The newly crowned Mr. Mature America 2016, Rene Sese, walks the runway at the Ocean City Music Pier after being crowned on March 12.
Rene P. Sese, a 74-year-old from Ocean City, won the title at the third annual Mr. Mature America Pageant on Saturday, March 12, on the Ocean City Music Pier.
Sese sang “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” in the talent competition and won top prize in three different categories: Interview, On-Stage Question and Poise/Composure.
Sese, a native of the Philippines, has performed in area casinos and in countries throughout Asia. He was instrumental in arranging Ocean City’s annual Philippine tribute.
He competed against five other candidates, including first runner-up Bob D’amore, 65, of Ocean City, and second runner-up Tom McGill, 68, of Ocean City.
Contestants in the 2016 Mr. Mature America Pageant perform an opening dance number to “Smooth” by Carlos Santana with Rob Thomas.
The pageant included performances by Mr. Mature America 2015 Gary Sakas, Nancy Fox of Fox Vocal Arts, Ms. Senior America Sherri McGhie, the St. James AME Combined Gospel Chorus and the Ready Rockers, led by 92-year-old drummer Dick Richards.
Award-winners included the following:
- Mr. Congeniality: Tom McGill
- Talent: Bob D’Amore
- Interview: Rene Sese
- On-Stage Question: Rene Sese
- Poise and Composure: Rene Sese
- Second Runner-Up: Tom McGill
- First Runner-Up: Bob D’amore
- Winner: Rene Sese
Dick Richards, 92, leads the Ready Rockers in a rendition of the song that helped make him famous as a member of Bill Haley’s Comets, “Rock Around the Clock.”
