Andrew Wolff takes the Mr. World challenge
Lady luck is flashing her winningest smile at Andrew Wolff. First, his team, the Philippine Volcanoes, clinched the 2013 Rugby World Cup Seven Slot in Singapore. This means the team — and the country — will surely compete at next year's World Cup in Moscow.
Then, Mr. World licensee Cory Quirino tapped him to represent the Philippines at the international male pageant in England on Nov. 24. One look at the checklist of requirements and Cory knew she found her man in Andrew.
"Top modeling agencies sent me 25 to 30 photos of good-looking men," she recalls. "They met the requirements. Then I learned about the pageant's requirements for someone with a very strong athletic background."
That's when she thought of Andrew. He's been playing rugby nonstop for the past months. He's also into badminton and soccer. If that's not athletic, what is?
Brawn and brains
Brawn alone is not enough. Mr. World must also have brains. Andrew has his own sports-oriented events company. And you won't catch him groping for sensible answers to thorny questions.
But Andrew's excitement didn't match Cory's at first.
"I was speechless and flattered," he relates. "But I was afraid I will just be one of them."
Cory convinced him otherwise.
"Mr. World is looking for a representative who can project well on stage. Andrew has extensive modeling experience. In the list of requirements, he has a check on everything," the pageant organizer explains.
Besides, everything just fell into place. The Volcanoes won't start preparing for the next big competition till next year. Andrew's schedule is clear. So after three days, he got back to Cory and told her it's a go.
"I'll do my best for the Philippines," he promised. "Pinoys are very friendly and warm. Dadalhin ko 'yon sa competition."
It's not the first time Andrew is representing the Philippines. He did it — with much success — as member of the Philippine Volcanoes.
This time, Andrew doesn't have the comfort of numbers behind him. He's on his own.
His showbiz background will come in handy when he sings and dances in the talent portion of the contest.
Not just about winning
Still, he knows it's anybody's ballgame. And he's prepared for anything.
"It's not just about winning. It's about taking part. Being one of the candidates is already a privilege. I feel lucky and I want to thank everyone involved."
Andrew also wants his kababayan to like the Mr. World-Philippines Facebook page and help him win the Social Media award, a new category in the 22-year-old international pageant.
"We Filipinos are so fond of social media. Let's use this to rally behind Andrew," Cory pleads.
She and his manager, Arnold Vegafria, are not the only ones rallying behind Andrew. So, too, are many others who believe in the changed man they see before him.
Andrew has put the dark shades of showbiz scandals behind him. He has started on a clean slate. Talk about pleasant turnarounds, and you see Andrew's tall, buffed physique looming large before you.
"The only one who can judge me is God," he says. "Everyone deserves a chance to do the best they can in life. Everyone has his issues. No one's perfect. But I'll do the best for the Philippines."
Andrew's is the classic case of someone who fell and not only lived to tell the story. He is a shining example of someone who can move on so well, he is leaving a trail for sports fans and admirers of complete turnarounds to follow.
Andrew's formula?
"Don't give up. Always pray. Look at me. I'm now an athlete. I'll be in the World Cup next year. God willing, I'll have no injuries. And I'm representing the Philippines in Mr. World. I can be an inspiration to others who want to uplift their lives and change."
Andrew walks the talk. And you can't help sit up and notice.
