“If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again”. It wasn’t without umpteen failures and repetitive experimentation before Thomas Edison, Alexander Graham Bell and brothers Orville & Wilbur Wright finally succeeded in the invention of our world’s very first light bulb, telephone and aircraft. So if history has taught us anything, it is that greatness is often not accomplished on first attempt, but after repeated trials and tribulations. While there may be those who expressed surprise and negativity when they learn of past contestants returning to vie again for the champion spot, I say we should instead applaud and commend them for possessing the courage, commitment and drive to push themselves to greater heights in their pursuit of excellence and glory!
When it comes to exemplifying this admirable attitude in life, we could think of nobody more befitting than Contestant No. 8 Jason Chee. Since making his national large-scale pageant competition debut in Manhunt Singapore 2009, where his inexperience then may have proved detrimental to his performance that year, he had only proceeded to grow from strength to strength over the following years, sculpting his 1.8m 80kgs Greek God physique to near perfection, aiding him in successfully carving out an illustrious career in pageantry, as well as establishing himself as a highly sought after fitness model!
In addition, dispelling the notion that musclemen are all just looks and brawn, the 25-year old multi-hyphenate revealed himself to be quite the budding entrepreneur too with the recent launch of an impressive new gym “Bodies Gym by Abvolution Pte Ltd”, which he started with two of his gym buddies. Yet in spite of his multitude of successes, the guy still remains refreshing grounded.
Always seeking to further challenge himself, Jason bravely decided to take the plunge again this year with his re-entrance into the Manhunt Singapore competition arena. So, would second time be the charm for him, and would this be the year that he brings home the winning title? Only time will tell, and we here at ManSA wish him the very best of luck. But for now, let us introduce you to the humble hunk behind the face and body that launched countless magazine covers and photo spreads.
Congratulations on making it to the Top 20 in Manhunt Singapore 2012! What would you like to say to your fans for their support and Facebook “Likes” that helped you make it to the finals?
I would like to express my most heartfelt thanks to everyone who voted for me. Although it may seem like just a simple small click, but to me it means so much more! So regardless of whether you’re in Singapore or from overseas, I just want to let you all know how grateful I am for each and every single “Like” you’ve given me, how deeply I appreciate your efforts and hope that you would continue to support me!
In this present day and age, with the gradual acceptance and integration of the GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender) community into our society, how do you personally feel about having GLBT fans amongst your fans and supporters?
In my opinion, it takes one to know one, so for me to receive affirmation from or be looked up to by other guys, gay or otherwise, with regards to my looks, physique and other personal attributes, it is honestly very flattering. To me, their support is just as important and appreciated as the support I receive from my female fans and supporters.
I’m sure your fans and supporters would definitely like to get to know you a little better on a more personal level. Can you share with us some of your favourite things?
i) What do you enjoy doing most in your spare time (and no, gym doesn’t count, ha ha ha…)?
To me, simplicity is bliss, so it is my personal choice to lead a very simple life. Apart from being at the gym for work as well as my own personal training, most of my free time is either spent watching movies and exploring new recreational activities with my girlfriend or chilling out over coffee with my buddies to catch up with them and share interesting titbits about each other’s lives recently. I also make it a point to set aside some time to reply mails from my fans and supporters, as well as keep them updated on my latest events and developments.
ii) Any fave TV shows?
To each his own poison. Since a long time ago, television just ceased to engage my interest anymore, and so I’ve stopped watching it ever since.
iii) Any fave movies?
As long as the movie has a good, solid plot, it would be likely to appeal to me. “Shutter Island” would be a fine example of a great film in my opinion. The open-ended conclusion was really intriguing and opened the doors to further interpretations and contemplation by audiences as to what were the perceived and actual truths of the events within the film.
iv) What are you currently playing on your iPod/playlist?
The majority of my iPod playlist is made up of songs with more of an upbeat tempo, as it really helps to “psyche” me up when I play them during my personal workouts. 
v) Any fave recipes or food? Would you say you’re a good cook?
