Manuel “Manu” Franco of the Dominican Republic was proclaimed the 14th Mister International on Sunday, October 30 at the New Frontier Theater in Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines.
The 21-year-old actor, model and fitness enthusiast beat 34 other distinctively handsome men from around the world to win his country’s first Mister International. Apart from the title, he was also awarded Best in Formal Wear.
India’s Lukanand Kshetrimayum was named first runner-up while the representatives from Venezuela, Orangel de Jesús Dirinot Guanipa, Hong Kong, Jason Li Kwai Chiu, Philippines, Myron Jude “MJ” Ordillano, and Spain, Juan Pablo Colías González were announced the second, third, fourth and fifth runners-up, respectively.
Rounding out the Top 10 were Cuba, Rubert Manuel Arias Solozábal, Mexico, Jorge Andrés Villegas Ramon, Thailand, Surasak “Tor” Muangkaew, and USA, Daryn Alexander, while Brazil, Luan Antonelli Bristot, Czech Republic, Matěj Švec, Malaysia, Roger Hugo Amandus, Netherlands, Iliya Shahedi, Peru, Eleazar Moreno and Switzerland, Marcel Ignacio Riera were the rest of the Top 16 semi-finalists.
This year’s competition was the first edition since its beloved founder Alan Sim sadly passed away. Vietnam’s Trinh Van Bao relinquished his reign at the end of the event.
The new Mister International hails from the province of Espaillat and studies international business. He is fascinated by the world of cinema and aspires to be recognized as a leading actor in movies and television one day. In addition, he also wants to become the most sought-after event presenter that he can be.
Photos: Drew Francisco, Raymond Saldana, Owen Reyes / Mister International
