Where most pageants are about good looks, MWP director Cory Quirino explains during a media conference that Mr. World is also involved with serving society’s less fortunate; the pageant serves as a vehicle to promote a message of love, peace.
The 6’2 tall Andrew Wolff—who’s also a member of the Philippine Volcanoes—embodies all the qualities of Mr. World, says Quirino who personally selected and appointed him. Wolff, she says, uses his gifts both physically and intellectually and gives back to society.
Should Andrew Wolff take home the crown of Mr. World 2012, this could also very well mean a possible charity grant to a community in the Phillipines as Wolff will be traveling all over the world. He can really give a big push for the Philippines, adds Quirino.
In an exclusive interview with Interaksyon.com, the Lifestyle Section thought of preparing him for the pageant by asking him the top questions that have been asked beauty queens during the tough question-and-answer portion. (Questions lifted from a blog post from http://hatawbeauties2007.blogspot.com/2009/02/inside-beauty-queens.html)
Wolff was game enough to answer our questions. Drum roll, please:
Q: If you had US$1 million dollars, what would you do?
—Question for Ms. Margarita Moran, Ms. Universe 1973 Margarita Moran
Andrew Wolff: Well, you know I tithe, so 10% always goes to the church. You gotta give back and uhm, since I’ve been an active Christian, I believe it all comes from Him. What you give is what you receive. The rest, I will put it into investments to grow and help support my family and my kids, of course—I am heavily involved in the Tuloy Foundation an orphanage in Alabang and in rugby training and just anything to do with the kids and their livelihood.
Q: How big of a responsibility or pressure do you see this appointment?
—Derived from question directed to Ms. Riyo Mori, Ms. Universe 2007
Andrew Wolff: Of course there will always be pressure but I’m used to pressure and performing. I’m into sports. As you know, I play for the Volcanoes and every time I get into the field, the pressure of carrying the flag of the Philippines is on our shoulders and it’s similar to this. I’m going to treat it the same way I do in a game. But it’s not just a game, representing the Philippines, that is. I’ll try to excel under pressure.
Q: What would you tell a boy suffering from low self-esteem?
—Derived from a question directed to Ms. Ruffa Guttierrez, 2nd runner up Ms. World , 1992, when asked what she would tell a girl suffering from low self-esteem.
Andrew Wolff: I’ve been there. I’ve had low self-esteem. I’ve been in all sorts of unwanted and bad situations. What I’d say to them is never give up, have faith, and everything will be okay in the end. Don’t give up. That’s it, Don’t give up. Focus. Bad things happen but there’s always time in your life to rectify things and change things for the better.
Q: What is the biggest misconception about the Philippines?
—Derived from question posed to Miss China Zhou Ling, 2nd runner-up Miss Universe, 2002 on the biggest misconception about her country.
Andrew Wolff: The biggest misconception about the Philippines is we’re just another poor kind of untalented nation. But we are not. The Philippines has many personalities out there in all different fields, whether it be medicine, entertainment, all these things, and Filipinos excel.
Given the chance, the right resources, and the right funding, the Philippines could take over the world. The Philippines is one of the most displaced nations. Everywhere I go, and anywhere I play rugby, I always find Filipinos. They’re always there, they’re always happy. If we give more chances to the unfortunate, reduce the corruption in the country, and spend the money where it should be spent, I think the Philippines can be one of the greatest nations in the world.
We’re talented and a few people recognize it. And of course we’ve got people like Gwen (referring to Ms. World 1st runner up, 2011) and even Shamsuey (in reference to Miss Universe 2011, 3rd runner up) competing out there. Eventually, the world would know.
Q: One of the most famous beauty pageant questions was answered by Sushmita Sen, Ms. Universe 1994. It’s ‘what’s the essence of a woman?’ But for you, what is the essence of a man?
Andrew Wolff: Well, you know, a man should have integrity. A man should be dignified, responsible. and carry all situations wether it be in the workplace or family.
Elyse Go | Photos by Mica Cruz for InterAkyson.com
