The world of Kirk Bondad
SAIGON — Handsome is a lame word to describe Kirk Bondad. Our Mr. World Philippines is not just beauty and brawn. He is also an embodiment of brains and breeding. All the Bs that could have made him Mr. World 2024, but then it didn’t happen.
At the Nova World Pan Thiet, Binh Thuan in Vietnam, where the finals for Mr. World were held, the pageant stated that Mr. World seeks out the “Most Desirable Man” which goes beyond looking not just for physical appearance but also personality and skills. Kirk first made waves in the Philippines as Century Superbods grand winner in 2022. He is currently a famous Bench endorser, a feat aspired to by movie stars and models as the ultimate stamp of approval in the industry.
At the Vietnam pageant, Kirk was named among the Top 5 Models and was one of the 20 finalists. All throughout the well-presented pageant, he stood out. The contestants went through the usual rigors—answering questions during the preliminary judging, competing in sports, showing off their talents, vying for best national costume—but the system of judging, by continents, didn’t work well for all contestants. The usual way is for pageants to choose the best candidates, regardless of continent of origin. The continental zones were Africa, Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. Asia had seven candidates in the Top 20. Anyhow, we respect the Mr. World 2024 rules as the best in their perception, and congratulate the winners: Daniel Mejia of Puerto Rico as Mr. World, and Pham Tuan Ngoc of Vietnam, Antonio Company of Spain, and Salvatore Crisball of Angola as runners-up. Each one surely had winning merits of his own.
Like a true gentleman, Kirk humbly stated: “I know I gave it my all, and that’s what matters.”
Our Philippine delegation—composed of Ben Chan, Miguel Pastor, Jojie Dingcong, Tina Cuevas, Agnes Huibonhoa and myself—was there to cheer him on, proudly waving Philippine flags. The flags were courtesy of Jojie, famously known as an A-list talent manager, who went out of his way voluntarily to lend moral support for Kirk in the absence of his manager Arnold Vegafria (a good friend of Jojie’s) who was indisposed during the pageant.
“Kirk is a genuinely good human being. I see him achieving future victories. He will always be a champ in my book,” said Jojie who told Kirk: “You represented our country with dignity, grace, humility and honor.”
Ben Chan said of the half-Filipino, half German Kirk Bondad: “I thought he would fit perfectly for the Mr. World brand. Being born and raised from two cultures, he embraced both. He exudes the confidence and suave of the Old World, and the genteel charm and exoticism of the Orient. This makes him endearing and relatable to a greater audience. He is articulate and would have been a great ambassador as Mr. World.”
Ben explained that Kirk possesses all the traits that embody a Bench endorser. “Aside from having all the physical attributes that personify the brand, his positive and professional attitude are what matter to me. He is charismatic and always keeps a happy disposition.”
Miguel Pastor told Kirk, “You won the hearts of Filipinos. Your passion and dedication showed the world the true Filipino spirit. Keep waving the Filipino flag, and wear it in your heart.”
Agnes Huibonhoa who has an emotional attachment to the pageant place, being half-Filipina and half-Vietnamese (her father was one of three legendary brothers who were pillars in Vietnamese real estate business), sighed, “Kirk was among the best and I thought he was a winner.”
Tina Cuevas noted, “Yes, even my friends from Spain texted to say they were surprised by the results.”
But, of course, Kirk’s mother Jane Bondad came in her white elegance to cheer for her son. Kirk cited her unconditional love, and credited her for what he is now, thanking her for “being raised by a strict mother.”
He added, “I remember how you once gave me a toothbrush to clean the bathroom weekly … and other frustrating assignments… but look at your son now!” Also present was his girlfriend Lou Yanong, a Filipina beauty who towers in the world of modelling.
This is the world of Kirk Bondad now, our Mr. World Philippines. It is one full of love and support, promise, passion, purpose, and bigger achievements to come.
‘A man is sexy if he has a strong purpose in life and is kind to others’
A few days before the Mr. World competition in Hanoi, we asked Kirk Bondad some questions. He managed to answer amid all the tension and frenzy.
PHILIPPINE STAR: How does one get a competition-worthy body like yours? What is in your fitness regimen?
