THE HUNT IS ON . . . AGAIN!

On three Saturdays in November, December and January, the office of Beam Artistes, normally deserted on Saturdays, became a hub of hot men as selection for Manhunt Singapore 2014 began early this year compared with previous years. Interviews were held in three batches - on Saturday mornings in November and December 2013, as well as in January 2014, with a few solo interviews for those who couldn't make the Saturday slots.

To make the selection process more transparent as well as more exciting, the hopeful applicants had the chance to present themselves before a panel of judges, comprising Mr Samuel Seow, various sponsors and former Manhunt finalists.

 

In total, some 64 stunningly good looking men tried out for 25 places. This year's crop of men was particularly diverse compared with the applicants from the previous years, for in addition to the usual models and fitness trainers, we had a bird obedience trainer, a baker, a law student, a music teacher, a martial arts instructor, winners of other pageants, winners of singing competitions, a harpist and jewellery-maker, altar-servers, and a number of former national sportsmen. 

We all know Singapore is a small place, but we were reminded just how small when we realised that two of this year's applicants have brothers who took part in the competition in previous years, as well as another who has a past Manhunt winner for a brother-in-law. A bit of healthy sibling rivalry never hurt anyone, and this certainly proves that good looks certainly run in certain families. While we're at it, we found two applicants to be uni classmates in the same course and batch, a clear example of friends encouraging and egging each other on to join and improve.

With the addition of a little video segment, those with performing skills got a chance to show off in front of the panel. Singing, dancing, doing magic tricks, imitating accents, our hopefuls impressed us with a constant stream of entertaining talents. As if that weren't enough, many were eager to show us their YouTube channels where their performing skills could be seen in a fuller form. 

Merely having a handsome face and good physique aren't enough these days, and we wanted to find out their life stories, as well as get a feel of the person behind the pectorals, so to speak. We asked them to tell us about themselves, and did we get interesting stories. One told of a kampung childhood. One told us how he was the victim of horrific school bullying - another was brave enough to admit he was a school bully. Two revealed that they were survivors of life threatening diseases – cancer and tuberculosis. Motivations and paths to fitness were as numerous as the guys - childhood asthma, yo-yo weight, we got to hear it all.

From November to February, our hopefuls waited anxiously for results as the selection panel deliberated over the herculean task of deciding which of the guys would make the cut. We had a tall batch from which to choose, taller than previous years, with the tallest towering at 190cm. Eventually, with much difficulty, 10 seniors were chosen. Even though 15 juniors were planned for, the general standard was so high that 16 juniors were chosen eventually.

For more photos of the auditions, check out the following ManSA albums:
Auditions Album 1
Auditions Album 2
Auditions Album 3
Auditions Album 4
Auditions Album 5

Credits:

Beam Artistes
http://www.beam.com.sg/
https://www.facebook.com/beam.artistes