MANILA, Philippines – This year’s edition of the Mister Pilipinas Worldwide contest managed to pull off something so unprecedented, no other national male competition has done it before — gathering four reigning titleholders from some of the most prestigious international pageants for men on one stage.
The historic assembly of the four international kings took place at the Mister Pilipinas Worldwide 2025 final competition show, held at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay City on April 28.
Spectators were treated to a visual feast of masculinity as Mister Supranational 2024 Fezile Mkhize, Manhunt International 2024 Kevin Dasom, and Mister International 2024 Nwajagu Chinemerem Samuel joined the Philippines’ very own Mister Global 2024 Daumier Corilla on the same stage.
The four kings lent star power to the competition’s opening number as they took the stage after the 26 contestants’ production number, eliciting thunderous applause from the audience inside the theater.
Miss Supranational 2023 first runner-up Pauline Amelinckx was the lone rose among the thorns as she coursed her way to center stage through a labyrinth of topless gentlemen, to join the reigning international kings up front.
She served as the lone master of ceremonies for the contest, the third edition of the national male search that proclaims the Philippines’ representatives to some of the most prestigious global male competitions.
At the end of the ceremonies, seasoned aspirants were proclaimed as the Philippines’ new standard-bearers on the global stage, with former Mister World Philippines Kirk Bondad of Baguio City taking the Mister Pilipinas-International title.
The Filipino-German model, content creator, and health buff will now be tasked to give the Philippines its second win in the Mister International contest. Hunk cop Neil Perez recorded the country’s first victory in 2014.
Man of the World 2024 first runner-up Kenneth Cabungcal of Dumaguete City received the Mister Pilipinas-Supranational title from Mister Supranational 2024 second runner-up Brandon Espiritu.
Mister Tourism World 2023 first runner-up Jether Palomo of Taguig City got the Mister Pilipinas-Global title, and will try to score a back-to-back for the country in Mister Global after Corilla’s victory last year.
Mister International 2017 finalist Raven Lansangan of Pampanga got the Mister Pilipinas-Manhunt International title and will be sent to next year’s edition of the global search.
His predecessor Jordan San Jose is set to represent the Philippines in the Manhunt International: Male Supermodel competition in Thailand later this year.
A new title was introduced this year, Mister Pilipinas-Eco International, which went to Mister Tourism International Philippines 2022 Kitt Cortez of San Juan.
Another pageant veteran, Mister Fitness Supermodel World 2023 third runner-up Michael Angelo Toledo of Cebu City, was proclaimed as first runner-up, and also received the Mister Pilipinas-Man of the Year title.
He will be sent to the Man of the Year search later this year, while second runner-up Kenneth Marcelino of Laguna will take part in Mister Cosmopolitan for receiving the Mister Pilipinas-Cosmopolitan title. – Rappler.com