JERRY OLEA
Lilipad pa-Thailand si Louis Zabala sa Abril 9, 2026, Huwebes, bilang kinatawan ng Pilipinas sa third edition ng Mr. Bear International.
Gaganapin ang timpalak sa Abril 13, Lunes ng 1:00-5:00 P.M., sa Asiatique The Riverfront sa Bangkok, Thailand, bilang bahagi ng Bangkok Songkran Bear Week.
Ano ang pakiramdam niya sa nalalapit na laban sa Mr Bear International?
“Mixed emotions, to be perfectly honest,” tugon ni Louis nitong Abril 7, Martes ng hapon, via Messenger.
“I’m very excited, nervous, anxious, but the one thing that I really feel talaga is the pressure. Because it’s not just about me.
“There’s a certain sense of responsibility included kasi, e. I carry the weight of the bear community in the country.
“It really does make me proud though, to be given the chance to represent and to advocate for us in an international stage nonetheless. So I really want to do my best.
“Both feet forward ika nga. I want to make sure I represent who we are, our diversity, our warmth, and our strength.”
LOUIS' PREPARATIONS FOR MR. BEAR INTERNATIONAL 2026
Si Louis ay 40-anyos, 5’10” ang taas, 105 kg ang timbang, at tubong-Silang, Cavite.
Marketing degree holder siya sa DLSU Manila. Ang work niya ay project manager specializing in marketing strategy and consulting.
Anu-ano ang paghahanda niya para sa timpalak?
“Holistic yung preparation ko. Physical, creative, and mental,” pagtatapat ni Louis.
“Physically, I’m very consistent in working out and eating right. Yes, we have to be big and people think it’s easy, but it’s also about eating right.
"So I’m sticking to heavy workouts and a healthy diet. Nae-enjoy ko naman kumain ng madami.
“Creatively, I really thought about my concepts. I didn’t push it or anything.
"I waited for the spark to come, you know, that lightbulb moment where it just clicks. And then refine. I consulted a lot of people before making the decisions.
“Mentally, this took a little longer to be honest. Kasi I’m an introvert. I’m not used to things like these lalo na on an international level.
“It was all about making sure I follow my mantra, making sure I’m grounded. I’m just grateful I have a great and amazing support system.”
Mr Bear International is a global pageant that celebrates the “bear” community — a subculture of men who are often bigger-bodied, hairy or not, masculine-presenting (though inclusive of all identities).
It is owned by a Thai entrepreneur and hotel owner Mr. Vachira Somlim aka Khun Bhoy. Its headquarter is located at Silom, Bangkok Thailand.
It started as Mr. Bear Asia in 2018.
Its first titleholder is from the Philippines, a makeup artist and hair stylist Mr. Donald Lapez of Aklan Province. He won in 2024 at Holiday Inn Silom in Bangkok.
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NOEL FERRER
Lumahok si Louis Zabala sa Mr. Bear Philippines 2024, kung saan tinanghal siyang second runner-up.
Nakamit din niya ang special awards para sa Sportswear, Popularity, at Underwear.
Sumali siya muli sa kasunod na taon, at nagwagi. Natamo rin niya ang special awards na Popularity at Best in Casual Wear.
Anu-ano ang kanyang mga adhikain?
“My core advocacies are body positivity and acceptance and visibility, whether inside or outside the community,” sabi ni Louis.
“Based on my own experience, I know the feeling of being an outcast, of not fitting into any standard.
“Even within the bear community, I didn’t fit the traditional definition (big and hairy). I want to show that being a bear is not just about our physical appearances. It’s about embodying all the other qualities.
“I want to raise the awareness about the bear community as well as for the people who think they don’t fit it any mold.
“Secondly, We’ve all heard of body positivity before. However, it doesn’t end there kasi. I’m of the firm belief that apart from that, we also need to have a positive mindset.
“A positive body leads to body positivity. While we should definitely accept beauty in all shapes and sizes, this also comes with the responsibility of taking care of ourselves and making sure we’re healthy so we can live a long and happier life.
“More than that, I want to create and support spaces where people feel seen, heard, and accepted, the same way the community did for me when I was just starting out.”
Puwede ka ring sumali riyan, Tito Jerry!!!
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GORGY RULA
Isa sa struggles ni Louis Zabala ang pakiwari na hindi siya belong sa alinmang community.
“My physical description is sort of like in limbo. I am in between,” pagsisiwalat ni Louis.
“So there was a lot of self-doubt at first before the community even welcomed me.
“Apart from that, being from a religious household, it took a while for my family to accept my sexuality.
“However, while it took longer than expected, eventually it got there! My mom even attended and spoke at my wedding!
“My dad couldn’t attend but the night before, he called us and wished us nothing but happiness.
“I think the lesson here really is that nothing comes easy. But the ones that we work hard for, those are the ones that are worth it.
“I’m kind of a walking contradiction. I look serious and intimidating pero super daldal ko talaga when you get to know me. I’m a very playful person and I like to fool around.
“I’m also a big geek. Gaming, books, even K-Pop, you name it. So medyo unexpected yun for a lot of people. Kasi nga ang laki ko, tapos meron pa kong RBF. LOL”
RELEVANCE OF MR. BEAR INTERNATIONAL AMID FUEL CRISIS
Sa kanyang pananaw, ano ang relevance ng Mr. Bear International 2026 sa gitna ng pagtaas ng halaga ng fuel dulot ng sigalot sa Middle East?
“It’s a very valid concern especially in these trying times. There’s a lot of issues in the world and this is one of the biggest,” saad ni Louis.
“But for me, competitions and pageants like Mr. Bear create a space for representation, visibility, and community.
“These things are equally important especially in these times of uncertainty. It gives people a sense belonging and identity which can be very grounding especially when everything else feels unstable.
“At the same time, being participants, we have a responsibility to use our platform to stay informed and keep everybody informed. It’s part of our job to raise awareness as well as to make sure that the community remains united.
“Although we can’t directly affect any change, all the candidates can spread the message of togetherness. As the saying goes, ‘United we stand, divided we fall.’
“And in times like these, it’s our united strength that will help us move forward and continue to see hope for the future.”
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