I’m still in the early experimental stages of mastering the art of cooking healthy yet still delicious food. I’ll admit there were times when I failed in my attempts, and the finished product tasted really bad, ha, ha, ha… But I’m determined to keep practising and adapting my craft until I taste success! So, if there’s anyone out there willing to impart me some helpful pointers, I’d gladly welcome your cooking tips!
vi) What are some of your fave hangouts?
Personally speaking, it isn’t so much about the location, but rather the company in question. As long as I’m in the company of good friends and loved ones, I’d still have an enjoyable time even if it is hanging out with them at simple, budget joints such as kopitiams.
vii) Any fave gadgets? What is it about this gadget/s that appeals to you?
It would definitely be my iPhone, which I’d feel totally “crippled” without, since I do everything with it; not to mention how bored I’d be on long MRT rides if I didn’t have it to keep me occupied! 
viii) Could you share with us a lesser-known interesting fact about yourself?
About three years ago, due to a right knee ligament reconstruction operation, I was bed-ridden for almost a month and after which could only move about with the use of crutches for the next three months or so. It was quite a dark and gloomy period for me, but I eventually overcame and conquered my depression to focus on my recovery process and rebuilt my strength and fitness to its present state today. 
You look rather familiar. Might we have seen you anywhere before?
It’s possible that you may recognize me from my past participation in a number of local pageants and contests. Just to name a few, they include Siloso Hotbods 2008, Manhunt Singapore 2009 (my first national large-scale pageant in which I was awarded “Mr Physique”), Cleo’s 50 Most Eligible Bachelors 2011 (where I was voted “Bachelor With The Hardest Bod”), and Singapore Calendar Guys 2010 (my first pageant victory and my second time being awarded with the title of “Mr Physique) as well as Best Model 2011 (scored my second pageant win in the Singapore finals before progressing onto clinch “Best In Asia” at the grand finals globally).
My pageantry background had also been significant in boosting my modelling career, where I’ve had the opportunity to be featured in quite a few health and fitness magazine covers, photo spreads, print and video commercials, as well as several public promotional and anniversary events.
The latest of which was a photo-shoot that I did in Thailand, with renowned Thai photographer Haruehun Airry, for a fitness magazine. Needless to say, it was truly a rare and invaluable experience to get the chance to be invited to work overseas on such an awesome project and in doing so, further broaden my regional exposure and recognition.
What made you decide to take part in Manhunt Singapore 2012?
Back in 2009 when I first signed up for Manhunt Singapore, you could say that it was more along the lines of peer persuasion than of my own accord. Being a greenhorn then, I honestly felt my prior lack of maturity and experience may have worked against my favour in the competition that year. So it is my hope that my personal growth over the past three years would serve me well in bestowing me another chance to prove my mettle in this year’s competition. And it would be an added bonus if I could further widen my personal exposure, as well as discover more career opportunities in the process.
Before enrolling in this competition, what was your impression of Manhunt Singapore 2012 like? Now that you’re a finalist, has that impression changed?
It has always been my opinion that Manhunt Singapore is a professional and fair competition with an honourable purpose, in the discovery, grooming and glorification of the best amongst the best representatives of the ideal desired Singaporean man across the decades. And being a two-time participant in the competition, I can definitively say that despite the many changes to the event over the years, it has remained unchanged in its mission and integrity.
You’ve received numerous compliments on Facebook, praising your well-toned physique in the Manhunt Singapore 2012 photo shoots. Were you always this hunky since young? If not, what inspired you to build up your physique? How did you do it?
If I were to sum up the success of my transformation in a word, it would be “determination”. It is my belief that if you want something bad enough, there are no limits to how strong or determined you can will your mind to be in your pursuit of your dream. In my case, I always think that the best is yet to be when it comes to perfecting my personal fitness and physique, so I never give up on seeking out and experimenting on new ways to challenge myself to set new limits and break through old ones!
