Jereed Lou Waclin Tido is a rising figure in both pageantry and fitness. As an Igorot from Buguias, Benguet, he takes pride in representing his Kankanaey heritage while living in La Trinidad. At just 20 years old, Jereed is pursuing a degree in Business Administration at the University of the Cordilleras. He has gained a reputation for his commitment to fitness, pageantry, and mental health advocacy.
His journey took a difficult turn when he tragically lost his girlfriend, Girlie Diaz, just before an important pageant in September 2024. Despite this heartbreaking loss, Jereed used his grief as motivation and emerged victorious, winning the title of Man Hot Star Philippines - Cordillera 2024.
Overcoming Personal Tragedy
Girlie's death on September 20, 2024, deeply affected Jereed, causing him to question his ability to continue with his upcoming pageant. The two had been together for over a year and a couple of months, during which Girlie was a constant source of support and inspiration for Jereed. She was a working student at the University of Baguio, paying her own tuition and allowances. Despite her struggles, she never failed to bring joy to those around her, and her work ethic and ability to balance her responsibilities inspired Jereed to pursue both his career and passions.
Her unexpected passing left Jereed devastated, and he initially considered withdrawing from the competition. However, he remembered her wish to see him succeed, even if she could not be there physically. On the day of her burial, September 28, Jereed made the difficult decision to attend her funeral in the morning before competing in the Man Hot Star Philippines Cordillera 2024 coronation that evening.
Despite the overwhelming grief, Jereed channeled his sorrow into strength. He competed in the pageant, knowing that Girlie would have wanted him to persevere.
"She might not be physically here anymore, but spiritually, I feel her presence around somewhere watching me, making her proud," he shared.
His determination paid off as he emerged victorious, taking home the coveted title.
A Defining Moment: Competing in the Pageant
The Man Hot Star Philippines - Cordillera 2024 was an important event for Jereed. He entered the competition with a heavy heart, determined to honor Girlie's memory. Despite the sadness he felt, Jereed pushed himself to give his best performance.
Throughout the competition, he showed his dedication and resilience, impressing the judges and audience with his confidence and charisma. His journey was not just about physical preparation; it was also about dealing with the emotions that came from losing someone he loved. By sharing his story, he connected with others and demonstrated how strength can come from facing tough situations.
Winning the title was a significant achievement for Jereed, representing both personal success and a testament to his perseverance through grief. He earned the titles of Man Hot Star Philippines - Cordillera 2024, Darling of the Press during the press conference, and Mister Smile. These wins strengthened his commitment to advocate for mental health and fitness, showing that even in challenging times, it's possible to rise above and inspire others.
Jereed's Journey in Fitness and Sports
Beyond the pageant stage, Jereed is a dedicated fitness enthusiast and athlete. He has spent the past five years training in Kickboxing and Muay Thai, two disciplines that have helped him build both physical strength and mental resilience. Jereed's commitment to fitness is not only personal but also part of his mission to encourage others to embrace a healthy lifestyle. He advocates for sports and fitness as positive alternatives to harmful vices, promoting the idea of holistic well-being.
His achievements in the fitness world are intertwined with his passion for helping others. Jereed sees his pageantry platform as a means to reach more people, particularly the youth, to inspire them to prioritize health, fitness, and self-improvement. For Jereed, fitness is more than just a physical transformation-it's a mental and emotional journey that has helped him navigate life's challenges.
Mental Health Advocacy and Youth Empowerment
Jereed's passion for making a difference extends beyond fitness. He is actively involved in "Echomind: You Are Heard, Your Mind Matters," a non-profit organization that focuses on youth mental health. Founded by Ms. Buguias, Lovely Bomowey, the organization visits schools, organizes activities, and provides students with tools to manage their mental health. Jereed's involvement in this initiative reflects his belief in the importance of addressing mental health issues, particularly among young people who may be struggling silently.
Jereed's advocacy work is a direct reflection of his own experiences with grief and trauma. He knows firsthand the importance of mental health support and seeks to empower others by sharing his story and offering guidance. Through "Echomind," he aims to create a supportive environment for the youth, encouraging them to speak out about their struggles and seek help when needed.
Upcoming Pageant and Future Goals
As Jereed moves forward, he has his sights set on the next big challenge-competing in the Mr. and Ms. Benguet 2024 in November. Having already secured the title of Mr. Buguias in March 2024, this upcoming competition will mark his ninth pageant appearance. With each pageant, Jereed gains more experience and a larger platform to promote his advocacy for fitness, mental health, and cultural pride.
Jereed's ultimate goal is to become a successful businessman while also influencing others through fitness and sports. He plans to use his winnings and the connections he's made through pageantry to establish programs that promote fitness, health, and personal growth. As he continues his education and pursues his passion for business, Jereed envisions creating initiatives that will uplift his community and provide opportunities for others to achieve their goals.
A Life of Resilience and Purpose
Jereed's journey is a testament to resilience in the face of adversity. His motto, "No risk, no story," perfectly encapsulates his approach to life. Despite the heartbreaking loss of his girlfriend, Jereed chose to turn that pain into motivation, using it to fuel his success in the pageant and beyond. He continues to inspire others through his dedication to fitness, mental health advocacy, and his commitment to achieving holistic development.
Jereed's message to those following his journey is simple but powerful: "Always check on everyone, be kind, and push yourself through challenges. Turn struggles into something meaningful. Hardships will come, but with determination, you can achieve your dreams."
Pushing Forward With Purpose
As Jereed looks toward the future, his story of resilience, love, and ambition continues to evolve. With exciting opportunities ahead in both business and fitness, he demonstrates how challenges can lead to personal growth and success. Jereed's journey highlights the significance of remaining committed to one's values, even when faced with difficult situations. Through his achievements and advocacy, he inspires others to turn their struggles into motivation and pursue their dreams.
