Another strong performance in an international male pageant of a Filipino representative this year.
On Saturday, September 26, Filipino model and pageant king John Wayne Alba represented the Philippines in the Mister International 2026 pageant held in Bangkok, Thailand.
There, a total of 52 participants from around the world competed to get the title. But the stake is even higher for the 22-year-old Filipino representative, who is aimed for a back-to-back win as model Kirk Bondad won the previous year’s title.
In the finals night, Alba showed his well-toned physique in the swimwear round, while also showcased his dapper looks in the formal wear round while wearing a suit by Nat Manilag.
However, it was not his night as John Wayne did not meet the cut and bowed out of the competition in the Top 12.
Prior to this, he also had past experiences in other pageants such as a second runner-up placemen at Top Model of Universe 2023, winning Mister Republika ng Pilipinas Europe Teen 2022 and Mister Star Italia 2024.
He would bag the right to represent the country in Mister International 2026 after being named Mister Pilipinas International last April, representing Calamba, Laguna.
Meanwhile, Kirk Bondad, Mister International 2025, also expressed his emotions as he bade farewell as the reigning king.
“One year ago… I still remember those few blurry seconds before my name was called. I couldn’t hear or feel much of anything. It felt like getting warped in to an eternal void, eradicated from senses, while my body and mind were bracing for impact. Hearing my name, was like getting hit my a sledgehammer,” he opened his post.
The model continued, “I knew, this feeling I’ll never experience the same way again. It still (feels) so vivid… And somehow, a full year has passed. And what a year it was…”
He then conveyed his thanks to the Mister International organization, as well as to the people who believed and supported him, and went on to become part of this journey.
“And to the people I shared the real moments with, I carry you close to my heart,” Kirk furthered, before closing his message with a simple “My reign ended.”
