spiritual - no matter where I am or what I’m doing, I will always turn to God for help if I’m at a low point in my life, and I will always thank God when I’m at a high point." 

How's your love life? "I don’t have one." 

What do you find sexy in a woman? "Her personality." 

And what turns you off? "Lack of personality."

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COVID-19 leaves beauty industry unemployed

There’s no denying that the majority of freelance makeup artists and hairstylists are affected by the COVID-19.  But Roger Ryan" Khim" Magtagad is at your service at the BQ Mall.  Photo: Leo Udtohan

With business disrupted and provinces on lockdown to contain the pandemic, the economy slumbers. 

 

Most projects are at a standstill. Beauty pageants and events have been cancelled and postponed.

 

So sad the virus has all but completely shut down their industry.

 

For the freelance make-up and hairstylists  their jobs---which involves face-to-face, one-on-one contact — the very thing that the entire world has been told to avoid to stop the spread of the virus--- they are left to find creative ways to survive financially and emotionally. 

 

Andrew, a Tagbilaran-based freelance makeup artist, hasn’t worked since March 16. He primarily does wedding makeup and worked a wedding that day, but he's been self-quarantining ever since.

 

“My June weddings were cancelled," he told VRS. 

 

Another make-up artist Pickles said that next year's project is totally empty. 

 

"No bookings compared to last year's, " he said. 

 

But the pandemic didn't stop them to makeup lost time and to render community volunteerism during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

 

They have volunteered to paint social distancing markers around Tagbilaran City. They also helped to check the home quarantine pass and monitor social distancing in both public and private establishments. 

 

Roger Ryan" Khim" Magtagad of The Art Noveau volunteered to assist frontliners at malls and public markets. 

 

"This quarantine I would say is life changing. It had swayed me how many times, made me blank for awhile and made my life uncertain at some point. I belong to the events industry that is greatly affected by this pandemic. No events means no job and no job means no money and no food to eat, " shared Khim. 

 

He thought it was the end. 

 

For freelance makeup artists and hairstylists, their lives have already changed dramatically during this pandemic.  But Nina and Angela are at your service at the Dao Public Market. Photo: Leo Udtohan

"The Art Nouveau Models and my closest and trusted supported me and motivated me. They provided me not just material things but also wisdom and determination," he said. 

 

He said it was a challenge venturing into a new platform of work that he was not used to it. 

 

"I have been managing and handling models for more than 10 years. So I have to adjust everything on this also," he said. 

 

"I want to be able to take part in helping flattening the curve for COVID- 19. As a new member of the Glam Team, I am one of those who is very blessed to receive aid from  (Tagbilaran City First Lady) Ate Jane Yap our very active and loving 1st lady. Under the administration of Mayor Baba Yap, I am very happy and honored that I am able to help my community and work to make this community sanitized to prevent the spreading of the virus. I will render myself and continue to volunteer in maintaining the safety protocol in Tagbilaran City."

 

COVID19, he said, is still here. He encouraged everyone to protect ourselves and the community.

 

"As much as I want to help, this is the only thing I can do that is why I am giving my all because I know it will make a difference. It is very risky for me but I want to help and I want to tell people to be responsible and to stay at home when it's not needed. We should ask not what the government can provide but ask ourselves, 'What can I do to help flatten the curve?', " said Khim. 

 

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Art Yap not (yet?) keen on running for Bohol guv

Wake-uppers:

Some of the models under The Art Nouveau
Models management. Contributed Photos

Scene:  Talent manager and performer Nicole Kim Gonzales (Roger Ryan Magtagad in real life) berated and declared an event coordinator a “big liar” whose modus operandi was slashing the budget for her models. Kim, the founder of The Art Nouveau Models, posted on her Facebook that their relationships go sour due to issues of finances. According to VRS, because of its unpleasant encounter with the event coordinator, Kim has decided to blacklist her. Clue: Hello, Billy? Buking na siya!

 

Scene: A young socialite cried a river (nay, an ocean!) when her high-profile parents vehemently opposed her budding romance with a hunky classmate. Reason: the parents confirmed that the hunky classmate comes from a poor family background.  Langit ka,  lupa ako,  hanggang tanaw lang ba tayo....

 

Scene:  President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed former Bohol OIC governor Victor dela Serna as one of the 18 members of the consultative committee that will conduct consultations and review the provisions of the 1987 Constitution.

 

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Bohol 3rd district Representative Arthur Yap’s daily schedule might be full due to his public service commitments, but he’s never too busy to meet the members of the Bohol media.

 

It looks like it but Bohol 3rd district Rep. Art Yap
 has yet to decide if he will run for Bohol governor in 2019.
 Leo Udtohan

In fact, last Friday’s meet and greet, Yap answered questions and issues intelligently and satisfactorily from the case filed against him on the P15.8-M car plan, to 2019 Election political plans, Charter Change, Train Law and his PDP-Laban affiliation.

 

He lamented that the graft case against him by the Sandiganbayan over a car plan for employees of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) was unfair and unjust.

 

“We found it very unfair. And we will really fight the case very aggressively,” Yap said.

 

He stressed that he was not present when the rules on the car plan was drafted and approved by the PhilRice Board of Trustees.

 

He also said it was hard to believe if the case was politically motivated.

 

“On politics behind the PhilRice case, I hope not. I hope not. But sometimes I should be honest to you in my moments in despair and loneliness, sometimes my thoughts really there. I pray not,” he said.

 

Is he running for Bohol governor?

 

Because he’s often seen these days in the barangays, Yap may have unwittingly set off speculations that he is running for Bohol governor with outgoing Bohol 1^st district Rep. Rene Relampagos as his running-mate in the 2019 elections against the tandem of Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco, Jr and Vice Governor Dionisio Balite.

 

Rep. Art Yap with the Bohol reporters. 
Courtesy: Angie Valencia

To set the record straight, Yap told reporters that he is not yet running.

 

 “I have not decided to run,” he said.

 

But he maintained it is one of his options.

 

“Whatever it is, I know it is a raging issue. I think it is one of my options. Thankful ko sa mga tawo that they are talking about it. That means they are seriously considering that I am material for governor. Daghang salamat for considering me. Until I made up the final decision, I stick to my answer before that I have not decided,” he said. 

 

As he has been saying in interviews, Yap’s mindset is very much in the third district of Bohol, known for its richness in cultural and natural tourism landmarks especially the Loboc River, the Chocolate Hills and the pristine beaches and diving spots in Jagna and Anda.

 

Asked by reporters to name at least one leader who fit to replace him, Yap played it safe.

 

“It’s very difficult to say if who is the best person who will succeed me. He or she has to be somebody who is willing to sacrifice for the district,” he said.

 

Nonetheless, he stressed that only the people can change the course of the district’s direction by installing the right and deserving leader.

 

“With all humility, I will end my third term and I have visited all the barangays in my district more than once. I was able to give projects to fulfil my promise during the campaign and I was able to fulfil it,” he said.

 

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Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohanINQ at Twitter /Facebook.