PH bet secures podium finish at 1st Mister Eco International competition
The Philippines’ Kitt Cortez copped second runner-up honors at the first edition of the Mister Eco International competition, staged in Baguio City on Thursday evening, June 11.
The event host from San Juan was also proclaimed Mister Eco International Asia at the ceremonies held at the Cordillera International Convention Hall of Baguio Country Club.
Egyptian delegate Yosef Ali bested 18 other delegates from around the world, including Cortez, to snag the title and receive the honor of being the first-ever winner of the tilt.
The competition is organized by the same group behind the Miss Eco International and Miss Eco Teen International pageants based in Egypt.
Manila-based Empire PH mounted the competition as host committee in the Philippines. The company also organizes the Miss Universe Philippines pageant and holds The Miss Philippines brand.
Joining Ali and Cortez in the winners’ circle were first runner-up Lucas Prince from France, third runner-up Luigi Elia Fiore from Italy, fourth runner-up Nawang Dondup from India, and fifth runner-up Alejandro Rodriguez from the Dominican Republic.
The competition had a stellar hosting tandem composed of reigning Miss Universe Philppines Bea Millan-Windorski and 2025 Miss World Asia Krishnah Gravidez, who happens to hail from Baguio.
Another pageant titlist from Baguio, 2025 Miss Supranational runner-up Tarah Valencia, graced the event as one of the judges. Also joining her at the panel were 2025 Mister International runner-up Kanapol Treesongkiat from Thailand and “pasarela” (pageant walk) coach Ian Mendajar.
Other regional titles were bestowed aside from Cortez’s continental award. Mister Eco International Latino was Fleniker Gomes from Brazil, Mister Eco International Europe was Ivan Clarete from Spain, and Mister Eco International Africa was Emmanuel King Onyele from Nigeria.
As the first-ever winner of the pageant, Ali is expected to spearhead projects and initiatives that help promote environmental sustainability and the protection of the planet. /ra
