Man of the World Sergio Azuaga to stay in PH after reign, wants to learn Tagalog
Reigning Man of the World Sergio Azuaga at his shoot for Bragais Man. ARMIN P. ADINA
Reigning Man of the World Sergio Azuaga will not go back to Venezuela just yet, even after he relinquishes his title to his successor at the end of the month.
“Philippines is my [home] now. Of course I will extend here,” the 21-year-old hunk told a group of scribes at the sidelines of his shoot for international Filipino shoe designer Jojo Bragais’ new line of men’s products under Bragais Man.
“I can only tell you at this moment I’m learning Tagalog. And my plans are preparing a future here in the Philippines. I’m very happy to be here,” continued Azuaga.
The first Man of the World winner from Venezuela has been based in the Philippines during his reign, and has taken modeling jobs in his new found home. His mother has been working in the country for years now, prior to his victory.
Azuaga said he hopes to improve in his craft. “Give the people what they want to see, give more of Sergio, give more content, more stuff so I can connect with more people. I know they’re gonna be so happy,” he said.
“I’ve been very lucky that even if I don’t know Tagalog, I’ve been invited to so many programs here. And the only thing that I need is to finish my Tagalog lessons, and for sure you’re gonna see me over there,” he shared.
Azuaga continued: “I’ve been very lucky that I’m working with good persons, professional. Like today, we’re working with Jojo Bragais, that’s a huge opportunity, right? Now, every person that wants to work with me, I’m very happy working with.”
He will turn over his crown at the culmination of the 2025 Man of the World finals at the Skydome in Quezon City on May 31. And he shared what he hopes his successor will be like.
“If I can tell you the characteristic that I want in the next Man of the World, it will be for sure connect with the people. One of the things that I try to do in my journey was to connect with people, look more human, not be so ‘I’m here in the pageant, I’m so perfect, look at me.’ No, no, no, just connect to the people, be yourself,” Azuaga said.
He also looked back on his reign with nothing but gratitude, for getting the “opportunity to put together a lot of people with the common sense of being nice, support each other and be happy. I’m really happy that I have that opportunity in my life.”
But the king also shut down any prospect of him competing in another contest. “I won last year, it’s an international title that I’m really, really happy to have. But I think that’s the end, fortunately, of my pageant career. You’re gonna see really good things in the future,” Azuaga said.
