'Cosmo Man 2001', not just about macho looks
'Cosmo Man 2001', not just about macho looks
Hera Diani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Mr. Right, according to Kosmopolitan magazine, the franchise
of the U.S. magazine with a "C", is not merely a good-looking guy
with a flat stomach and bulging biceps.
Of course looks matter, but a man must have certain
"qualities", including a successful career, a respect for a
woman's career, maturity and the ability to be a reliable
partner.
Oh, one more thing, he must have a soft side which makes a
woman feel "understood". With these qualities in mind, the
magazine chose 10 finalists for Cosmo Man.
The search for the Cosmo Man has been an annual event since
1998, a year after the magazine was first published here. The
event always attracts hundreds of participants, and this year 758
men from across the country took part.
A jury which included TV anchor Zsa Zsa Yusharyahya and model
Lulu Dewayanti cut this number down to 33 semifinalists and then
10 finalists.
This year's grand final was held on Oct. 31 at the Grand Melia
hotel. Surprisingly, it was entertaining. And not just because it
landed three top performers -- singers Shanty, Melly Goeslaw and
Titi DJ -- as well as noted emcees Tika Panggabean and Farhan.
It was just fun to see how these men were willing to go
through this beauty pageant-like competition. The magazine may
have played down the physical thing, but the event was not much
different from a model competition.
When the event started, those in attendance were shown a video
of the finalists' four-day "quarantine", during which time they
took part in various activities like outdoor sports. The
activities were aimed at getting to know the men's leadership,
their sense of teamwork and their sensitivity.
And then, there they were, the 10 finalists, walking around
the catwalk and posing before answering a Miss Universe-like
question.
For Johanes Alford Suwignyo, a radio DJ/TV presenter/magician,
the question was "What is your ideal woman"?
"She has to be loyal and have the same religion as me. It's
easier for us to bridge the differences if our religion is the
same," he said.
"You see, a woman is like a puzzle. It can be in order or put
together incorrectly. Even if the color is wonderful and the
picture is great, if the pieces are not in the right places, it
won't be good," he added.
Want to know what success means for H. Akhiz Royhan Nasution,
an assistant manager for training and development at a big
insurance company?
"It's not about position, titles or money. It's about
understanding yourself, keeping life in balance and being
independent," he said.
Then the winners were announced. Favorite Cosmo Man went to
Palar Sakti Sutojo, an architect. And the Outstanding Achievement
Award went to Sonny Harry Budiutomo, who is only 26 but already a
doctoral candidate at University of Indonesia's School of
Economics, a lecturer and researcher.
Second runner-up and runner-up went to Darry Sjahrinaldy
Darwis and Rudy Djohor, both pilots. And the Cosmo Man 2001
is ... Akhiz.
How did the judges come to their conclusion?
"We (judged) teamwork, leadership, physical appearance and
also ... how macho (the men were)," said Zsa Zsa, adding that the
event was not just a model competition.
One of the finalists, Zaki Ahmad Ibrahim, asked people not to
be cynical about the event.
"The winners actually deserve it," he said.
But the real star of the night was Tika Panggabean. If not for
her witty banter and jokes, the event would have been downright
boring.
She was the real proof that physical appearance is not the
most important thing.