Kirk Bondad is in the running for the Best in National Costume special award of this year's Mister International pageant.
The Philippine representative made it to the Top 5 of the national costume competition, joining candidates from Costa Rica, Ecuador, Thailand, and Indonesia.
Bondad donned a costume dubbed "Perlas Celestia," which was described as "a perfect representation of the Philippines as the Pearl of the Orient Seas."
Designed by Patrick Isorena, it is also said to symbolize "purity, resilience, and transformation."
The winner of the national costume competition will be announced during the finals night of Mister International 2025 in Thailand on September 25.
Bondad's predecessor, Justin Ong, won the Best in National Costume special award last year for his eagle-inspired ensemble. He also finished in the Top 6 of the pageant.
Before Mister International, Bondad wore the Philippine sash in Mr. World 2024, where he placed in the Top 20.