Mister Pampanga Candidate RJ Perkins Breaks Beauty Standards
RJ PERKINS – A 21-year-old representative of Angeles City, he is one of the candidates in the Mister Pampanga 2026 pageant.
He recently gained attention after confidently walking in the trunks presentation, where he chose to show his natural physique despite not having the typical muscular or toned body often seen in pageants. His appearance quickly went viral online, receiving a mix of praise and criticism.
Many people commended RJ for promoting body positivity and challenging the usual standards in male pageants. He shared that he simply wanted to present himself honestly and give his best, even though he felt nervous since it was his first time joining a competition like this. He did not expect his performance to attract so much attention, but he felt happy knowing that many saw his act as brave and inspiring.
RJ explained that he embraced the opportunity because he was proud to represent Angeles City, especially as its first candidate in the pageant. He aimed to set a new example by showing that confidence is not limited to physical appearance. While some online comments were supportive, others criticized and mocked his body. Despite this, RJ remained calm and unbothered, choosing instead to thank people for noticing and supporting him in any way.
He expressed his desire to encourage others to accept and love their bodies while continuing to improve themselves. For him, confidence comes not only from physical appearance but also from one’s mindset and inner strength.
RJ also shared that his current physique reflects a major personal achievement. He used to weigh around 180 kilograms and has since reduced his weight to about 98 to 100 kilograms, showing significant progress in his journey. Beyond pageantry, RJ has experience in entertainment, including training, performing, and acting, before continuing his studies in performing arts in Canada.
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