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Mister International 2025 Kirk Bondad
Mister International 2025 Kirk Bondad is back on the pageant stage, this time as a judge.
The Filipino-German model was part of the selection committee of the recently concluded Mister International 2026 preliminary competition in Bangkok, Thailand.
"Having once stood on this stage himself, Kirk now sees the competition from a different seat, observing the contenders as they put their preparation, confidence, and presence to the test," noted Mister Pilipinas Worldwide, which sent Bondad as the country's representative to last year's edition of the pageant.
On Instagram, Bondad shared his insights after evaluating the Mister International 2026 candidates during the closed-door interview session.
He stressed the importance of being able to connect with people. "Beyond the technical criteria I'm judging one thing I pay particular attention to is a contestant's energy. You can articulate yourself perfectly, but if I'm struggling to stay engaged while you speak, that matters, too," he said.
"Pageantry is about representation and expression, but ultimately, it's about your ability to connect with people," he continued. "And you don't need perfect English to do that. Your presence, body language, eye contact, tone, and energy can communicate just as much as your words."
For Bondad, communication skills come in handy not just in pageantry, but in many other aspects of life.
"The way you communicate is arguably one of the most valuable skills you can develop. It can open doors, build meaningful relationships, help you navigate conflict, and blatantly make you more money," he said.
"Communication is a superpower. And unlike many unfavorable dispositions in life, this one you can actually train," he ended.
The Mister International 2026 finals will be held in Bangkok on Saturday, September 26.
John Wayne Alba is aiming for a back-to-back victory for the Philippines after Bondad's 2025 win.
John Wayne Alba showcases Pinoy charm at Mister International 2026 preliminaries
RECAP: Kirk Bondad's winning performance in Mister International 2025