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Kirk Bondad Crowned Mister International 2025: A Historic Win for the Philippines and LGBTQ+ Visibility
READ TIME: 13 MIN.
The Philippines is once again celebrating on the global pageant stage after Kirk Bondad was named Mister International 2025 in a packed ceremony held over the weekend in Thailand. Bondad, a 28-year-old Filipino-German model and fitness trainer, bested contestants from around the world to claim the coveted title, marking another chapter in the nation’s storied success in international beauty and talent competitions .
Bondad’s crowning moment was met with thunderous applause and a wave of support from Filipinos at home and abroad, as well as from LGBTQ+ advocates and allies who have long championed greater diversity and visibility in male pageantry .
Bondad’s journey to the Mister International stage was defined by perseverance and growth. Competing in national and international pageants for several years, he remained undeterred after initial setbacks, refining his advocacy, stage presence, and outreach with each attempt .
Speaking upon his return to the Philippines, Bondad said, “Winning Mister International is a dream come true, but more than the crown, my hope is that I made the Philippines proud. I want to inspire young people, no matter their background or identity, to pursue their dreams fearlessly” .
Bondad’s mixed heritage—his mother is Filipina from Baguio, and his father is German—reflects the diverse tapestry of Filipino identity, a point he has celebrated in interviews and public appearances. Raised between cultures, Bondad has spoken openly about embracing his roots and representing all aspects of his identity on the global stage .
While Mister International is not explicitly an LGBTQ+ competition, the pageant world has become a powerful platform for advancing conversations about diversity, gender, and inclusion. Bondad’s win is particularly resonant for LGBTQ+ audiences, who have seen pageantry evolve into a space where masculinity and beauty are redefined, and where contestants frequently use their platforms to advocate for equality and acceptance .
Bondad has consistently voiced support for the LGBTQ+ community throughout his career. In his post-victory interviews, he reiterated his commitment to inclusivity: “The pageant stage should be open to everyone. I want to use this title to lift up voices from all backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ individuals who deserve to be seen and celebrated” .
LGBTQ+ organizations in the Philippines and abroad have hailed Bondad’s win as an important moment for representation, noting that his advocacy and visibility help challenge stereotypes about gender and masculinity .
The reaction in the Philippines has been one of overwhelming pride, with social media flooded by congratulatory messages, trending hashtags, and heartfelt tributes. Bondad’s win also drew praise from past pageant winners, including Mister International 2014 Neil Perez, who remarked, “With Kirk’s win, I can finally retire the crown with full pride. He has set a new standard for what it means to represent the country on the international stage” .
Bondad’s story quickly went viral, with his crowning moment shared widely by fans, advocates, and media outlets across the globe . The universal appeal of his journey—marked by resilience, authenticity, and a commitment to advocacy—has made him a role model for many, particularly young LGBTQ+ people seeking representation in mainstream media.
Looking ahead, Bondad has stated that he will use his Mister International platform to champion causes close to his heart, including mental health, cultural pride, and LGBTQ+ visibility. He has pledged to work with organizations to promote acceptance, understanding, and respect for all identities, both in the Philippines and internationally .
Bondad’s win is a testament to the power of representation and the ongoing efforts of the LGBTQ+ community and its allies to broaden the definition of beauty, talent, and leadership. As he embarks on his year as Mister International, the world will be watching—not just for the glamour and spectacle, but for the meaningful impact he aims to make.
