Mister International Kirk Bondad's 20-Supplement Regimen Reveals Pageant Preparation Reality
Filipino pride Kirk Bondad, who recently claimed the Mister International 2025 crown, has opened up about his intensive supplement routine that involved taking over 20 different supplements daily during the competition period.
In an exclusive interview with GMA News Online, the Pinoy winner shared the meticulous preparation behind his victory, revealing a daily routine that required at least 10 minutes just to organize dozens of capsules and powders packed into zip-lock bags for travel.
The Science Behind the Routine
"I think, every single day, it has to be at least 10 minutes for me to dissect the supplements that I had. Because I was taking, like, 20 plus supplements in my pageant routine," Bondad explained, highlighting the practical challenges of international competition preparation.
The demanding environment of global pageantry, according to Bondad, creates extreme physical conditions with limited calories, minimal sleep, and extremely low body fat percentages that make the body hypersensitive to any intake.
"When you are so depleted of calories and sleep and you are such in a low body fat percentage, everything that you put in your body is detrimental to your performance, your mood, your energy, your focus," he shared, emphasizing the high-stress nature of international competition.
Local Knowledge, Global Application
Bondad's approach reflects a distinctly Filipino trait of resourcefulness and self-reliance. Starting his research at just 14 years old due to limited resources, he spent over a decade developing his knowledge through personal experimentation and extensive study.
"I wanted to get the best supplements for the best bang for the buck," he said, describing his methodical approach of cross-referencing blogs, magazines, YouTube videos, and research papers rather than relying solely on marketing claims.
His supplement categories included beauty benefits, sleep and stress management, cognition, physical performance, metabolism, joint inflammation, and gut health. Key supplements included creatine for mental sharpness, fish oil for anti-inflammatory benefits, and magnesium glycinate for stress management.
Medical Perspective on Supplementation
Dr. Maricar Madridejos Esculto-Khan provided professional context, acknowledging that supplements can benefit individuals with specific deficiencies or increased physical demands, but cautioned against universal application.
"Even if they're 'supplements,' they can still have adverse effects. They could interact with medicines you're already taking, affect the results of your lab tests, or create new health problems," she warned in her Doctor's Corner segment.
The doctor emphasized that nutrients are best obtained from balanced, varied diets and recommended professional consultation before beginning any supplement regimen to ensure proper dosing and avoid potential interactions.
Filipino Excellence on the World Stage
Bondad's victory represents another milestone for Filipino representation in international pageantry, showcasing not just physical preparation but the intellectual rigor and scientific approach that characterizes modern Filipino competitors on the global stage.
His story reflects the broader narrative of Filipino excellence through careful preparation, research-driven approaches, and the ability to compete at the highest international levels while maintaining distinctly local values of hard work and resourcefulness.