Kirk Bondad
Kirk Bondad
Journey to Becoming an International King
28 September 2025
As a wonderful redirection from his heartbreaking placement at Mister World 2024, Kirk bested 41 other “Distinctively Confident” contenders from around the world to become Mister International 2025. This is the Philippines’ second victory after Neil Perez in 2014.
Days before the finals of Mister International 2025 the Philippine king, Kirk Bondad, was sick, but he vowed: “I won’t let my sickness interfere with my goals. Let’s claim it. Once and for all. Philippines #laban It’s about time.”
The Filipino-German supermodel and personal trainer posted this on his Instagram a few days before the finals of Mister International 2025 on September 25 in Bangkok, Thailand.
The Mister Pilipinas Worldwide-International winner was on track to clinching the title of Mister International, which has eluded the Philippines since Neil Perez won in 2014.
As of September 21, Kirk was among the Top 5 in “Mister People’s Choice” of Mister International 2025, later won by Mister Costa Rica Roberto Mena.
The half-Igorot Kirk, 28, was also among the Top 5 contenders for the Best in National Costume award, along with Costa Rica, Ecuador, Thailand and Indonesia. Thailand won that special award.
Patrick Isorena, the designer for the winning national costume of Kenneth Marcelino at the recent Mister Cosmopolitan, also created Kirk’s eye-catching costume.
He calls it “Perlas Celestia – The Celestial Pearl,” describing his creation as:
“Perlas Celestia embodies the Philippines as a divine treasure, a sacred jewel bestowed upon the earth by the heavens themselves. This name reflects not just beauty and elegance, but also divine origin, royal power, and eternal light. A perfect representation of the Philippines as the Pearl of the Orient Seas.
“The pearl symbolizes purity, resilience, and transformation. Just as a pearl is formed through layers of strength over time, the Philippines has been shaped by centuries of history, challenges, and victories — emerging radiant and unbreakable
“Perlas Celestia is more than a name. It’s a declaration of destiny.”
It takes several attempts, but it seems being a gorgeous half-German has a certain advantage at winning in pageants. Pia Wurtzbach famously competed three times at Binibining Pilipinas before winning Miss Universe in 2015. Annalena Valencia Lakrini stopped at the Top 12 at Binibining Pilipinas 2022; represented the Philippines at The Miss Globe 2023, where she placed second runner-up; and represented Germany at Miss Supranational 2025, where she emerged as first runner up.
Now, it’s Kirk Bondad’s turn. The Mister International 2025 pageant in Bangkok, Thailand, is the third pageant for the 28-year-old supermodel and personal trainer. He was Mister World Philippines 2024, placing in the Top 20 at the international finals, and the Century Tuna Superbods winner in 2022.
There was a triple send-off press conference for the Mister Pilipinas Worldwide Kings on August 28 at the KMC, Armstrong Corporate Center, Makati City--- Kenneth Marcelino for Mister Cosmopolitan 2025 (where he placed second), Kirk for Mister International 2025, and Jether Palomo for Mister Global 2025 (happening on September 25 to October 5), all in Thailand.
Having performed exceptionally well in his two previous pageants plus his competitive streak as an athlete, Kirk was asked if he was addicted to winning.
Here’s his inspiring reply:
“To give you a little context, I'm not per se addicted to winning, but I'm a journey-oriented person. It has so many great benefits, you know, because it keeps me grounded on a day-to-day basis.
“I have to embody character, beauty, brain. So, every single day, I have to do multiple things that all keep me grounded on that day. So that's why I'm addicted to winning, because it puts me on a trajectory where I'm so focused.
“I think that's something I'm so grateful to be in. I think that deep purpose connects you to anything, anywhere you are. So, my approach this time is because I have more experience coming into this new day.
“So, I'm trying to have more grace, because I feel like pressure is already there. I don't want to choke on it, because there's a lot of expectations, a lot of pressure. This is too much for me, especially on social media.
“It might get a little bit annoying. So, the best thing I can do is really keep my head down. So, I'm just doing things that I can control.
“And getting enough sleep also. But most importantly, just be calm. Because I feel like, at the end of the day, you have to expect that no matter how good you perform, no matter how good you are, it's not guaranteed that you win.
“Because at the end of the day, it's the jury that you have to deal with…
“If I can perfect my journey and I did my best, I would be happy.”
The “Perlas Celestia” National Costume
Kirk Bondad in Patrick Isorena
Photo : @ahleks4u
Hmua : @keivtorres.ph
Hair : @_pjnulud
Is Kird Bondad Addicted to Winning?
Kirk Bondad in Ivarluski Aseron
Photo @ahleks4u
Shoes @jojobragais.man @jojobragais
Hmua @keivtorres.ph
Hair @_pjnulud
Kirk’s Ultimate Wish Was to Compete at Mister International
The day before the finals night of Mister Pilipinas Worldwide 2025 on April 28, heavy favorite Kirk Bondad bared his ultimate wish on Instagram:
“Over the past days, I’ve done a lot of thinking. Of course, it’s not up to me to decide who wins what title. But if I’m given the honor tomorrow, I hope it’s Mister International.
“I know that might come as a surprise, especially since many pageant fans have pictured me competing at Supra. But after doing more research and reflection, I believe Mister International aligns better with my branding, positioning, and long-term vision.
“That being said, carrying any crown is a huge responsibility—representing an entire nation on a global stage is a heavy mantle. And pageants, as we all know, can be very volatile. I trust the judges, and whatever happens, I’m at peace.
