arcel, fabulous arcel, wants to excel

Twenty-year old Arcel Delgado is the coolest member of Men of Manila, with a ready smile, a handshake and a conversation starter, traits he developed as a budding politician in their hometown of Zambales. He also comes from a family of politicians, starting from his grandparents down to his dad, that’s why mingling with all kinds of people is almost second nature to him.

Arcel is the band's Mr. Friendship. Or Mr. Congeniality. The rest of the group could learn a thing or two from him on how to make friends and influence people. And be humble too.

He also wears too many hats. He had served as Sangguniang Kabataan chairman, modeled for various brands, joined a model search, and most recently, finished his nursing course at the Far Eastern University. He plans to take the board examination in November this year.

Now, he wants to fulfill his childhood dream of becoming a professional singer through Men of Manila.

Arcel joined the boy band, motivated by three factors: money, fame, and connections.  Yes, in that particular order.

“The most important thing right now is money. As the eldest son (he has four other siblings), it’s my obligation to help augment our family’s income and help send my younger siblings to school,” says Arcel, whose priority at the moment is to excel in his chosen field and make it big in the showbiz world.

Not one to shy away from any challenges, he was discovered in showbiz when a talent manager spotted him after doing the rounds of go-sees and VTRs. The manager then asked him to join a model search by one of the country’s shopping malls to hone his modeling skills, and expose him to the public. Unfortunately, lady luck smiled at another contestant.

The loss did not deter him. Arcel moved on quickly and auditioned for the Men of Manila. This time, lady luck smiled at him.

He considers his ability to mix with all kinds of people as an asset in his new career as a singer in a boy band.

“I know how to make people happy, at ease and comfortable with me. I don’t mind being touched, kissed and even hugged,” Arcel says with a smile.

He credits his father for his singing talent. His father can belt out songs by the Bee Gees, Styx, Beatles, Stevie Wonder. This talent comes in handy especially during election time, when voters also expect their politicians to entertain them during political rallies more than hearing their platforms of government.

Now, isn't he something?

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