Kirk Bondad of Philippines is Mister International 2025

Filipino-German Kirk Bondad was named Mister International 2025 during the pageant finals in Bangkok, Thailand, on Thursday, Sept. 25. 

Bondad edged out 40 candidates from across the globe. Saadedine Hneineh of Lebanon was named first runner-up, while Seung-ho Cho of Korea was hailed as second runner-up. 

The Philippine bet impressed the judges and audience after he answered the question, “If you win Mr. International and you are invited to speak at the United Nations, what one social or political issue would you choose to highlight and why?” during the Q&A.

Bondad highlighted the significance of child protection and education in his winning answer. 

“Thank you for the question. If I would have the honor, I would cause the children to be protected. I would give them a chance, to provide them with more protection and cultivate education because today’s children will be tomorrow’s leaders. Ultimately, I believe that if we can collectively make the right decisions, even with small steps, we will create a big impact internationally,” he said. 

Bondad’s victory was also announced on the international pageant’s official social media pages. 

“Congratulations to Kirk Bondad on making history and inspiring the world with confidence and pride,” Mister International wrote on Instagram. 

During the preliminaries, Bondad made it to the Top 3 of Mister International’s People’s Choice contest. He also paid homage to the Pearl of the Orient Seas for his national costume. 

Prior to his new title, Bondad represented the Philippines in Mr. World 2024, where he placed in the Top 20. /ra