Kirk Bondad Shines in a Different Light
The Filipino-German pageant veteran keeps newfound dreams in mind—goals that signal a more compassionate take on masculinity—as he represents the Philippines for the second time
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What will Kirk Bondad do differently this time?
All eyes are now on Kirk Bondad, one of our VMEN from the Philippines and a seasoned pageant competitor, as he represents the Philippines again on the international stage this Thursday, September 25.
The preparations have been stringent, with Kirk drawing from his fitness background to approach his next global stint with the discipline and drive of a professional athlete.
In his previous feature for VMAN Southeast Asia, Kirk reiterated how for him, pageants go beyond mere displays of ego and vanity. “It’s up to you to set the standard on how you want to represent yourself, your brand, or advocacy. If you want to just represent beauty, that’s fine. But I have other plans, so please follow me around to see that,” he said.
While he remained tight-lipped about his future plans at the time, he recently embodied a fraction of his vision in this recent editorial, where Kirk—widely known as a firecracker and the life of the party—showcased a more nuanced and contemplative side to him.
As he competes for the crown, Kirk affirms that he is keeping newfound dreams in mind: building a farm and establishing an orphanage, among other charitable work.
It reflects a more grounded and compassionate take on what modern masculinity means today—one that draws strength from vulnerability, emotional depth, and unapologetic expression. It’s something that Kirk is keen on advocating as he proceeds with pageantry and maturing further into a role model for Southeast Asian men.
Photography Doc Marlon
Fashion styleList, inc.
Grooming Nix Institute of Beauty
Fashion associate Miki Gonzales
Frequently Asked Questions
Kirk Bondad is a Filipino-German model and pageant competitor representing the Philippines on the international stage, known both for his fitness-driven approach to competition and his advocacy for a more vulnerable, emotionally expressive vision of masculinity.
Kirk Bondad approaches pageant competition with the discipline of a professional athlete, drawing on his fitness background to prepare. He views pageantry as a platform for advocacy rather than a display of vanity, using the spotlight to represent causes beyond physical presentation.
Kirk Bondad has expressed plans to build a farm and establish an orphanage as part of his broader charitable ambitions, framing these goals as central to the purpose he hopes to bring to his pageantry platform.
Kirk Bondad defines modern masculinity as a balance of strength and vulnerability, emphasizing emotional depth and unapologetic self-expression over traditional, more rigid notions of toughness or stoicism.
Kirk Bondad represents the Philippines in an international pageant competition on Thursday, September 25, marking his second time competing for the country on the global stage.
