CAMPUS HEARTTHROB: Mr. PLM 2006 in a nutshell

DON’T be deceived by looks. But how can’t you be, if you pass by the College of Nursing situated at the Gusaling Katipunan of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, and you get to meet a “scholar-cum-heartthrob?” If you see a 5-feet-8 tall guy with a striking resemblance to broadcast journalist JV Villar and Penshoppe model Brad Turvey, then you’ve come across Enrico Pambid de Jesus!

Twenty-year-old “Icko”(his moniker) is the new Mr. PLM! Also named “Male Darling of the Crowd” and “Voter’s Choice,” he bested 10 other guys in a two-hour pageant held last June 24, in celebration of PLM’s 41st anniversary.

Manila Standard Today: Is it difficult for you to be a sudden celebrity here in PLM?
Enrico de Jesus: Yes, because I don’t see myself as such. I’m still the same Icko that everyone knows here in school. I also get strange reactions, like, “Uy, ayan na si Mr. PLM—si Barney oh!,” “Ang taba, pa’no siya nanalo?,” etc. It’s okay… you see, I can’t please everybody (he said with a smile). But I want them to know that I’m friendly and very approachable.

MST: How were you chosen to represent the College of Nursing in Mr. PLM contest?
EdJ: I represented my block in last year’s Mr. College of Nursing but I lost. Apparently, the winner and runners-up have all graduated… since I’m the one who’s “next in line,” the officers of our student council gave me the opportunity.

MST: What were your preparations? Any winning formula?
EdJ: Joining pageants isn’t my cup of tea because I don’t know how it goes… No emotional or physical preparations, I just organized all the clothes I needed to wear for every category of the competition. I wouldn’t know why I won, maybe sheer luck, what do you think (he grinned)?

MST: By the way, how would your parents describe you?
EdJ: Makulit daw ako (he said with a smile).

MST: Any vivid childhood memory?
EdJ: Yes, this happened when I was four… We’d be moving to our new house in Navotas. When we’re packing our things sa house ng lola ko sa Malabon, I told her to give us naman some of her canned goods para may stock kami. While I was getting yung mga de lata sa cabinet niya, nabagsakan ako ng marami! My fingers got hit and one of my nails was removed (he laughed).

MST: Are you a straight-A student? What’s your favorite subject?
EdJ: My general weighted average last sem was 1.84. I’m neither running for honors nor at the dean’s list. I’m not super-intelligent, but I’m extra-diligent when it comes to my studies. Patho-physiology interests me a lot. I’m amazed on the mechanism of diseases—how it works in the body and it’s clinical manifestations.

MST: Why did you take up nursing?
EdJ: …So I could take care of my mom who has a chronic renal failure for years now, she’s admitted for kidney transplant or for dialysis. I want to take care of her the right way—in a hospital setting. My course helped me a lot in explaining to her why she had to take this medicine, why she can’t eat this food, etc. We go to the hospital twice a week for maintenance and checkup. Madalas, ako na rin ang nag-i-inject ng gamot sa kanya.

MST: Do you plan to work abroad in the future?
EdJ: No. I mean, taking care of my mom is my top priority. And I’d like to teach here [in PLM] first. I’d like to return all the good things that PLM had given me. If I weren’t a student-nurse, I would have taken education [major in physics]. Teaching is something that I want to be passionate about.

MST: What are your other interests?
EdJ: I love playing badminton. I used to be a member of the varsity team and had competed in various district meets. If my schedule would permit me, I’d go back to the team this semester. I also love watching documentaries at the National Geographic Channel as well as rock and alternative music videos at MYX music channel during my spare time.

MST: What do you think would other guys envy from you?
EdJ: Hmmm… magaling ako makisama sa mga tao. I’m flexible and above all, I don’t choose friends!

MST: Let’s say, I would spend a day with you, where would you take me?
EdJ: I would take you to the National Library in Kalaw para we could read a lot of books and other stuffs. I read a lot because I believe that, “He who has the knowledge rules the world!”

Spoken like a true “Iskolar ng Pamantasan!”

>> Giovanni Paolo J. Yazon