Manhunt International 2024 Kevin Dasome yes Hollywood next

When Manhunt International 2024 Kevin Dasom was told that he might come off as “intimidating” to girls — being a pageant king and all, not to mention the Henry Cavill a.k.a. “Superman” resemblance — he begged to disagree.

In his younger years, he revealed that he was shy to pursue anyone “not because I didn’t want to but because I was still growing up… I was chubby, fat-faced, had really curly hair, scars all over my face. I had baby fat until I was maybe 24 or 25. I was never really looked at as conventionally attractive or handsome.”

“I’m a late bloomer,” he further admitted. “I’ve never really had the chance or developed the mindset to approach that space. But I don’t think I’m intimidating.”

He realized that he did “glow up” when he got into modeling. “I started my modeling career because of a university pageant in Thailand. I won that one, and then I started getting into modeling. In modeling, they say, ‘Oh, you’re good-looking and handsome,’ and I was like, ‘What? No one told me this before!’

“I never really thought about it all the time. I work out, I eat healthy, I try, not because I want to look good, but because I want to feel good. Looking good is just a result of taking care of myself.”

The STAR, along with a few other members of the press, caught up with Kevin during his photoshoot for the latest MAN collection by leading pageant shoemaker Jojo Bragais. The brand is also the official footwear partner of Manhunt International’s 23rd edition. For the shoot, Kevin modeled signature pieces like the Elevator Shoes, Reversibelt and Baybayin sneakers (check out Jojo Bragais Man’s at the flagship store along Scout Borromeo in Quezon City).

Anyway, when the Thai-Irish model-athlete officially steps down as Manhunt International 2024 on June 10, he is also stepping off the pageant stage for good.

While forever grateful for his title, he’s ready to move on, with sights set on Hollywood.

Currently, Kevin is getting acting exposure as one of the leading men in the GMA series “Binibining Marikit.”

During the interview, I particularly got to ask Kevin about his dating status, faith, acting in the Philippines and the life he wants for himself after Manhunt International.

Any plans of joining another pageant after Manhunt International?

“It’s the longest-reigning international male pageant. I think I’ve accomplished a great deal with it. It would discredit the brand, it would discredit me, and also discredit and devalue other pageants if I join. Also, I’m old now. I’m turning 33 next month. I need to focus on my life goals a little bit more than pageantry.

“It’s time to move on to the next stage in life. I think the next stage in life for me in terms of pageantry is mentorship. Or like, giving back to the next batch of candidates, the future generation. I think that’s what I want to do in terms of pageants.”

What does the next chapter look like for you?

“Hollywood. I don’t know, when you set goals and you set dreams, I think it’s important to dream as big as you can, right? Otherwise, why call it a dream? Call it a goal. Others will call it unrealistic or call it a ‘what if.’ But to me, dreams need to be crazy. They need to be bigger than reality. I think if I set a goal so high, I might just hit it. I definitely want to achieve it.”

How are you preparing for it? Are you taking workshops? Are you actively going to auditions?

“I can’t right now because of my ‘Binibining Marikit’ schedule but I can’t complain. It’s part of the job. After Manhunt International, I have a meeting with GMA Sparkle, my manager and I will see what steps we can take toward that.”

How is it working with Filipino actors, by the way?

“Pretty easy. In my experience working in Thailand and the Philippines, maybe because a while ago — 10 years ago — I was an up-and-coming actor, (in Thailand) right? I was very young and not mature enough in this business. But now, being in the Philippines, I think I’m a lot more mature than I was. Also, as a leading man, they treat you very differently. It’s just a great experience. I couldn’t find anything wrong or any complaints at all.”

Can you just give at least three tips for any foreigner visiting the Philippines?

“The highlight of the Philippines is definitely the people. The food is also something that you definitely have to try. But for everyone traveling to the Philippines, honestly, you’re probably gonna have more experience traveling around than I have because I came here strictly for work.

“I haven’t been to any of the sites. I haven’t been to Palawan, Coron, Bohol, Siargao — I haven’t been anywhere, just because I came here for work. And no, it’s not a bad thing. That’s what I came here to do.”

But have you tried the nightlife?

“No, I do not do the nightlife because when I was in college, I had a lot of fun. I already saw what night life is. And in my opinion, no matter what country you go to, nightlife is all the same. Some countries are more fun than others. Based on social media and what people say, the Philippines does have an underrated nightlife. But I enjoy early bedtime, winding down, staying home, watching Netflix — just enjoying my time by myself.”

So you don’t have time for a dating life?

Kevin: “I wish I did. That’s one thing I’ll probably advise to everyone else: once you become a pageant king, your life does change. There are a lot of sacrifices you have to make. That’s probably one of the biggest. It’s part of the job. If you can make it work, congratulations. I did not. I was not able to make it work.

“It’s definitely something you have to work on every single day if you want it, if you value it. I’m not saying I didn’t, but it just didn’t work out. That’s what you really have to look ahead to. In my case, it wasn’t just being a pageant king, it was traveling the world because of the title. And because of that, I’ve been able to act in the Philippines as well. It’s a trade-off. You get one, but you might have to lose the other.”

But are you single and ready to mingle?

“Not ready to mingle. I belong to Jesus.”

Kevin modeling handcrafted footwear brand Jojo Bragais’ latest MAN collection.

Are you Catholic? Is faith an important part of your life?

“I am (Catholic). I try to join as many faith groups as I can. The Philippines is probably the most religious and Christian-centered country I’ve been to. And to me, it’s just really, really easy to find your faith here.

“That’s how I live. (Faith) is something that gives you hope, gives you something to hold on to. A lot of people don’t really have the life that they want, but if they don’t have faith, if they don’t have hope, they can’t get the life that they really need.”

Though you’re not focused on dating, in the future, can you cite some ideal qualities in the partner you want to be with?

“So, I grew up with a very, very loving mother. I’m not saying I’m a mama’s boy, but when you look for a partner, it’s good to find qualities that you’re compatible with — someone you can do things with and also have space from.

“One of the major qualities I look for is unconditional love. Someone who’s caring, loving, maybe independent if that’s what you’re into. Someone who’s not ‘lost in the sauce,’ you know? Not caught up in social media trends or just trying to get clicks and likes.

“I get it, I can sound super critical because that’s what I do on TikTok — but that’s for the fans. It’s not for public validation. It’s not to feed my wants or desires.

“These are all things you discover in dating — you talk, get to know each other. That’s the beauty of dating. You can date, find out if you’re compatible or not and still shake hands and be friends.”