December 29 ------ The Philippines continues to be a pageant powerhouse, whether we're sending female or male delegates. The latest beauty pageant delegate to bring honor to the country is Markki Stroem, who competed in the 2024 Mister Universe pageant. Markki not only ended up as fourth runner-up in the Mister Universe pageant, he was also recognized with a Best in National Costume award as well as Best in Talent for singing Frank Sinatra's “Come Fly With Me”.
Markki is the latest male beauty pageant contestant to perform well in international pageantry. Back in October, Dom Corilla won the Mister Global crown, becoming the first Filipino to do so.
In July, Mister Supranational Philippines and Status by Sparkle artist Brandon Espiritu became the most successful delegate the country has sent to the Mister Supranational pageant after ending the pageant as second runner-up.
The beginning
Markki Stroem's Mister Universe journey began early this month when he announced that he passed the rigorous selection process and was one of the 20 finalists who will be competing in the pageant.
Sashing ceremony
The sashing ceremony for the Mister Universe pageant was held at Universal Studios in Los Angeles, with Markki Stroem wearing a silk cocoon barong.
The body
Markki Stroem's swimsuit-ready body during the pageant was the product of a three-week no carb, high protein diet.
Award-winning
It's easy to see why Markki Stroem was awarded Best in National Costume because Patrick Isorena's work on his Tikbalan costume was definitely impressive.
Closed door
During the closed door interviews, Markki Stroem had on a barong Tagalog designed by acclaimed designer Francis Libiran.
Markki Stroem was awarded the Best in Talent award as well with his rendition of Frank Sinatra's “Come Fly With Me”.
Winner
At the end of the pageant, Markki Stroem emerged as the fourth runner-up.
Gratitude
In an Instagram post after the pageant, Markki Stroem said his performance was “not bad” and that it was “a journey”.
Pearl of the Orient
Markki Stroem also took the opportunity to apologize for calling the Philippines as the “Land of the Rising Sun” He excused his mistake by saying that nerves took over.
Source: gmanetwork.com
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