#02 – Theodore Phan
- What motivate you to join the pageant?
- I actually applied to be Mr. Vietnam spontaneously. My friend was a contestant before and it sparked an interest. I did my research and found out all I needed to do was apply online. In the famous words of Thomas Edison, “The reason a lot of people do not recognize opportunity is because it usually goes around wearing overalls looking like hard work.” Joining this pageant is a blessing in disguise; being able to find out more about myself and experience new things out of my comfort zone.
- What’s your favorite memory of Tet?
- Bún Bò Huế and family. I miss homemade Bún Bò Huế by my auntie every year. Memories of walking through the door on Tet, my dad already singing karaoke to Paris By Night, a microphone in one hand and a Heineken in the other. On sight of seeing me, he runs over, still singing to give me a hug. Seconds later my aunties and cousin welcome me. Before I know it I am being handled—something all kids love on Tet! In my hands is a big, red, orange, brown, steaming, delicious bowl of Bún Bò Huế. And the best part of finishing a bowl of Bún Bò Huế is there is more on the stove.
- Your ideal girlfriend would be …
I look for the love and companionship. I’d rather it be with someone I love and who I want to spend the rest of my life with. In my ideal relationship, I want the commitment to be filled on both ends, and I want her to know I’m there for her and that she will be there for me when we need each other. I also want her to know that I’m going to protect her and she can count on me to always keep her safe and secure. The thing I find irresistible is anytime a girl smiles or laughs at silly things I say. I love when conversations flow, opinions and views are thrown across the table. Basically be my Yin to my Yang.
- What would you consider to be a perfect date?
- Lying on a blanket over looking the ocean with a basket of our favorite foods. Spend our time watching the sunset and as it gets cold, offer her my jacket to make sure she’s warm. Then, afterward we can both look at the stars and show her my knowledge of the constellations.
- What are your future aspirations?
A chance encounter with a 72-year-old terminal patient changed my mind about what I want to do for the rest of my life. The patient came in with chest pains and minutes later he started to have a heart attack. Two female nurses and I spent 33 minutes trying to revive him with CPR. Out of the three of us, I was able to apply the most strength to his chest to get his heart beating again. After another 32 minutes, his heart gave out and he passed away. This bittersweet experience taught me a lot about the fragility of human life and what I can do to help preserve it. I want to take an active role in medicine and become as involved as possible in the increasing the longevity of my patient’s life. I have no doubt I want to become a doctor. I am more convinced now than ever that this career path will enable me to not only provided direct health services to patients, but will allow me to spread healthcare awareness universally to less urbanized counties.
- What’s your favorite pick up line?
I am a very shy person when it comes to talking to girls, but I once saw a pick up line from Dat Phan the comedian who said “Is your father a thief? Because I wonder who stole the stars from your eyes, and uh… put them… in your belly?”
- People say money or love makes the world go around, what makes YOUR world go ’round?
Love makes the world go round. But with love comes hate. However without storm clouds and thunderstorms we wouldn’t know sunshine. Love is a battle that ends with a victory. Love begins with a smile, grows with a kiss, ends with a tear.
- What are some of your pet peeves?
- Indecisiveness. When people are unsure about their own opinions it gets on my nerves. Everyone has an opinion and you should be able to express it. People tend to shelter what they think due to being judged. However as people we are known for speaking our minds, being unique, different, and proud.
- Do you have any phobias?
- I don’t like to tell a lot of people but I am afraid of ants, spiders, heights, and scary movies.
- Instead of the title, money + prizes what do you want to get out of being a Mr. VN contestant?
- As an introverted person, I want to be able to tell myself that I was able to do something that many others haven’t. I want to be able to tell others that if they want to do something ridiculous, like leaving home to move to the United States or even join a pageant, they should go for the stars, make dreams into reality, and do what others couldn’t.
