Interview with Mr. Teen Universe International USA – Thomas Magdaleno

Firstly thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions about your pageant journey. You are the first Mr. I have interviewed for my pageant lockdown blog.

Can you introduce yourself ?

Mr.Teen Universe International USA, Thomas Magdaleno, 15 years old

What made you enter pageants ?

I first entered pageants because I had gone with my sister, the reigning Teen Universe Illinois, to a modelling practice and her director had asked if I had any interest in modelling, and I said yes. Almost right after that, she asked if I was open to doing a pageant. I agreed because I was looking to expand my horizons and try new things.

What made you decide to compete in your current system ?

I wanted to try something outside of my comfort zone. At such a high level in male pageants I am enjoying the experience as it goes.

What the best thing that pageants have taught you ?

The best thing that being Mr. Teen Universe USA has taught me is that with the right resources and hard work you can really make a difference, for example I have been using this title to my best ability to open the stigma for men and beauty contests.

What’s your pageant platform and why ?

My platform is the advocation of children with special needs. I made this my platform because I believe that the way the world handles, teaches and treats children with special needs, requires major improvement. Most people tend to think of them as lesser than them or disabled just because they think in a different way than most people do and that is obviously not true. I want people to acknowledge the fact that they are less able than us but rather they are differently able and just as capable as we are.

What’s your dream title ?

My dream title would be to be Mr. Teen Universe International.

If you were to win Mr. Teen Universe International what would it mean to you ?

Winning Mr. Teen Universe International would mean a great deal to me because I would love to use the resources available to further my modeling career and help me to continue to make a difference with my platform.

What’s the best advice you have for fellow pageant contestants ?

The best advice I could give my fellow pageant contestants is to do their very best. I want to see everyone there performing their best, competing to the highest extent they can. I want to see everyone give it their all because if they don’t then what is the point of the contest.

What have you been doing in the run up to your pageant final ?

I have been practicing everything. Trying to further my support and work on my platform, my modeling walk, and of course keeping in shape in my home gym. I want to be the very best version of myself when I arrive in Nicaragua for internationals.

What’s your favourite ever appearance so far ?

My favorite appearance was when I was asked to hand out awards to artists and models being honored and recognized for their achievements at the Imperio Music Awards. I was also personally acknowledged as top male model.

How has the lockdown due to COVID19 effected your pageant journey ?

It has inhibited me from being able to go places including internationals that were set for the last week in April but was postponed but has allowed me more time to prepare for the competition. I have also been able to use social media to further my platform until quarantine ends.

Has the competition been postponed ?

The competition was postponed from April to October.

What makes a good pageant role model ?

A good pageant role model is someone who is confident. Someone who knows what they want and are willing to put in the work to get it. They are honest and dedicated. A role model can make the best out of any situation and be able to communicate with anyone. They are respectful and humble. They are able to admit when they are wrong. They are intelligent and cultured, and they have a life outside of the pageant industry where they make a difference for the good of the world.

What’s your favourite pageant round ?

My favorite pageant round is the interview because it allows me to further talk about and advocate for my platform, whilst letting the judges know more about me and what I stand for.

How do you deal with pageant nerves ?

I’m usually a calm person and don’t get nervous but when I do, I focus on a task ahead of me and just do my very best.

Social Media Links

Instagram: @mrteenuniverseusa Facebook: Thomas Magdaleno

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions it’s been lovely learning more about your experience in a Mr. pageant. I wish you all the best in the future both with modelling and pageantry. Much Love, Charlotte, Ms Diamond South Yorkshire 2020.