“I’m just grateful I took this leap. No matter the result, I would do it all again.”
Kirk’s wishful thinking came true. He was indeed crowned Mister Pilipinas Worldwide-International 2025. This triumph comes after his stint as Mister World Philippines 2024, where he surprisingly only placed in the Top 20 at the international finals; and as the grand winner of Century Tuna Superbods 2022.
Established in 2006, Mister International is run by the Mister International Organization since 2006, when it was based in Singapore. It was owned and organized by its former president and late founder Alan Sim. However, after Sim died, two new Mister International organizations emerged, one based in the Philippines, and the other one in Thailand.
Kirk will be competing in the pageant based in Thailand. This one should not be confused with the defunct Mr. International, which was organized by the India-based clothing company Graviera, and which ran from 1998 until 2003. Philippine bet Alexander Aquino won in 2001.
The Philippines first sent a representative to Mister International in 2006, the inaugural edition, with Ken Escudero placing in the Top 11 and winning Mister Photogenic. In 2008, Jeff Surio was in the Top 10. In 2010, Raphael Cruz Carlos placed in the Top 15. In 2011, Fhrancis Oliver Lopez was in the Top 16 and was Mister Internet Popularity.
In 2013, Gil Wagas was fourth runner-up and Mister Internet Popularity. Neil Perez won in 2014. Reniel Villareal was in the Top 10 and Best in National Costume in 2015. Miguel Mari Guia was in the Top 16, and Popular Vote winner in 2016. In 2017 Renz Lansangan was in the Top 10 and Missosology People's Choice Awardee.
Mark Kevin was in the Top 5 in 2018. After the pandemic, Myron Jude Ordillano was fourth runner-up in 2022. Jefferson Bunney was in the Top 10 and Most Attractive Man in 2023. Last year, Justine Carl Ong was in the Top 6 and Best National Costume and Fan Vote winner.
With Kirk’s Superman and supermodel looks, degree in business administration from the GBSB Global Business School in Spain, and health and fitness advocacy, he is the Philippines’ best bet to finally clinch the crown again after Neil Perez’s victory in 2014.
And, before he flew to Bangkok, Kirk posted this on his IG:
“My last dance @officialmisterinternational
“Be the reason why the standard rises. It isn’t about fame, money, or status, it’s about making a statement so impactful the status quo has to be redefined.
“Tomorrow I’ll fly to Thailand to compete in my 3rd pageant. How do I feel? Something along the lines of excitement and oh-my-lord-I-can’t-wait-till-this-is-over (in all the good ways haha). Remember, back in school, final exam period? Now Super Saiyan that. That’s the feeling.
“This prep, alongside juggling life, has challenged me greatly. Words won’t cut it. Ultimately, I’m grateful, blessed, and can’t wait to bring you along the way. Pls keep voting and supporting me. I love you all!
“Representing the Philippines once again on an international stage was, is, and will always be one of the proudest moments in my life .”
Kirk Bondad in Francis Libiran
Photographer : @ahleks4u
Shoes : @jojobragais.man @jojobragais
Hmua : @keivtorres.ph
Hair : @_pjnulud
Winning the Philippines’ Second Mister International Title
It takes several attempts, but it seems being a gorgeous half-German has a certain advantage at winning in pageants. Pia Wurtzbach famously competed three times at Binibining Pilipinas before winning Miss Universe in 2015. Annalena Valencia Lakrini stopped at the Top 12 at Binibining Pilipinas 2022; represented the Philippines at The Miss Globe 2023, where she placed second runner-up; and represented Germany at Miss Supranational 2025, where she emerged as first runner up.
Now, it’s Kirk Bondad’s turn. The Mister International 2025 pageant in Bangkok, Thailand, is the third pageant for the 28-year-old supermodel and personal trainer. He was Mister World Philippines 2024, placing in the Top 20 at the international finals, and the Century Tuna Superbods winner in 2022.
There was a triple send-off press conference for the Mister Pilipinas Worldwide Kings on August 28 at the KMC, Armstrong Corporate Center, Makati City--- Kenneth Marcelino for Mister Cosmopolitan 2025 (where he placed second), Kirk for Mister International 2025, and Jether Palomo for Mister Global 2025 (happening on September 25 to October 5), all in Thailand.
Having performed exceptionally well in his two previous pageants plus his competitive streak as an athlete, Kirk was asked if he was addicted to winning.
Here’s his inspiring reply:
“To give you a little context, I'm not per se addicted to winning, but I'm a journey-oriented person. It has so many great benefits, you know, because it keeps me grounded on a day-to-day basis.
“I have to embody character, beauty, brain. So, every single day, I have to do multiple things that all keep me grounded on that day. So that's why I'm addicted to winning, because it puts me on a trajectory where I'm so focused.
“I think that's something I'm so grateful to be in. I think that deep purpose connects you to anything, anywhere you are. So, my approach this time is because I have more experience coming into this new day.
“So, I'm trying to have more grace, because I feel like pressure is already there. I don't want to choke on it, because there's a lot of expectations, a lot of pressure. This is too much for me, especially on social media.
“It might get a little bit annoying. So, the best thing I can do is really keep my head down. So, I'm just doing things that I can control.
“And getting enough sleep also. But most importantly, just be calm. Because I feel like, at the end of the day, you have to expect that no matter how good you perform, no matter how good you are, it's not guaranteed that you win.
“Because at the end of the day, it's the jury that you have to deal with…
“If I can perfect my journey and I did my best, I would be happy.”