Oliver Eugen Kretz wins Man of the World 2026 pageant, a first for PH

June 8 ------ The Philippines has finally posted a victory in the Manila-based Man of the World pageant, courtesy of Oliver Eugen Kretz. And his mentor Rodgil Flores credits his dedication for the win.

Kretz bested 27 other aspirants at the competition held at Palacio de Maynila in Manila on Saturday evening, June 6, to become the first Filipino contender to win the crown. He inherited the title from last year’s winner, Juul Missiaen from Spain.

“Finally, the Philippines won Man of the World, very elusive for the past eight years, because of Oliver’s dedication, hard work,” Flores told Inquirer Entertainment after Kretz’s coronation. “He was really determined to make a mark, do his best, and luckily, he won. A very well-deserved victory for Oliver and especially for the Filipino people,” he continued as he thanked the people for their support to the German-Filipino contender from Palawan.

Kretz posted a convincing victory, topping the swimwear and beachwear competitions earlier, and earning the approval of members of the media by winning the “Press Favorite” poll. He also delivered impressive performances in the two phases of the “Intelligence Round”–the written segment and the “Statement of the World” portion.

In the written phase, where the Top 5 finalists were asked to give a title to a book if they were to write about their experience at Man of the World, Kretz said he would name his book “Journey to Growth and Purpose.” And in his “Statement to the World,” he shared about feeling that he was not meant to have a dream anymore when his parents separated, and that survival was his only option.

“As I grew older, I realized I was not alone. Many children are forced into survival because of corruption, while others across the world are robbed of their childhood because of the injustices of war, crisis, and conflict,” Kretz added. “Humanity must be rooted in peace and integrity. Our future should never be shaped by greed, but by compassion and responsibility. I hope one day no child will be homeless or broken like me, because every child will finally have a future they can call their own,” he continued.

As Man of the World, Kretz will work on the organization’s thrust of promoting the value of education around the world, and carry the pageant’s mantra “masculinity with responsibility.” “Oliver is a person who is very purposeful. He lives his purpose…and I’m sure Oliver will have a very, very meaningful reign. And hopefully he will be given more and more projects and visibility,” Flores said.

Source: inquirer.net