Filipino media entrepreneur and pageant executive Josh Yugen will serve as a judge at the grand finals of Mister International 2026, marking his third consecutive year on the panel and making him the sole Filipino judge in this year’s competition.
Yugen’s return comes a year after the Philippines secured a historic victory through Kirk Bondad, who is set to crown his successor at the Bangkok-based pageant.
Organizers said Yugen’s continued presence on the judging panel reflects his growing influence in the international pageant industry, where he has expanded his work from media and publishing to global events, fashion, and talent development.
Yugen was also part of the judging panel in 2025 when Bondad won the title, becoming only the second Filipino to claim the crown after Neil Perez in 2014.
The Filipino executive said his return carries added meaning as he represents the country on an international stage.
He noted that judging an international competition goes beyond physical attributes, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, intelligence, and the ability to carry a global title.
“Being invited back for the third consecutive year is already an incredible honor, but being the only Filipino judge for the Grand Finals this year makes it even more meaningful to me. Whenever I am given a seat at an international table, I never see it as mine alone. I know that I am also representing the Philippines and the incredible talent, creativity and professionalism of Filipinos around the world," he said in a statement.
Yugen is the founder and CEO of House of Yugen, the group behind media and communications platforms such as XPEDITION Magazine and Yugen PR.
Since founding XPEDITION in 2015, he has built the brand into an international platform, working with personalities, designers, and brands across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
He has also expanded into global pageantry, handling national franchises for Miss Universe in countries including Pakistan, Sweden, and Egypt.
In 2025, Yugen was appointed Vice President for Global Partnerships and an executive board member of the Mister International Organization, overseeing partnerships, sponsorships, and media relations.
The Mister International 2026 Grand Finals will be held in Bangkok, Thailand, where Bondad will end his reign and crown the next titleholder.