MANILA -- Filipino-German model Kirk Bondad is back in the Philippines after winning the Mister International 2025 title in Thailand over the weekend.
In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Bondad expressed his happiness to win the title for the Philippines.
"I don't know what to say, but just to say thank you, you know? This is not just about me, this is greater. This is about a whole nation," Bondad said.
"I know, we Filipinos, we love putting the Philippine pride and the flag raising it on an international stage," he added.
Philippine bet Kirk Bondad wins Mister International 2025
Ahtisa Manalo all set for Miss Universe 2025 competition
Meanwhile, Miss Universe Philippines Ahtisa Manalo has completed her preparatio -- physically, mentally and emotionally -- for Miss Universe 2025 competition in November.
Manalo has been giving her all since she was crowned Miss Universe Philippines last May.
"The physical trainings, of course, 'yung mga classic Q&A, pasarela, styling, hair and makeup. Kasi hindi ba kami lang doon maghe-hair and makeup sa sarili namin. But mostly the emotional preparation. Iba pala 'yung pressure, when you bring the sash Philippines to the Miss universe stage. I've represented the Philippines before but this is a whole different kind of game," Manalo said.
Aside from the training of her core team, she also asked for tips from former Miss Universe queens, including Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray and Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee.
"I've talked to Cat, I've talked to Michelle, I've talked to Gazini (Ganados), I've talked to almost all the queens that have represented us. Even MJ Latimosa. So I go back to even the ones that have represented us from like years before. Kasi of course, it's a different experience, not everyone has been through this and iba 'yung knowledge na maibibigay ila if they've been through the same thing," Manalo said.
All of Manalo's looks and outfits were all planned for her three-week stay in Thailand, including her evening gowns.
"I'm very hands-on with how my evening gowns are gonna turn out," said Manalo, who shared that her gown are currently in production.
Manalo also learned some Thai words for the competition.
The Miss Universe 2024 coronation will be aired on November 21 at 9 a.m. live from Bangkok, Thailand on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, Metro Channel and iWant. The runway show can also be watched on November 16.
Below is ABS-CBN News interview with Ahtisa Manalo.
-- with a report from Dyan Castillejo, ABS-CBN News