When cover model Fabio scoured the nation seeking 12 finalists for his new reality show, “Mr. Romance,” he was sure to book a Chicagoan. Well, actually, Hakan Emden was living in Palatine. And he’s a Turkish immigrant. But we’ll claim him as our own. (Until he moves to Los Angeles this summer.)
“Chicago guys are romantic, but relationships are more relaxed in the United States,” said the 27-year-old. “In Turkey life is tough. Man is attached to his woman. She is your life.”
He even talks romantically.
The winner of the Oxygen Network’s “Mr. Romance” will earn $50,000 and a contract to appear on lusty book covers–Fabio for the 21st Century. And as a model, personal trainer and Abercrombie & Fitch manager, Emden’s professional background has prepared him. He shouldn’t have any problems posing for cheeseball shots.
“Not only is Hakan a foreigner like me, but he’s a very sweet, good-spirited guy,” said Fabio, who oversaw the chest-hair shaving lessons, tango instruction, shirt-ripping tutorials and other curriculum at–get this–Romance Academy. “With 12 guys there’s a lot of testosterone and a lot of comedy.”
Emden’s wife, Elaine, luckily saw the humorous side of the competitions, which included a toga striptease for a panel of female judges and culminated in something called the Man Pageant.
Neither Fabio nor Emden would reveal who walks away with the Mr. Romance sash during this finale (airing at 8 p.m. Monday), but the Guy Page has 50 bucks on our local guy. As in Turkey, life can be tough in Chicago. Especially with an incorrectly shaved chest.