John Eriq Bonifacio makes history as first Filipino Mister Cosmopolitan

Model and influencer John Eriq Bonifacio made history after being the first Filipino to be crowned as Mister Cosmopolitan.

The 27-year-old from Macabebe, Pampanga, took home the crown at the fourth edition of the international pageant in Nha Trang, Vietnam, on Saturday, besting 19 other delegates from around the world.

Bonifacio succeeds Taiwan’s Shawn Lin. He also made an early impression during the preliminary competition, where he won both the Best Catwalk and Best Physique awards.

But beyond his looks and runway skills, Bonifacio impressed during the final question-and-answer round as he reflected the values he carried into the competition.

When asked what having a noble heart means to him and how a gentleman can demonstrate it through his actions toward others, he answered, “For me, a gentleman with a noble heart is not defined by how he dresses or looks, but rather by how he treats people with respect. 

"This is something that I learned from my father, who just passed away. He taught me that regardless of who they are—rich, poor, or what gender they choose—respect must always come first.

“In today’s generation, many [have] forgotten how to treat others with respect. But I’m here right now standing in front of you, to be a reminder to each and everyone, especially the youth, to teach everyone with respect and kindness because I believe the things you do in life reflect in return.”

Nkosikhono Roro of South Africa was awarded first runner-up. while Tong Sanchai Manimon of Thailand was named second runner-up, followed by Enes Cetinkaya of Türkiye as third runner-up and Fran Caceres of Spain was fourth runner-up.

The Mister Cosmopolitan pageant which carries the motto “Gentlemen – Noble Heart,”  aims to provide equal opportunities and a global platform for gentlemen from around the world while celebrating character, confidence, culture, and individuality.

Following his victory, Bonifacio thanked Filipinos who supported him throughout the competition.

“Maraming, maraming salamat sa Filipino fans na sumusuporta sa akin. We did it, guys. Mabuhay, Philippines. Para sa inyo ito. Mahal ko kayong lahat,” he said.

Bonifacio’s historic win comes a year after Filipino representative Kenneth Marcelino finished as first runner-up.