Beauty, Bias, and the Burden of Relevance

Until recently, I had never watched a male beauty pageant. I always assumed they were designed for women and gay audiences, and frankly, I never considered pageantry, male or female, as something socially relevant. The answers contestants give often feel rehearsed, idealistic, and disconnected from the real social upheavals shaping our world. Even this year, nothing significant really shifted. 

When Kirk Bondad, the Filipino-German representative of the Philippines, won the Mister International 2025 title in Bangkok, Thailand, I felt compelled to watch the competition for the first time. I wanted to understand what made him stand out among 41 other contenders from across the globe.

After more than an hour of viewing, I found myself captivated, but not by the whole show.  Instead, my admiration focused on the reigning titleholder from Nigeria, Nwajagu Samuel, who won Mister International 2024 and became the first African to ever hold the crown. His elegance, wisdom, humility, and inner beauty remain unmatched. Even as he passed on the title, he was, in my eyes, still the most beautiful man in the auditorium.

The competition itself was a spectacle of charisma and confidence, but it wasn’t without its flaws. One recurring issue was the apparent hometown favoritism in Thailand. With a judging panel heavily composed of Thai nationals, the inclusion of Kanapol Treesongkiat, Mister Thailand, in the Top 6 seemed tasteless and politically convenient. It’s hard not to notice a pattern when the host country’s candidate consistently advances, even when others are more deserving.

Take Oliver Prasetyo, Mister Indonesia, for example. A Manado-Javanese raised in New York, Oliver is not only physically striking but also deeply socially aware. With a background in media and cinema from Ramapo College and a history of activism for Asian representation in the U.S., he brought intelligence and conviction to the pageant. Yet, despite his eloquence and global perspective, he was eliminated far too early, his spot seemingly handed to less compelling finalists.

Kirk Bondad, to his credit, was a strong contender. Towering above the rest, he combined eloquence with undeniable physical appeal. His winning answer at the Q&A, focused on child protection and education, was heartfelt, if slightly idealistic. He deserved the title, and as a Filipino, I should feel proud. But pride is complicated when meritocracy feels a bit compromised.

Another standout was Saadedine Hneineh, Mister Lebanon, who finished as first runner-up. His aura echoed that of Nwajagu Samuel; poised, introspective, and quietly powerful. He embodied the kind of depth and dignity that the title of Mister International should represent.

Kirk’s victory was historic in pageantry, marking the Philippines’ second win after Neil Perez in 2014. But my feelings remain mixed. The pageant opened my eyes to the evolving landscape of male beauty competitions, where advocacy, identity, and global awareness are beginning to matter. Yet it also reminded me how easily brilliance can be overshadowed by politics and bias.

I’m glad I watched. I’m glad Kirk won. But I hope it won't end as predictably glossy as that.  My point is, beauty, like justice, is never just about the victor, or the crown.