Mister International 2024: PH bet Best in National Costume; Nigeria is king

Mister International 2024 Best in National Costume Justine Ong from the Philippines. Image: Facebook/Mister Pilipinas Worldwide

After Chelsea Manalo emerged as the Best in National Costume in the 73rd Miss Universe pageant in Mexico, the Philippines collected the same special award in the just concluded 16th Mister International contest in Thailand.

Justine Carl Ong was proclaimed Best in National Costume at the 2024 edition of the international male competition that concluded in Bangkok on Saturday night, Dec. 14.

The Filipino contender showcased a gold Philippine Eagle-inspired costume designed by Bhong Celario. “A tribute to our national bird, this powerful symbol calls us to safeguard and cherish this rare living treasure. It is also a heartfelt homage to Justine’s hometown, Tacloban, Leyte, home to this majestic and iconic creature,” the Mister Pilipinas Worldwide organization posted on social media.

The Taclobanon host and model paraded his golden garb, complete with fan-like wings and an intricate headpiece depicting the endangered bird, during the preliminary national competition show. The winner was determined by online votes.

Ong also topped the online popularity poll earning him a spot in the Top 6. He missed the first cut to 15 semifinalists during the final competition show held at the Island Hall Fashion Island in Bangkok, but was announced as the last member of the Top 6 before the question-and-answer round.

At the culmination of the ceremonies, software engineer Samuel Nwajagu posted Nigeria’s first victory in the international male contest. He inherited the title from Thai actor-model Kim Goodburn.

Three Filipino personalities were members of the selection committee — shoemaker Jojo Bragais, public relations practitioner and magazine publisher Josh Yugen, and actress Arci Muñoz.

Neil Perez, a police officer, remains to be the only Filipino contender to be proclaimed as Mister International. He won the ninth edition of the global male competition held in Seoul, South Korea, in 2015.