JM dela Cruz: Hardwork and Determination Is the Key to Success!

The candidates of Misters 2015 The Pageant are facing a whirlwind of activities in the next three weeks and as one candidate enthused he compared himself to a chicken without a head as call slips came one after another: Gym training here ... and TV appearances there. Photo shoot here ... and ambushed interview there. 

Talking about interviews, it seems like anybody can just conduct an impromptu and unscripted interview to the candidates ...  and more often than not, the questions used are the same old, tired and overused interview-formula of the '50's who don't challenge the brain cells of the candidates - flat and flaccid coloring ...no height and no depth , just the same old routine questions. Nothing really big that will shock the whole pageantopolis. So what else is new?  The candidates were asked worn out and outdated questions and the candidates answered them with nonchalant shrug and dismiss the question with tepid and insincere responses. Questions like "Why did you join the pageant and what do you think are your chances?"  abounds ... so cliche-answers like: "I joined because I want to help my family ... ad nauseam " were said repeatedly in an almost irreverent and profane timbre ... it invites derision and mockery. 

The candidates were inundated with  questions which were worded and dressed differently (if you are short-sighted you will think it is a different question) but if you put the questions under a microscope slide ... the thought bore similar intent and content. And the candidates fall prey to it. Can you imagine the candidates giving two different answer to one question given in two interview settings?. Talking about being consistent!

In the midst of the current interview merry-go-round ... there is one candidate that is consistently CONSISTENT with his answers to questions why he joined the contest. This candidate is: JM de la Cruz from Ilocos Norte. He has no qualms about  his answers, and when asked why he joined the contest he was too honest to say he wants to augment his fathers income and that he wants to help his mom who was sick right now. Give this question to another candidate ... with 80 percent probability the candidate will evade the question and will drop it like a hot potato. I know that for sure because it would be a BIG punch to the PRIDE ... something other candidates has in abundance with. Besides no one admits having financial struggles that easily. Not at this day and age when everybody lives in a world of make-believe.

JM  also admit that winning Misters 2015  and the formula getting the judges nod (and the prize money and the chance to compete in an international pageant abroad) is not sold in Rustan's or SM Store. He acknowledged that he has to work hard for it. Although it may seem difficult to reach the goal easily but given the chances the doors might start to open.

JM's motto in life is: " Lazy hands make a man poor ... but diligent hands bring wealth. "Hard work and determination doesn't  guarantee success, but it improves its chances," he added. Here is JM de la Cruz' interview.



Question 1: Introduce yourself. Who made the decision that you will join in this contest: Your manager ... your parents ... or yourself.
Answer: I am JM DELA CRUZ, 22 yrs old and I am representing Ilocos Norte for Misters 2015 The pageant. My manager encouraged me to join the pageant but I also want it too. I just need a gentle push .. hahaha. I made the decision to do this because this is a big event and I want to be a part of it. And if given the chance to win one of the titles, it will be an honor to represent our country in the international competition. What really influence me to join is my family. I did not come from a well-off family. I have 4 siblings who are still studying, my mother is sick and my father does not receive enough from his job. If I win ... it will be sweet, because I would be sharing them the money that I sweated for.

Question 2: What do you like most about yourself?
Answer: What I like most about myself is that I am very determined. When I want to accomplish something, I really put my whole heart and soul into it. I will stay focused despite the trials or challenges that come along my way. I am very dedicated and I hold on to my dreams. I do not let negative things drown what I want to achieve in life.

Question 3: What talent or skills do you have that makes you different from the rest of the candidate?
Answer: Honestly, I don't think I have special skills or talents that make me different from the other candidates. I can dance but I guess they can also do that. But what makes me distinct is my uniqueness. Nobody can be me. So that's it! I can go to farm and plant corn or rice... and they can't! Does that count??! Hahah!

Question 4: What is success to you?
Answer: Success for me is NOT measured by the big amount you have in your bank account and the material things you own nor the certificate of recognition posted on your wide wall. Success for me is contentment and true happiness that is felt from the heart. Also, success for me is having a happy family.



Question 5: What sacrifices did you make joining this pageant?
Answer: Sacrifices! Oh I had lots of that... (even before joining Mister Ilocandia where I was declared the winner)... and it's mainly MONEY problems. I had to ask help from my friends to assist me with my clothes and attire because looking good is a MUST in this side of town. Indeed staying FRESH and maintaining a spic and span and immaculately clean image (especially when you are with the other candidates and the production staff ) is a daily struggle in Manila, and that's what I get with commuting - the sun, the rain and the dust from smoke belching vehicles.  I really hate waiting in the flood of commuters in the trains ... besides it is sardines-packed. And you always have to play "patintero" with the buses and the jeepneys.

I also have invested a lot of time going to the gym to improve my physique. I was forced to give up my job as paralegal staff in a law office because I felt I was already neglecting them so I can stay focus for the competition. In Manila, I had to ask my friends working here to accommodate me since it's quite expensive to pay the rent. Another problem I encountered was that I am not familiar with the places here. I can easily get lost in this high rise jungle. It's good there are well meaning friends who are generous with their time and they have volunteered to accompany me to practice and tagged along in my appointments. The whole process was tiring and tedious, the traffic is shockingly dreadful... but I know it's all part of the journey. I just have to stay positive.

Question 6: Who would you want to convince that you deserved a WIN in this pageant: The Board of Judges ... or the audience?
Answer:  Can I say both? I want to convince both the judges and the audience that I deserve to win. The judges definitely will determine the winners and so I want to give them a good first impression. I want to represent our country in the international competetion and if I win ... it will open opportunities for me and in the process I help my family. I also want to convince the audience of my WIN because they will eventually become my supporters (thru thick and thin, come hell or high water) in my next endeavors. I want the audience to be proud of me.

Question 7: How do you see yourself ten years from now?
Answer:  Ten years from now, I see my self as a happy husband and father. I will be 32 by then. I also see myself having a good career (no matter where God would bring me) and I see myself a much responsible citizen by helping and inspiring others to the best of my ability.

Acknowlegement: Thanks to: Macky Balisacan (Producer of Mister Ilocandia and Mentor of JM) for facilitating this interview and REDPHOTOWORX for the beautiful pictures.