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Kirk Bondad pays homage to his Igorot roots at Mr. World 2024’s National Costume competition
Kirk Bondad paid homage to his Igorot roots during the National Costume competition of the Mr. World 2024 pageant in Vietnam. His mom, Jane, is an Igorot who hails from the Mountain Province.
On Instagram, the Miss World Philippines organization shared a clip of Kirk's performance during the competition.
The Filipino-German wore a red bahag attire called “Warrior” with a matching headdress decorated with feathers and the figure of the rice god, and also held an armor made of "water buffalo materials." His attire was created by Cordilleran designer Andrew Visaya Jr.
According to the organization, Kirk’s attire is a tribute to the rich heritage of the Mountain Province and his Igorot roots.
“He holds an armor crafted from water buffalo materials, ready to hunt with bravery and determination to protect his ancestry. His headpiece, adorned with the figure of the rice god, honors the agricultural livelihood of his people, with feathers that stand for the native delicacy of his community called 'pinikpikan,'” it said.
The organization also described Kirk as a representation of "the modern Igorot."
"A proud Filipino who is gracefully navigating changes of progress while remaining steadfast amidst the challenges of time," it said.
With his Igorot-inspired attire, Kirk made it to the Top 20 of the National Costume competition. Voting is still ongoing on the Mr. World website.
On Instagram back in August, Kirk shared that it is his duty as his mother’s son to promote the rich culture of the Igorot people, adding that it is an “honor” to represent his heritage in Mr. World 2024.
“The Philippines is renowned as a top tropical tourism destination, but I doubt many people outside the country know about the Cordillera regions, like the City of Pines, Baguio. Let’s show the world the breathtaking beauty of the North, with its majestic mountains and vibrant culture," he said.
— Jade Veronique Yap/CDC, GMA Integrated News
