RJ Perkins draws praise for body positivity in Mr. Pampanga 2026 A contestant in the Mister Pampanga 2026 pageant has gone viral after confidently taking the stage with a fuller physique, drawing mixed reactions online. RJ Perkins of Angeles City drew attention during the swimwear competition after showcasing his natural build with confidence, earning both praise and criticism from netizens. Videos circulating online showed Perkins smiling, walking with confidence, and engaging the crowd, despite not fitting traditional pageant body standards. While some users praised his charisma, personality, and “face card,” others posted body-shaming comments and unsolicited advice about his physique. The moment has since sparked a broader conversation on body image and evolving standards in male pageantry. Perkins previously trained under Star Hunt Academy and appeared in several television projects, adding to his growing public profile. The Mister Pampanga competition continues with its preliminary round set for May 3 and coronation night on May 9, where the winner will advance to national-level pageants. When Mr Richard Jermaine “RJ” Perkins walked on stage during a male pageant in the Philippines, he did something quietly radical. The 21-year-old, who is a Mister Pampanga 2026 candidate, strutted around a bayside boardwalk on April 19 with nothing on but his snug swim trunks – and a body that turned the standard for male beauty on its head. He had a fuller midsection – a paunch bookmarked by “love handles” – a soft chest, and arms and legs that were not toned by investing hours a day at the gym. But he had the easy, unseen confidence of someone who had decided he was not going to apologise for any of that. The audience noticed. So did the internet. A video of his turn in the swimwear segment of the beauty contest has gone viral in the Philippines and beyond, drawing tens of thousands of comments. Most praised him for his daring, courage, and refreshing display of body confidence. “That’s really how most men actually gaze,” one social media user wrote. Another called his confidence “empowering”, urging others not to equate worth with physical perfection. “Confidence is not about being delusional,” someone else wrote. “Confidence is realising who you really are and accepting yourself.” However, there were others who were less kind, mocking his appearance and weighing him against the familiar, if often unspoken, beauty standards men are held against: lean, muscular, chiselled. “Brother failed to put on a bra,” one wrote. Yet, Mr Perkins is taking it in stride. A fresh voice in male pageantry is turning heads—and shifting perspectives. RJ Perkins, a Mister Pampanga 2026 candidate and former Star Hunt Academy trainee, has gone viral after his swimwear appearance sparked conversations about body standards and representation in the competition scene. Onstage, Perkins chose authenticity over conformity. While pageants have long been associated with a particular physique, his confident walk resonated with audiences who saw something more meaningful than aesthetics—a statement of self-acceptance. Mister Pampanga bet goes viral for breaking body norms “I really didn’t expect anything at first… well, I did my best. I would have to admit that,” he shared. “I walked on that stage showing who I am, and what I want to indicate out to the world.” The moment quickly gained traction online, with netizens praising his courage and applauding the visibility he brought to a more inclusive definition of male beauty. For many, it wasn’t just a performance—it was a breakthrough. “I was really nervous. I do have to admit it was a nerve-wracking experience… it’s likewise my first pageant,” Perkins admitted. “When I woke up to see everyone commenting that it was a brave thing to do, I was really happy.” Beyond the viral moment, Perkins emphasized that his goal extended far beyond placements or titles. It was about influence—and impact. “I might as well make a standard… that was my goal,” he said. When Mr Richard Jermaine “RJ” Perkins walked on stage during a male pageant in the Philippines, he did something quietly radical. The 21-year-old, who is a Mister Pampanga 2026 candidate, strutted …
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