Even after surmounting intense pressure and stopping his campaign in the Top 11, Jether Palomo was still in high spirits after the finals night on October 5 of Mister Global 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand.
‘Hey guys, it’s Jether. I’m here. We just finished Mister Global. I placed in the Top 11. I guess we’ll see if I join another one or I retire. But for now, I’m gonna take some rest. Thank you so much for the love. I see all the messages. I love you guys so much,’ the ‘Gwapong Pinoy’ Palomo said in a video posted by Mister Pilipinas Worldwide on Facebook.
‘Global’ Pinoys
Before winning the title in 2024 courtesy of Daumier Corilla, the Philippines has performed exceptionally well at Mister Global.
In the inaugural edition in 2014, Wilfred Placencia placed in the Top 5; 2015 (Top 15, Joseph Doruelo); 2016 (Top 10 and Mister Popularity, Mark Bornilla); 2017 (Top 16 and Best Charming Smile, James Ventura); 2018 (Top 16, Kristian Sarmiento); 2019 (Top 16, Ricky Gumera); 2021 (Unplaced, Mico Teng); 2022 (Mark Avendaño, Best National Costume); and 2023 (Top 15, John Ernest Tanting).
Palomo won Best Country Presentation Video.
Viva España
From 37 entries from around the globe, Spain’s Miguel Alejandro Ortega emerged the winner. Spain already had a winner in 2021, Miguel Ángel Lucas, but he resigned. Danh Chi?u Linh of Vietnam assumed the role.
Mister Global said of the winner: ‘Your dedication, charm, and strength have led you to this incredible victory. Tonight, we celebrate not only the crown you wear but also the journey, passion, and perseverance that brought you here. You are a true inspiration and a shining example of a global gentleman.’
William Badell of Venezuela is Mister Global 2025 1st runner-up, while Gabriel Alejandro Silva of Mexico is 2nd runner-up.
‘From nations across the world, these remarkable gentlemen have captured hearts with their charisma, dedication, and resilience. They embody not only strength and elegance but also the dreams and hard work that brought them to this moment,’ Mister Global said of the Top 3.
It was heartbreaking for Badell of Venezuela, who was so close to winning the title. He previously placed 1st runner-up at Mister International 2023 and 2nd runner-up at Mister Supranational 2021.
Riley Hedstrom of the United States and Adriano Cupaioli of France rounded out the Top 5.
Included in the Top 11 were Nigeria, Philippines, China, Korea, Uruguay and Laos. In the Top 20 were Hong Kong, Thailand, Peru, Puerto Rico, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, South Africa, Canada and Brazil.
Top 11 speech
Palomo’s speech at Top 11, while sincere and articulate, did not propel him to the Top 5:
‘People often say it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey. But I’m here to disagree. I believe it’s the company that comes along with you. My time here in Mister Global has taught me the importance of brotherhood – that with each high and every low, there are always people who love and care for you. Because it doesn’t matter what the destination is, and the journey will always change. What truly matters are the values you instill in the ones you love across you,” he said.