Si Kirk Bondad ng Pilipinas ang reigning Mister International kaya umaasa ang Filipino pageant enthusiasts ng back-to-back win sa 18th Mister International.
Magaganap ito ngayong Sabado ng gabi, Setyembre 26,2026, sa MCC Hall ng The Mall Lifestore sa Bang Kapi, Thailand.
Apatnapu’t anim ang bilang ng mga opisyal na kandidato sa 18th Mister International at si John Wayne Alba, 22, ang kinatawan ng Pilipinas.
Ang media entrepreneur, publisher, at international pageant executive na si Josh Yugen ang nag-iisang Pilipino na inimbitahan bilang hurado sa 18th Mister International.
Sa eksklusibong panayam ng Cabinet Files nitong Sabado ng tanghali, ibinahagi niya ang kanyang opinyon tungkol sa posibilidad na back-to-back win ng Pilipinas.
"I think the Philippines is always a strong contender, especially with the sash factor, but John Wayne is really special because he has his own unique qualities.
"I’ve spoken to him personally, and I think he has a great story to tell. Aside from that, sobrang charismatic niya, and maganda talaga ang overall presentation niya,” ang pahayag ni Josh.
May opinyon rin siya sa Barong Tagalog, ang National Costume na ginamit ni John Wayne.
“One thing lang was the National Costume. I was actually trying to explain to some of my co-judges the significance and concept behind the Barong Tagalog because some of them didn’t fully understand the cultural reference.
"But other than that, he’s gwapo, very charismatic, has great communication skills, and definitely has what it takes to make it a back-to-back win for the Philippines,” ani Josh.
JOSH YUGEN AS A PAGEANT JUDGE
Tatlong beses nang nagsilbi si Josh bilang hurado sa Mister International—noong 2014, 2025, at ngayong 2026.
Nasaksihan niya ang tagumpay ni Kirk sa 17th Mister International noong September 25, 2025.
“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.
“I was fortunate to witness Kirk’s journey from the judging table, and he was truly a standout. Seeing a Filipino eventually win the title was a very proud moment.
"Now I return as a judge as he completes his reign, so there is something beautifully full-circle about this year,” ang sabi ni Josh.
Ang mga bagong hamon bilang hurado sa 18th Mister International ang isa pang itinanong sa kanya ng Cabinet Files.
"I think the challenge now is that the competition keeps evolving, and every year you meet a completely different group of men with different strengths and personalities. So you really cannot judge based on looks alone.
"At the same time, I’m very familiar with Mister International because I’m not only a judge, I’m also the vice-president of the organization. I understand the pageant very well and I know what we are looking for in a Mister International.
"Personally, I’m looking for someone who is almost like the male version of Miss Universe — classy, charming, confident, articulate, and someone with a great personality. He has to have substance and be able to connect with people.
"So in a way, judging for the third consecutive time is easier for me because I understand the vision of the organization. But the challenge is finding that one man who has the complete package and can truly represent Mister International globally.”
LUKE PLOWDEN AS PAGEANT HOST
Ang Thailand-based Japanese-American actor na si Luke Plowden ang host ng gabi ng koronasyon ng 18th Mister International.
Bumisita si Luke sa Pilipinas noong Hulyo 2026 dahil sa imbitasyon at tulong ni Josh.
Sa panayam kay Luke ng mga miyembro ng Philippine media, ipinahayag niya ang intensyon na bumalik sa ating bansa at magkaroon ng mga proyekto sa pelikula at telebisyon.
Nang itanong ng Cabinet Files kay Josh kung nagkita na sila ni Luke sa Bangkok, sagot niya, "I am not sure if we are meeting ‘coz I’ll be at the judging table. But yes, I was the one who helped him and produced his first Philippine trip."
Read: Luke Plowden treasures first PH visit, meets fans and Tondo kids