Lemuel Alberdi, a native of Cuba, is the third winner in a series of five FIRST ever Miami Cover Model Contests. Lemuel won the competition held at Club Azucar on the May 9th and went on to capture the title the 3rd annual Mister Azucar 2008 Pageant having won the Best Creative Club Wear and Best Evening Wear prizes.
Upon first meeting Lemuel you get the feeling that he is introverted and modest. Upon second look, however, you begin to see that there is more to this 23 year old who hopes to someday become an entrepreneur. “Not only do I have a passion for business,” Lemuel mentions, “but I have a love for the performing arts.” He continued that he has aspirations of submerging himself into the art of dance. His interest in a lot of interests is present in both his professional and personal lives. In an effort to keep up with appearances Lemuel has a vigorous workout routine, but also credits his flawless physical appearance to lots of rest.
Just like his interests, his favorites were quite eclectic. His musical interests paired well with his passion for the arts, noting Beyonce, La India and Celia Cruz as just some of his favorite recording artists. When Lemuel is not at home preparing his favorite Cuban dishes, he is on MySpace blogging and catching up with new friends, listening to music, pursuing his passion for the arts through photography and dance, bowling, painting the town green and orange at Club Azucar and networking at other trendy nightclubs in Miami.
Lemuel is more than just a great looking guy. He, too, is off the market. Sorry guys! Lemuel describes his partner as a “person who truly cares about people” and is dedicated to his career. He credits the success of their very young relationship to the fact he and his partner are best friends as well as lovers and share some of the same passions, including his partner's love for the performing arts.
As a native of Cuba, living in Miami has taught him how to embrace his sexuality. “My first gay experience was outside of the U.S,” Lemuel explains, “and like many others, I had a very difficult time with accepting myself and with my family accepting me.” Like many others this difficulty was rooted in childhood experiences. “My Grandfather was a professional baseball player” Lemuel explains, “and that was imposed on me. I had no say in playing the sport.” In the end, however, Lemuel mentions that moving to the U.S. has given him a confidence that he needed to become the person that he is today, and to continue evolving. Living in Miami has also taught him the English language and how to be independent. “I moved here when I was 19.” Lemuel mentions, “I had a lot of catching up to do.”
“I work in the hospitality industry and I see guests at the hotel every day, happy and smiling and feeling brand new. Take care of yourself, because you are only responsible to yourself. You only have one chance to live, so like the guests in a hotel
on vacation, enjoy life to the fullest!”
