Filipino-German model Kirk Bondad hauled the Mister International 2025 crown.
Introducing Kirk bonded! A half Filipino and half German model from Manila Philippines, captured the Mister International 2025 title during the global pageant’s coronation night on Thursday, September 25, at the MCC Hall at The Mall Lifestore Ngamwongwan in Thailand.
Kirk Bondad won against other 40 aspiring candidates, winning against first runner-up Saadedine Hneineh of Lebanon and second runner-up Seung-ho Choi of South Korea.
Bondad landed on the Top 5 for the Best National Costume award, donning a golden ensemble called Perlas Celestia, with a crown and scepter to match. The costume takes inspiration from the Philippines’ representation as the Pearl of the orient seas.
Kirk Bondad’s thought-provoking answer during the Q&A segment where it helped him secured his spot ,where it is one of the reasons why the judges and audience to vote for him during the finals.
The question was “Why is critical thinking important for the survival of democracy in an era of fake news and misinformation?” Mister International president and judge Pradit Pradinunt asked Bondad.
Then Bondad answer's, “I think that this topic is a very timely matter because social media is acting as a double-edged sword; it can divide, but it can also unite. One thing that is very prevalent now, and that you can see everywhere, is that fake news is spreading. I think critical thinking gives us the ability to see what truly matters because at the end of the day, every step counts. And if we can work together as humanity, we can progress in this world, and we can move forward with peace and progress.”
The second question he was asked for and made his answer concise "If you win Mister International and are invited to speak at the United Nations, what one social or political issue would you choose to highlight and why?”
In that question Bondad answers “If I were given the honor, I would focus on the children. We need to protect them. I would give them a chance, provide more protection, and cultivate education because today’s children will be tomorrow’s leaders. Ultimately, I believe that if we collectively make the right decisions, even small steps can have a big impact internationally.
Bondad's shows his compassion and responsible with his answer to the question. Earning him the votes that helped him won in the event.
In the finals where he faced his opponents Saadedine Hneineh of Lebanon, who was named First Runner-Up, and Seung-ho Cho of South Korea, who was named Second Runner-Up, Kirk Bondad has marked his own place in pageant history as the second delegate from the Philippines to win the Mister International title at the staging of the 2025 competition in Thailand.