And The 2013 Elan Award Goes To...

Well, lets give you a little breather for that moment to guess among the 12 finalist landed on the top spot in each category of the 2013 Elan Awards by McJim Classic Leather search for the modern Filipino Gentleman. Chivalry and Class is not dead with the roster of 12 gentlemen who are part of different sectors of society and are celebrities and well-respected by their peers and the public.

The search was not easy and quick, from the nomination, to the selection via a panel of judges, to the online voting that has triggered a lot of hits for the McJim Classic Leather facebook page, is a meticulous process so that it would be transparent who will be the "Ultimate Filipino Gentleman."

As the voting would take the longest duration, there has been changes in rankings and also support from fans of the 12 contenders. But what is also interesting about this award would be the prizes the winner will receive. 

Now, I won't keep you waiting, as we now reveal the winner...


Singer Christian Bautista Wins Search For Modern Filipino Gentleman

In the first ever online competition established by McJIM Classic Leather the 2013 Elan Awards, International singer and matinee ifol Christian Bautista has been proclaimed as teh winner and the epitome of the modern Filipino Gentleman. The purpose of the award is to inspire all Filipino Gentlemen to become true gentlemen of our modern times.

The award has been established by popular leather brand McJIM to find and hnor the best role models for style and elegance among today's Filipino gentlemen. The Finalists were chosen from a lengthly lists of entertainment, fashion, sports, music, and public service personalities. The winner was chosen by popular vote; the vote were cast on the Official Facebook Fan Page of McJIM Classic Leather.

The 2013 Elan Awards was held on August 15, 2013 at 55 Events Place in Scout Rallos, Quezon City. As the 2013 Elan Man, Christian Bautista will be awarded the prestigious ELan Trophy, designed by acclaimed contemporary Filipino artist Igan D'Bayan; 100,000 pesos; and a year's supply of McJIM Classic Leather products. The Elan Awards will also donate 100,000 peoso to Bautista's favorite charity, World Vision.

Bautista was picked amont the twelve stellae finalists. His co-finalist included Senator-elect Sonny Angara; actor-director Dingdong Dantes; celebrity food blogger Erwan Huessaff; actor Xian Lim; acclaimed actor Coco Martin; actor and producer Piolo Pascual; singer and businessman Richard Poon; actor and fitness enthusiast Derek Ramsay; actor and singer Jericho Rosales, professional basketball athlete, businessman and TV host Chris Tiu, and AZKALS member Phil Younghusband.

The finalists were chosen by celebrity panel of judges that included society columnist Tim Yap; actor and top male model Victor Basa; and radio and TV personality Sam YG based on the three criteria; a. Elegance of Style; b. Refinement; and c. Accomplishment. In an official statement McJIM Classic Leather said it was very pleased over Bautista's victory. It said that Bautista is the perfect choice as winner because the award highlights the fact that Filipino talent is respected in the world and is capable of great accomplishment - qualities that Bautista posseses as an international performer and recording artist.

"We are glad that Mr. Christian Bautista has been judged to represent the best in what is truly Filipino. As a singer, Mr. Bautista has an international fan base, proving that Filipino talent and passion has no bounds. He shows us that the Filipino stands proud and can hold his own with any other race or nationality. Mr. Bautista is an inspiration to us all for his sense and style, his Filipino values and manners, and his drive to succeed," said 2013 Elan Awards Project Head Chris Cahilig.

The 2013 Elan Awards Trophy was designed by Filipino visual artist and writer Igan D'Bayan. D'Bayan has held several sold out exhibitions that gained critical and popular acclaim. He is also an art columnist and illustrator for a major Philippine broadsheet.

Cahilig add that the overring purpose of the award is to inspire Filipino men "to live the life and apply the values of a true gentleman of the Philippines" and that Baustista exemplifies this gentlemany lifestyle. He is also said that they were  overwhelmed by the response of the Filipinos to the online search for the 2013 Elan Awards winner. "Filipinos from Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and even accross the globe, all responded by Liking our page, nominating and voting for their candidates."

The criteria for the 2013 Elan Awards which include elegance in style, refinement, and accomplishment, are also represented in the prizes that the winner recieves. The supply of McJIM Clasic Leather represents stylish elegance in their manufacture and design while the cash prize represents the success and accomplishment that the winner has achieved.