Josh Yugen (center), Kirk Bondad (left), and Nwajagu Chinemerem Samuel/ARMIN P. ADINA
Another Filipino personality has assumed an executive role in a global pageant organization as Dubai-based publicist and publisher Josh Yugen officially joins one of the longest-running male competitions in the world.
“The Mister International Organization is pleased to announce the appointment of [Yugen], founder and CEO of House of Yugen and publisher fo internationally-renowned publication [Xpedition Magazine], as an official board member and Vice President for Global Partnership,” the male pageant posted on social media on Tuesday afternoon, June 10.
Pawee Ventura, the Filipino CEO of online pageant portal Missosology, is the chief operating officer of the Mister International Organization based in Bangkok, Thailand.
In the Miss Universe Organization, California-based Filipino entrepreneur Olivia Quido-Co serves as VP for Global Partnerships, while the Miss International pageant’s Executive Director is Japan-based Filipino Stephen Diaz.
Yugen’s scope of function in the Mister International Organization covers “strategic planning, global partnership development, international media relations, and creative direction,” the post added.
He was one of the three Filipino personalities who served as judges in the 16th Mister International pageant held in Thailand in December last year. The other two were actress Arci Muñoz and international shoe designer Jojo Bragais.
“I am deeply honored to be appointed as Vice President of Mister International. As a proud Filipino, I believe our nation continues to rise as a global leader—driven by resilience, heart, and excellence,” Yugen said in a statement.
“My journey as National Director of Miss Universe Pakistan, Bahrain, and Egypt has instilled in me the discipline, passion, and perseverance needed to shape new frontiers in pageantry,” he continued.
The Mister International Organization has also designated House of Yugen as the “official and exclusive” public relations, advertising, and sales agency for the 2025 competition.
“Founding Yugen PR taught me the value of purposeful leadership, while Xpedition Magazine unlocked the power of creativity and storytelling. I look forward to bringing all these experiences into Mister International—to inspire, to elevate, and to create a legacy that celebrates men of substance, vision, and impact,” Yugen shared.
The Mister International pageant was founded in 2006, and has become one of the most prestigious competitions for men in the world. Reigning king Nwajagu Chinemerem Samuel recently visited the Philippines to attend the Mister Pilipinas Worldwide contest, where the country’s delegate to the search was chosen.
Pageant veteran, model, and content creator Kirk Bondad will represent the Philippines in the 17th Mister International in Thailand later this year. To this date, hunk cop Neil Perez remains to be the lone Filipino winner of the contest. /edv
