Manuel Franco from Dominican Republic crowned Mister International 2022 in the Philippines

An aspiring actor from the Dominican Republic has made history by becoming the first contestant from his country to win a major male beauty pageant. Manuel Franco, 21, beat 34 other contestants to the Mister International 2022 crown at a ceremony held in Quezon City, Philippines, on Sunday night.

India's Lukanand Kshetrimayum placed second, while Orangel Dirinot from Venezuela won third place. Myron Jude Ordillano, from the host country Philippines, placed fifth.

"On this day, I’m trying to make history for my country. Imagine the first male grand slam winner in beauty pageants for Dominican Republic… Would be crazy😅," Franco posted hours before the finals.

Soon after he was crowned, he added: "Thanks Everyone for the support. Thanks Philippines for the experience, was grateful and awesome. Thanks to Dominican Republic."

Hailing from Espaillat Province in the north, Franco is a business student who juggles his studies with TV and stage work, as well as his modelling career. He dreams of becoming a successful actor and director.

Manuel Franco, 21, is an aspiring actor and filmmaker. Photo: Instagram / manufrancord

During the past week, contestants have been put through their paces, taking part in various preliminary competitions, including a costume round, as well as interviews. They've also had the opportunity to tour the sights and sounds of host Quezon City.

The annual competition, one of two major global contests along with Mister World, has been held since 2006. The event was cancelled for three years, from 2019 to 2021, owing to the Covid-19 pandemic. As a result, Trinh Bao from Vietnam, who won the title in 2018, was the longest title holder.

Lebanon has won the most Mister International titles, winning three times in 2006, 2012 and 2016. Wissam Hanna, the winner of the first pageant in 2006, is a well-known actor and presenter living in Dubai.

Bangkok will host the next Mister International pageant in October next year.

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Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

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Most memorable achievement: Leading my first city-wide charity campaign in Toronto holds a special place in my heart. It was for Amnesty International’s Stop Violence Against Women program and showed me the power of how communities can come together in the smallest ways to have such wide impact.

Favourite film: Childhood favourite would be Disney’s Jungle Book and classic favourite Gone With The Wind.

Favourite book: To Kill A Mockingbird for a timeless story on justice and courage and Harry Potters for my love of all things magical.

Favourite quote: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” — Winston Churchill

Favourite food: Dim sum

Favourite place to travel to: Anywhere with natural beauty, wildlife and awe-inspiring sunsets.

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Manuel Franco from Dominican Republic crowned Mister International 2022 in the Philippines

India and Venezuela placed second and third respectively in the annual male beauty pageant

Miss Universe 2022 beauty queens crowned, from Turkey to Italy and Kyrgyzstan — in pictures

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

The five pillars of Islam

In-demand&nbsp;jobs&nbsp;and&nbsp;monthly&nbsp;salaries

The biog

SPECS

Who's who in Yemen conflict

The&nbsp;specs

In-demand jobs and monthly salaries

The specs