Man of the World 2026 Oliver Eugen Kretz a tough act to follow for Misters of Filipinas hopefuls

Twenty out of the twenty-two pageant hopefuls for this year’s search for Misters of Filipinas were presented during the Gentlemen’s Night, organized by Pink Ventures at the Social Hall of West Gallery Place in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig Monday, October 5. 

Man of the World winner Oliver Eugen Kretz, who won last year’s title, said that there’s indeed high expectations and pressure for this new batch to follow the footsteps of past year’s winners. 

“There surely is pressure and high expectations din and ‘yung nangyari last year, very competitive, siguro iniisip nila na ‘kung kaya ba namin?’ Sinasabi nila ‘we look up to you, Oliver, as our inspiration’. Sinasabi ko ‘just be geniune, do your best. May iba-iba tayong katangian, huwag mong i-co-compare ‘yung sarili mo lagi sa iba. Kasi kung ganun, ma-do-down ka”, he said.

Carlo Morris Galang, the president and CEO of Prime Events Productions Philippines or PEPPS, the organization behind major national and international male pageants, agrees that Kretz is a tough act to follow, but so were past winners like Neil Perez (Mister International 2014), Ion Perez (Mister Universe Tourism Philippines 2017), Jun Macasaet (Manhunt International 2012), among many others.

“For eight years, hindi natin nakukuha ‘yung ‘Man of the World’ crown and this is actually the first time na nakuha natin. Very happy kami at very proud,” said Galang.  

He added, “Oliver will give some advice to the new candidates, and yes mahirap talagang kunin ‘yung next crown, but the thing is the Misters of Filipinas, 97% lahat ng pinadala namin for the past 13 years, lahat nanalo naman in fairness — either runner up or grand winner.”

Kretz is also hopeful that “there will be a next Man of the World from the Philippines.”  

“I hope masundan ‘yun, at mas marami pang tumangkilik sa pag-join ng male pageants. Kasi hindi lang naman ‘to sa pa-pogian at hindi lang sa advocacy, sa public image you can influence a lot of people and create a positive impact.”

The Misters of Filipinas 2026 grand coronation night will happen on October 24.