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Bahamas to representative at Manhunt International 2012
By Oswald Ellis
Aug 5, 2012 - 3:26:13 PM

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When the call came to join the hunt for Manhunt International Bahamas,  7 Bahamian men courageously signed up to bare their soles and display their model good looks and style for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent The Bahamas at Manhunt International later this year in Bangkok, Thailand. 
"Our seven contestants are from New Providence, Bimini and Grand Bahama, and having varying backgrounds in modeling.  We are very pleased with the selection and know that any one of them would be an acceptable model to compete internationally," said Oswald Ellis, event organizer. 

A bevy of female judges were gathered and the selection process will happen over a two-day event ending with “The Ultimate Girl’s Night Out”  on September 23, 2012 when the winner will be named. 

"We are proud to sponsor events that help develop people of the nation. This is the first time an event like this, one featuring males, will be showcased in Grand Bahama. It's exciting that men can be afforded some of the same opportunities as Bahamian females of pageantry to travel as ambassador's of their country," said Ms Robbin Whachell of The Bahamas Weekly. "Although this is not really 'a pageant', and is based upon 'modeling' prowess,
the individual must be a well-rounded, to exemplify an ideal candidate ready for the global arena. Whoever wins, will definitely reap many benefits towards continuing or 'starting' their modeling career," she added.    

Let’s meet the models competing for the inaugural Manhunt International Bahamas title:

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Philip Cooper II was born and raised in Nassau and started modeling at the age of 17 and has not stopped since. Philip modeled all through college where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Philip's modeling experience includes National Designer of the Year; Coles of Nassau fashion shows; The Walk Off 2012, Islands of the World Fashion Showcase 2012, BTC Starmaker 2012, where he was given the name, "The Bahamian Usher", and at the International Talent Showcase (
(ITS) in Florida where he placed in the top 5 in the 3 categories including singing, modeling, and acting.

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Drew Palacious of Freeport is a graduate of Sunland Baptist Academy 2006 and Missouri Valley College 2010 Drew is no stranger to the local fashion scene on the island.  His runway experience includes Hardour Collection, Islands of the World Fashion Week and as presentation model at the Red Rose Ball for TCI/International Designer Kazz Forbes.  He has a true desire to pursue a career as an international model and views the opportunity that will come with the title of Manhunt International Bahamas as a door opening experience that he does not want to miss. He says “you can never go wrong with international exposure”.
 
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Feliche Ranger is from Nassau and an aspiring international model under
Kingz Management. His best qualities he feels are that he is very sociable, easy to work with, and follows direction well.  Feliche says “he is striving for excellence."  He believes that if you want change to happen you need to change what you were doing before to get a different result.  He is a strong believer in 'the sky is the limit'.  He brings his unique way of thinking and style to Manhunt which broadens the level of competition to be expected when The Bahamas title holder will be named.

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Christoph Symonette
is from Nassau and is no stranger the model industry in the Bahamas and has modeled in national advertising campaigns. From the age of 15 Christoph had the desire to hit the runway, always being told “you got that model look.” Christoph said he feels that he's grown into his looks and has developed a level of maturity to go along with it. He expresses himself through fashion, his hair and overall appearance; saying he's never wanted to fit in the mold called 'normal'.  He feels a top model should be eager to try new looks especially when afforded the opportunity of working with different designers.

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Natakai D. Opato is from Bimini. One of the younger competitors Natakai is 19 years old and stands 6' 2" and says he is known throughout the islands for his swimmers' physique.  Fashion has always been his passion  and he takes every opportunity to pursue this dream
of a career in modeling.  He knows that it will be a long journey, but it is one that he is committed to taking, one step at a time. Natakai says his world would not be complete if he could not enjoy shopping, listening to music, travelling, a good gym workout, and modeling.  He is presently a customer service representative at Western Air.

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Trumaine Taylor was born in The Bahamas' second city, Freeport, Grand Bahama and has an associate’s degree in accounting.  He is now deployed and working as an accountant for the Royal Bahamas Police Force where he plans to further his education.  Trumaine said he has always been told that he should model and has modeled in Chicago, LA and Nassau.  His best quality he says is 'listening', as he has decided to listen and venture into modeling in hopes of establishing another professional career.

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Pedro Mejias was born and raised in our tropical paradise, our nation’s capital of Nassau and considers himself to be a real “Island boy”, one who is in love with every aspect of The Bahamas, from our rich and diverse culture to our sumptuous delicacies like peas & rice and guava duff (his favourites).  Pedro has always been a dreamer and a go-getter.  He sees himself being very successful, touring the world,  and becoming a great ambassador for his country. His ambition is to some day attend acting school, and one day be in the ranks of Will Smith, The Rock, or the pioneer himself, Sir Sidney Poitier.


Manhunt International Bahamas is sponsored by Treasure Bay Casino and TheBahamasWeekly.com, and through their support, a renewed confidence in the activities available for the Bahamian male to direct his energies has come about. Corporate Bahamas is encouraged to look beyond athletics and continue to support our young men.




Sponsorship Opportunities:
As this is our inaugural event, the organizers are seeking sponsorship and support of the corporate community to assist with the funding required for the winner's participation in Bangkok and the hosting of the national preliminary in Freeport
  Email us today! starmodelmanagement.info@ gmail.com 

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Our Facebook Event Page

Remember to follow thebahamasweekly.com for updates. The selection of manhunt International Bahamas 2012 happens September 23rd!



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