KIRK BONDAD: Dragonball Z. My routine includes boxing, running, weightlifting, and swimming. Whatever I want to improve on, I will plan and schedule accordingly.
What do you eat? And don’t eat?
I eat lots of red meat and carrot cake. I avoid seed oils and sugary drinks.
What do you think makes a man sexy?
If he takes care of his hygiene, has a strong purpose in life, and is kind to others.
And what makes a woman desirable? Your ideal girl.
Lou Yanong: humble, supportive, random, and feminine.
What gives meaning to your life?
My responsibilities as a coach, athlete, content creator, brand endorser, partner, friend, and son give me meaning in life.
What do you see yourself doing 10 years from now?
I want to have my own cute little farm with vegetables, fruits, chickens, and maybe even a cow — that sounds peaceful to me. I hope I still live a life of fulfillment and empower others along the way with me.
You come from two different cultures. Which part of you is Filipino? And which part is German?
My Filipino mother instilled in me manners, respect and a rigorous work ethic. Whereas my German father is a prime example of being detail-oriented and super sarcastic.
Your favorite places in the world?
Palawan, especially Coron. I just had a vacation there with my partner and I fell in love with the place. I enjoy peace, solitude and nature. Places like that recharge me from the city mayhem.
How did you get into modeling?
I entered the modeling industry when I was 16 while living in the Philippines for a year. Seeing my older brother Clint make a living out of it inspired me to try it out myself. I initially didn’t enjoy it that much but gave it a serious shot when I returned to the Philippines.
And now you’re a Bench model and endorser. It’s an aspirational feat for any model or actor who wants to be considered legit.
Being one of their ambassadors is a huge honor, to say the least. It’s like endorsing something I personally love using. I can’t imagine the Philippines without Bench. It represents modern culture, which I think is good. And I appreciate Ben Chan’s composure and joyful laughter. He’s a good person.
Do you also model their clothes? Not just underwear?
Ha ha, yes! I model for the entire Bench lineup of products, plus their hair salon and skin clinic. However, the ones that usually get more traction are the ones that reveal the most.
Aside from being our poster boy for fitness, what do you enjoy doing? Any hobbies or passions?
I enjoy reading sci-fi books, indulging in sweet pastries, improving my video editing skills, and watching my favorite anime.
Any favorite books?
I barely have time for myself these days but I naturally gravitate towards sci-fi or psychology genres. My current preference is The Three-Body Problem.
Fond of movies? Your favorite films and stars?
I am instinctively thinking about Dune 2 and Shutter Island. Big sci-fi/fantasy cinematic epics on the big screen keep my inner child alive. Watching complex twisted thrillers with my loved ones is always a good choice and sparks good conversations afterward. I’m always fond of watching the performances of Jake Gyllenhaal. He’s my male Hollywood crush.
For sure you have a lot of admirers. How do you handle indecent proposals?
No proposal—rather, business proposal—is indecent for me. Any demand speaks to a market. I, for my part, respectfully decline if something is not for me.
What makes you laugh?
Bill Burr, Tom Segura, Ricky Gervais. And when people fall to the floor. I help them up, of course, while I’m laughing.
And what makes you cry?
Nothing. Maybe the right panic attack will do the job.
Tell us something we don’t know about you.
I can drink without swallowing.
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In an interview online for the Bench Active brand, Kirk Bondad answers curated questions related to physical fitness: Here are excerpts:
Which fictional character would you like to be your exercise buddy?
Yoda. Because you know, Luke Skywalker in the jungle doing backflips—I feel like it’s pretty awesome and I would have tremendously amazing conversations with this old fella.
What is your favorite workout song?
I’m into K-pop and I got into this group called XG—check them out—their song Left Right makes me feel like moving. I like the vibe it gives me; I don’t know what it does to me.
Any favorite guru you like?
David Goggins, the author of Can’t Hurt Me, is a very inspirational person. He runs for days… what parts of his mind would go through such cruel distances! The book really changed my mindset.
What was the most fun exercise you’ve done?
Zumba! I was probably the only straight young guy there and I was surrounded by very charming middle-aged women who started openly flirting with me! But it’s okay, I am 6’3” and I managed to keep a comfortable distance. I do the tower technique.