There is often the impression that good looking individuals tend to shun or discriminate against others who may not be as aesthetically pleasing in looks and physique. To what extent would you agree with this statement? What is your personal stance on this issue?
Regardless of our appearance and physique, I believe that everyone is unique in their own special way with different individual strengths and weaknesses. Whilst some may excel in physical fitness and personal grooming, others may prove to be just as capable in other aspects. So from my point of view, I’d much prefer sharing my knowledge in my area of expertise, i.e. health & fitness, and be receptive to improving myself or learning something new from others, because this way it’s a “win win” situation for everybody, and nobody feels bad about themselves.
On the Miss Universe and Miss World annual competitions, emphasis is often placed on promoting world peace and helping the needy who are facing issues such as hunger, poverty and sickness. If given the choice to make a difference, what social cause would you want to champion? Why?
One of life’s worst tragedies is when a child is given up by his or her parents, whether by choice or circumstance, as I feel that the greatest love of all is the love of one’s parents and for that to be taken away from a person at such an early stage in his or her life is just cruel, and may even adversely affect his or her way of thinking or personal well-being later on during their growing up years. So if we could help out in any little way possible to alleviate some of these orphans’ grief and pain through volunteer work, or better yet, launch public campaigns to educate and offer assistance to teenage parents or financially strapped families, then perhaps we could pre-empt tragedy before it occurs.
On a closing note, were you surprised when you first learnt of this Manhunt Singapore Alumni group and were invited to join it in Facebook? How do you think the group is working out so far? Do you have any suggestion on how we can make both the alumni group as well as this blog better in time to come?
It is quite remarkable how the internet and social media has revolutionized our modern day advertising & publicity as well as interpersonal connections, so much so that you can find practically everything and anything online, from all forms of businesses and social groups to contacting and catching up with long-lost friends or classmates, and now even past and present finalists from Manhunt Singapore! I would say that the creation of this alumni group is a good cause, as everyone, from organizers and finalists to fans, friends and family, can share their thoughts in a common space. And it also helps to bring about more awareness for Manhunt Singapore.
Thanks for the compliment, Jason! We’ll definitely try our utmost to live up to your expectations, as well as the expectations of the rest of the alumni members, and strive to uphold our highest standards in providing the best events coverage and personal interviews, as well as do our best to heighten the prestige and awareness of Manhunt Singapore!
We’d also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Jason on being awarded Mr Fitness last Saturday on 18 August at the Miss Singapore Universe finals!
If you’d like to catch Jason and the rest of our Manhunt Singapore 2012 Top 20 finalists in action and express your support for them in person, don’t forget to buy your tickets and head on down to Avalon at Marina Bay Sands on 7 September 2012 at 7pm. Tickets are selling fast, so get them now!!!
Photos Credit:
Beam Artistes Pte Ltd (www.beam.com.sg),
Marcus Mok Photography (http://www.marcusart.net/),
Photo by Haruehun Airry (http://www.facebook.com/haruehun.airry),
Singapore Calendar Guys (http://mycalendarguys.com/),
Dennis Chong Fotocology (http://www.fotocology.com/),
Milk Photographie (http://www.milkphotographie.com/index.php),
Mohamed Irwan Photography (http://www.facebook.com/mohamedirwan.photography)
NutriFirst Pte Ltd (http://www.NutriFirst.net),
Eddie Guyuno of Art Sense Studio (http://artsensestudio.net),
Ode to Art (http://www.odetoart.com),
Leonard Chua of Pix.Story (http://www.facebook.com/PixStoryPhotography),
Attitude Magazine Thailand (http://www.attitudethai.com/),
Luke Elijah Photography (http://www.facebook.com/lukelijah),
Ishardi Jamil (http://www.facebook.com/ishardi),
Photography by Colin Phan, Dinesh Sujanani, Sunni Oii, Harry’s Photography,
and Jason’s Personal Photos
Sorry this took so long. Have done some adjustments to the screen format. Do let me know if it is better now.
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