‘AI should not replace our voices’: Balbalan son represents Kalinga in Mr. Sphere Philippines 2026

FEATURE

For many young men, joining a national pageant is about prestige, confidence, and personal dreams. But for Fritz Myer Baligod Beyag, stepping onto the stage of Mr. Sphere Philippines 2026 means carrying the identity, culture, and artistic soul of Kalinga before a national audience.

The young iKalinga from Balbalan is set to compete in the prestigious national competition on June 3–7, 2026, in Baguio City, where candidates from across the country will showcase not only charm and intelligence but also advocacies rooted in culture and community.

Mr. Sphere Philippines serves as a platform that empowers gentlemen to build legacy while promoting cultural exchange, friendship, and leadership. For Beyag, however, the competition carries a deeper responsibility.

An incoming third-year Political Science student at Kalinga State University, Beyag admitted that joining the national pageant was never originally part of his plans. He said he only became interested after learning that the organization was still searching for someone to represent Kalinga.

Despite being a newcomer to national pageantry, Beyag is not entirely unfamiliar with the stage. His previous experiences include joining Mr. Intramurals 2023 and Mr. KSU 2026, where he represented his college.

Beyond the pageant lights and formal wear, Beyag hopes to use the competition to speak about a growing concern close to his heart—the preservation of authentic iKalinga artistry in the age of Artificial Intelligence.

“As a proud iKalinga I am honored to advocate for and promote our rich heritage. It is because I observed nowadays, iKalinga people are becoming increasingly reliant on AI especially on creating music instead of showcasing their own unique voices and vocal talents. Kasi nowadays, nao-observe ko dumadami na ang compositions pero ang ginawa through AI parang somehow nawawala yung uniqueness of songs,” he expressed.

For Beyag, culture is not just something displayed during festivals or performances—it is the voice, creativity, and identity of the people themselves.

As the competition draws near, the aspiring gentleman from Balbalan now carries the pride of Kalinga, hoping to prove that Cordilleran excellence, heritage, and authenticity still deserve a place on the national stage.

“I humbly ask for your prayers, encouragement, and unwavering support as I carry the pride of our community. Together, let us prove that Kalinga’s spirit, excellence, and cultural legacy deserve to be recognized and celebrated. Your support means everything to me, and with your help, I will proudly represent our province with dignity, passion, and purpose,” Beyag said.