Model and wellness advocate Kirk Bondad brought pride to the Philippines after outshining 41 contestants from across the globe to win the Mister International 2025 title Thursday in Nonthaburi, Thailand.
The 28-year-old Filipino-German model and fitness coach, who previously made the Top 20 in Mr. World 2024, became only the second Filipino to claim the Thailand-based crown, following Neil Perez’s victory in 2014. Alexander Aquino earlier won the now-defunct Grasim Mr. International in 2001.
Bondad was sashed by outgoing Mister International 2024 Nwajagu Samuel and also took home the Dr. Face special award.
Lebanon’s Saadedine Hneineh finished first runner-up, followed by South Korea’s Seung-ho Choi, Nigeria’s Bethel Mbamara, Costa Rica’s Roberto Mena, and Thailand’s Kanapol Treesongkiat, rounding out the Top 6.
The rest of the Top 11 included Brazil’s Rodrigo Sonin, Canada’s Liam Thibault, France’s Axel Pallier, Mexico’s Guillermo Inurreta, and Vietnam’s Công Vinh Đoàn.
Bondad’s parents, Patrick and Jane Wachsmuth, flew in to witness his win. He credited his Igorot mother from Mountain Province for instilling discipline and independence, saying she always reminded him to be proud of his heritage.
During the Top 6 Q&A, Bondad was asked why critical thinking is vital for democracy amid fake news.
“Social media is acting as a double-edged thorn. It can divide but it can also unite,” he said. “Critical thinking gives us the ability to see what truly matters. If we can work together as humanity, we can progress in this world with peace and progress.”
In the final round, he highlighted children’s rights when asked what issue he would raise at the United Nations if crowned.
“We need to protect children and cultivate education because today’s children will be tomorrow’s leaders,” he said.
The finals night was hosted by Mister International 2023 Thitisan Goodburn, Thai radio DJ Anusith Sangnimnuan, and Miss Universe Philippines 2025 Athisa Manalo at MCC Hall, The Mall Ngamwongwan.
