LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – An iBenguet once again brought pride to the country after winning a recently concluded international pageant.
Kenneth Jhayve Bautista, who hails from Itogon, Benguet, won Mister Model Search International 2023 held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam last January 7. He also won Best in National Costume and Best in Swimwear.
The Model Search International organized by Ruby Company is a modeling competition of candidates from different countries with international awards.
Contestants come from the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, India, Ukraine, and Russia. According to Bautista, they underwent preliminary and elimination rounds which took place in Da Lat City.
“Proud Igorot, Proud Cordilleran, Proud Filipino!” the title holder posted on his social media account. “Believe You Can and You Will.”
A certificate issued by the pageant’s management recognized Bautista for promoting the Philippines’ tourism industry.
Bautista has been actively promoting the cultural dances and traditions of the Cordillera. In fact, he is the founder and president of Binnadang Cultural Dance Troupe, a group comprising of Igorot youth who promote their respective cultural identity.
Bautista first made the country proud after winning Mr. World Universe International 2022 1st Runner-up held at Sky Hoa Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Governor Melchor Daguines Diclas expressed appreciation for the young culture advocate and international title holder for his advocacies and endeavors that continue to inspire his fellow Cordilleran youth. By SAP Jr.
