At ELLE Singapore, we're all about championing women, but this February, we're showing some love to the guys of Singapore. For the hottest men of the moment (literally and figuratively), they're carving their own paths when it comes to life, work, and love. From content creators and music producers to models, chefs, and actors, these are the heartthrobs of the Lion City.
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With charisma, charm, and good looks to match, David Matthew Ubaña, Delson Yii, Joel Choo, and Raynold Tan have become scene-stealers in Singapore's entertainment industry. Though the quartet started on different paths—David stumbled into acting, Joel was offered a role in Channel 5's Faculty, while Delson and Raynold were scouted in Kuala Lumpur and through live streams during university, respectively—their journeys converged under the TCP Artistes, an artiste management company.
Today, the group continues to go from strength to strength, with successful local Chinese hits and appearances in regional films abroad. Amid their busy schedules, David, Delson, Joel, and Raynold sat down with ELLE Singapore to discuss romantic gestures, first impressions, and their proudest moments.
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What are your most admirable traits or features?
David Matthew Ubaña (DMU): I'm empathetic, driven, and always trying to see the best in people.
Delson Yii (DY): My kindness, ambition, and youthfulness.
Joel Choo (JC): My integrity, creativity, and kindness.
Raynold Tan (RT): I'm a good listener, willing to learn, and constantly striving to improve myself.
What are your three most attractive traits?
DMU: My smile, passion, and my butt—thanks to my time at the gym.
DY: My physical appearance, self-discipline, and passion.
JC: I'm humorous, understanding, and generous.
RT: I'm happy-go-lucky, giving, and patient.
What is your most unattractive trait?
DMU: I can get a bit impatient when I'm excited about something.
DY: I'm a perfectionist when it comes to my looks.
JC: I'm quite awkward in social settings.
RT: I can be a little too critical sometimes.
What are you most proud of?
DMU: Overcoming my fears and pushing past my comfort zone to pursue my dreams.
DY: Working towards my goals and towards being financially abundant.
JC: Getting married and finding someone to spend the rest of my life with.
RT: Getting my first lead role in The Philippines.
What do you think women notice first when they meet you?
DMU: My eyes 'cause they never fail to mention my lashes.
DY: My face.
JC: My stature.
RT: My height.
What's your most complimented body part?
DMU: My nose.
DY: My face and height.
JC: My brows.
RT: My eyes.
If you had to choose an animal that you are most like, what would it be and why?
DMU: A butterfly 'cause it goes through a complete metamorphosis, enduring uncomfortable and challenging stages before blossoming into something beautiful—I think my life is a lot like that.
DY: I would say a lion because I aspire to be as strong and protective as it is towards those under its care.
JC: A dog 'cause they're loyal and affectionate.
RT: A Jack Russell 'cause I'm mischievous.
What are your hobbies?
DMU: I love working out, reading, and learning things that inspire me. I've also recently started experimenting in the kitchen.
DY: I enjoy working out, learning things I enjoy and like, and riding big bikes.
JC: I like working out, spending time with my dogs outside, and listening to music.
RT: I enjoy going to the gym, watching anime, and playing video games.
What's your most successful pickup line?
DMU: I've never done a pickup line in real life 'cause it's too cheesy. I did hear this one that goes kind of like, "Hi, I'm a little lost and I need some help with directions. Could you help me navigate how we go about on our first date?"
DY: Mine would be, "Do you believe in love at first sight? Because my cat has been staring at you since you walked in—can he get your number?"
JC: Honestly, I don't have one.
RT: This pickup line is for jokes and requires a huge commitment since it involves some physical work. First, you've got to 'trip and fall' and as you get back up, you say, "Was that an earthquake or did I just fall for you?" The cornier, the better the results are ;).
What is something you look for in an ideal partner?
DMU: Someone who's kind, self-aware, and empathetic towards others.
DY: I value emotional stability.
JC: Someone who is independent, responsible, respectful, and with a good sense of humour.
RT: Right now, the most important trait would be someone's understanding. With my line of work, my schedule can be quite unpredictable and that'll mean lots of time apart.
What's the most romantic thing that you've ever done?
DMU: I'm not sure this counts, but since I was young, I've disliked arts and crafts, but I knew my mom's love language was gifts. At the time, I had no money to get gifts and—with the arts and crafts materials from school—made a 3D card saying I love you for her birthday. I still remember her expression when she received it 'till today.
DY: I surprised someone special with balloons and gifts hidden in the carboot.
JC: I wrote a song for my wife on our wedding day.
RT: I once bought a huge Hello Kitty balloon for someone and brought it to their house at midnight. I even sang a song
What are your three pet peeves?
DMU: When someone only has bad things to say, treating others differently based on status, and punctuality.
DY: Being ignored, dealing with rude behaviour, and excessive swearing.
JC: Self-entitled behaviour, loud cars, and people who don't shower in the morning.
RT: Speaking when chewing, not waiting for people to exit before entering the lift or transport, and being rude to service staff.
What's your biggest turn-off?
DMU: Arrogance. Confidence is great, but kindness and humility make someone truly attractive.
DY: Lack of courtesy, arrogance, and insincerity would certainly turn me off.
JC: Being rude to service staff.
RT: Someone who's rude and self-centred.
What is the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
DMU: I'm not the most adventurous person out there, so I would say going on the rollercoaster at Ferrari World because that was intense and scary. However, I would like to try skydiving in the future.
DY: Travelling to Singapore on a one-way ticket to build my career.
JC: I would say eating a cow's penis once.
RT: I've gone parasailing once. I've always wanted to try skydiving, but haven't gotten the opportunity to do so just yet.
Your partner brings you home to meet the parents for the first time. How would you impress them?
DMU: I'll be respectful and genuine in my desire to get to know them. I'll offer to help with dinner or clean up afterwards.
DY: I would dress appropriately and present myself respectfully. Beforehand, I'd ask my partner about her parents' preferences and needs and bring a thoughtful gift as a gesture of sincerity.
JC: I would buy fruits, cut them up for everyone to enjoy, and do the dishes after our meal.
RT: I would finish her mother's food. I've never met a Singaporean auntie who doesn't love it when you enjoy their food.
Describe the perfect first date.
DMU: A nice dinner, followed by a walk with a view and, of course, making sure they reach home safely at the end of the date.
DY: My ideal first date would involve visiting an aquarium and getting to know each other better.
JC: For me, it'd be something that involves lots of communication. I'd start by visiting an escape room centre to play some games, followed by a walk in the park, and cooking dinner together.
RT: It'll change based on the person and as long as we can make conversation and have lots of laughs, the date is close to perfect.
After the first date, how long do you wait before calling or texting?
DMU: If it went well, the same day. Why play games when you genuinely enjoy someone's company?
DY: I would reach out that night itself.
JC: The night you sent her home, almost immediately.
RT: I'll do it the day itself. I never understood the whole waiting mind game people play.
If you had to write a short profile about yourself for a dating app, what would it say?
DMU: A mix of ambition, curiosity, and appreciation for the present. I love finding beauty in everything—a warm cup of tea, a fresh perspective, or a moment of laughter.
DY: Let’s create a beautiful and perfect future together!
JC: I think I am a pretty fun guy.
RT: Looking for a guinea pig for my cooking.
*The interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Photographed by JAYA KHIDIR
Styled by JEFFREY YAN
Producer NAVIN PILLAY
Hairstylist GREGO using Keune Haircosmetics
Make-up Artist WEE MING using NARS
Photographer’s Assistant NOWO KASTURI
Stylist’s Assistant VALECIA LEE