Man of the World is an international male beauty pageant which began in 2017 that brings forth advocacy, which give an emphasis to the importance of education and career development.
The pageant, which records over 80 participating countries since its inception, was created by Philippine-based multinationalconglomerate Prime Events Productions Philippines (PEPPs) Foundation, Inc., which also organizes the annual Misters of Filipinas competition, and specializes in multimedia content production and talent management through its entertainment company PEPPs TV, LLC.[2][3]
The Man of the World competition is notable for awarding a crown to its winner, distinguishing it from other male beauty pageants, which typically present only sashes and trophies to their titleholders. Since the competition's inception in 2017, the organization has consistently featured a crown for the titleholder.
Inaugural crown (2017)
The inaugural crown, used in the 2017 edition, was of a solid sterling metal of silver and platinum, featuring fleur-de-lis, sampaguita, and other monarchical heraldry emblems from the seven continents. Designed by Filipino international jewellery master Manuel Halasan and insured by Axa International, the first Man of the World crown, estimated to be over 3 million Philippine pesos (around 54,000 US dollars), was meant to pay homage to the masculine beauty ideal, and denote the responsibilities that come with leadership.[6][7][8][9]
Ginto crown (2018)
The Ginto crown, used in 2018, was designed by Manuel Halasan and insured by the M Lhuillier Group of Companies. Ginto (gold in English), valued at over 5 million Philippine pesos (around 90,000 US dollars), still carried adornments of fleur-de-lis, sampaguita, chrysanthemum, peony, and various other flowers and symbols of imperial heraldry from the seven continents of the world. It is an elevation of the inaugural crown, denoting excellence in responsible leadership, the ideal masculine beauty, and celebrating the modern man.[10][11]
Current crown (2019—present)
The current Man of the World crown was designed and crafted by jewellery artist George Wittels, through the initiative of Richard James White of Realty World Regency in Hercules, California, United States. Made in Venezuela, the crown is worth over a million US dollars. The design consists of a gold and platinum monarchical diadem base, encrusted and adorned with precious stones that include emeralds, sapphires, rubies, diamonds, and golden Philippine south sea pearls, paying homage to the ideal masculine form and beauty, denoting responsible leadership, and "celebrating the endless possibilities of the future".[12][13][14]
A Daniel Georgiev of Bulgaria who was crowned as Man of the World 2019 was dethroned because he declined to sign an exclusive contract with Prime Event Productions Philippines (PEPPs), which organizes the pageant. Jin Kyu Kim of South Korea, then First Runner-Up, was formally crowned as the new Man of the World 2019 on 29 July 2020, due to pageant rules stipulating that the 1st Runner-Up will take over if Man of the World does not fulfill his duties.[39][40]
