PH's Kirk Bondad ends Mister World 2024 bid in Top 20
Philippines' bet Kirk Bondad ended his Mr. World journey in the top 20 during the coronation night held in Vietnam on Saturday, Nov. 23.
On Facebook, Mr. World Philippines sent a congratulatory message to Bondad after ending his run in the pageant, saying that they are proud of his performance in representing the country with "grace and passion."
"Congratulations, Kirk Bondad, Mr. World Philippines! We are beyond proud of you for representing our country with such grace and passion. Your unwavering dedication, hard work, and heart have truly made you a winner in every sense. You’ve raised our flag high, and this is just the beginning of your incredible journey," the caption read.
It added, "Keep inspiring us all—your story is one of perseverance, hope, and greatness!"
Puerto Rico's Daniel Mejia was hailed Mister World 2024, making him the first Puerto Rican man to win the title. He succeeded Englishman Jack Heslewood at the final competition of the 11th Mister World contest.
Meanwhile, the 28-year-old German-Filipino model waved the country's flag in the international pageant as he reached the Vietnamese Designer's formal wear segment, where he looked dapper in a black suit and tie.
During the swimsuit competition, Bondad flaunted his strong physique while doing some MMA stunts.
For his national costume, Bondad proudly walked the NovaWorld Phan Thiet stage wearing a costume called "Warrior," paying tribute to the rich heritage of Mountain Province, where his roots lie within an Igorot community in the Cordillera Region.
He holds an armor crafted from water buffalo materials, "ready to hunt with bravery and determination to protect his ancestry."
His headpiece, adorned with the figure of the rice god, honors the agricultural livelihood of his people. It is adorned with feathers that stand for the native delicacy of his community called “pinikpikan.”
According to Mr. World Philippines, Bondad represented the "modern Igorot—a proud Filipino who is gracefully navigating changes of progress while remaining steadfast amidst the challenges of time."
If Bondad had won the crown, he would have become the first Filipino to win the coveted crown, following the win of model and rugby player Andrew James Wolff, who won first runner-up in the 2012 edition of the international pageant, the highest placement for the Philippines.
In 2022, Bondad was appointed to represent the Philippines in the international pageant.
In the same year, he was also named the grand winner of Century Superbods 2022 alongside model Christelle Abello.
