Our first 10 questions for… in 2022 are for Tjardo Vollema. Tjardo is the current Misters of the Netherlands and also holds the Man of the World Netherlands title. Currently he is preparing for the international finals which have been postponed because of the pandemic.
The Man of the World pageant has been organized only 3 times before bur is already mentioned as one of the important male pageants in the world. At the 2019 pageant, the Netherlands were represented by Lars Kortleven who made the semi-finals.
Let’s meet Tjardo…
Who is Tjardo Vollema?
Tjardo won the national finals of Misters of The Netherlands. He is 22 years old and stands 190 meters tall. At the moment he is studying Creative Business at the University of Leeuwarden and works as an account-manager and video specialist at a media company that promotes charities. Besides the busy life, he loves to play soccer, walk in the nature and do some reading and meditation. He is often to be find in the gym, but he is also sensitive, social and has a sense of humor. He also has many ambitions and is disciplined to become the best version of himself every day.
When and why did you enter the world of male beauty pageants?
I felt I was ready for a challenge and something new. During the summer of 2020 I received a message via social media from the account of Misters of The Netherlands. They said I looked like a suitable candidate and asked me if I was interested in participating in ‘The most handsome man of The Netherlands pageant’. When I saw that message, it came out of nowhere for me, because I had absolutely no experience with modeling or such as pageants. I used to take pictures with friends, but just for fun. After a few nights of thinking and consulting with friends and family, I decided to step out of my comfort zone. I want to get the most out of life and dare to take risks. The concept of ‘becoming the best version of yourself’ really appealed to me, I was always busy improving myself.
How do you prepare for the international competition? What do you need to work on the most?
First of all, I am very excited for this, so that motivates me to do the best I can for this competition. I am currently focusing on my advocacy so that I fall in love with the cause of Man of The World. Besides that, I am training my speeches, improving my body, catwalk and I’m getting some more experience with photo shoots. I think the main focus now is on the advocacy.
Man of the World is quit a new pageant, held for the 4th time in 2022. Already it’s considered one of the 6 grand slam male pageants. Stil every pageant has to be unique in a way. What is it that makes Man of the World a unique pageant?
Man of The world is unique because of the organization. They have proven to stage great editions so far. The most beautiful part is during the trajectory such as visiting orphanages for example, to really come into contact with Man of The World’s advocacy. So, the pageant definitely doesn’t just look at appearance, but at so much more. For me personally this will be a once in a lifetime experience and I can’t wait to raise our Dutch flag.
By doing pageants one can learn a lot, what would you say you learned about yourself during the pageant that you didn’t know before?
I have found that I like to be in the spotlights a bit and to be under pressure. I never expected this from myself before. But that gives me motivation to perform well and really show the best version of myself. And I’ve learned that sometimes you must do things in life that comes your way, even if you don’t think it quite suits you. I believe a lot happens for a reason.
What are you looking forward to the most, when visiting The Philippines and the pageant?
The Philippines is of course a completely different country with a whole different culture than the Netherlands. I’m really looking forward to feeling the atmosphere there with all the fans, because the pageant-world is much more alive there than here, especially for men. So, if corona allows, I hope to see as many fans as possible. And besides that, the program of Man of The World really appeals to me and I’m going to enjoy it to the fullest. And personally I am a big lover of nature and travelling, so I am very excited what The Philippines has to offer.
What in your opinion is the difference between a boy and a man?
For me the biggest difference between a boy and a man is that a boy does what he likes, and a man does what is best, not only for him but also for others. A real man takes full responsibility for his actions, a boy often makes excuses for his actions. Besides that, a man does not only know what he wants, but also what he has to do.
If we could compare you with a drink, what drink would that be and why?
If I were a drink, I would be water, it’s pure, clean and has power. That’s why it’s needed in every drink.
As a beauty king you can use your title to make a difference. In what field would you use your title and make a difference and tell us something more about it.
If I could use my title, I would inspire the youth to stand up for and mostly to love yourself. Nowadays you see a lot of people following the trends of today on social media but behind every successful content there is still a person who maybe is even happy at all but shows the opposite. I would like to inspire the younger generation that it is okay to be not okay and create your own path. I think it would really make a difference, if you can just create just you without thinking what others would think about you.
What about Tjardo in 10 years?
In 10 years, I hope to have achieved the goals I set for myself. I wanted the 22-year-old Tjardo to look proudly at the 32-year-old Tjardo.
I hope that in 10 years my family will still be healthy, that I will have good friends around me and hope to start a family of my own. Besides that, I want to have inspired as many (especially young people) to become the best version of themselves and contributed to live in a better world and that I can say I am successful. All these things would be very nice achievements for me.
And last but not least, I hope that we have been able to put this terrible corona pandemic behind us as soon as possible.
Thank you Tjardo for taking the time and we wish you and your organization all the best of luck for the upcoming finals.
photo credits:
With snake: Sacha van Manen
On horse: Nikki de Kerf
Black shirt: Julian Pechler
Others: Freddie Westerhof
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