Filipino media entrepreneur, publisher, XPEDITION founder, and Miss Universe franchise owner Josh Yugen is set to return to the international judging panel of Mister International 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand, marking his third consecutive year as a Grand Finals judge.
Yugen will once again represent the Philippines on the international pageant’s judging panel, serving as the only Filipino judge for this year’s Grand Finals.
His latest appointment adds to his growing list of international milestones, following a career that has expanded beyond publishing and public relations into fashion, entertainment, international events, and global pageantry over the past decade.
The return is particularly significant for Yugen following the Philippines’ historic victory at Mister International last year, when Kirk Bondad captured the prestigious title.
As the founder of XPEDITION and a Miss Universe franchise owner, Yugen has continued to build his presence in the international pageant industry, making his third consecutive appointment to the Mister International judging panel another notable milestone for the Filipino executive.
Yugen was part of the judging panel at Mister International 2025, when the Philippines’ Kirk Bondad ultimately captured the crown — becoming only the second Filipino in history to win Mister International, following Neil Perez’s victory in 2014.
Now, one year later, Yugen returns to the judging table as Bondad prepares to conclude his reign and crown his successor, creating a fitting full-circle moment for the Philippines at the international competition.
“Being invited back for the third consecutive year is already an incredible honor, but being the only Filipino judge for the Grand Finals this year makes it even more meaningful to me. Whenever I am given a seat at an international table, I never see it as mine alone. I know that I am also representing the Philippines and the incredible talent, creativity and professionalism of Filipinos around the world.”
For Yugen, last year’s competition remains particularly memorable.
“I was fortunate to witness Kirk’s journey from the judging table, and he was truly a standout. Seeing a Filipino eventually win the title was a very proud moment. Now I return as a judge as he completes his reign, so there is something beautifully full-circle about this year.”
FROM XPEDITION TO THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE
Yugen is the Founder and CEO of House of Yugen, the media, communications and creative group behind businesses and platforms including Yugen PR and XPEDITION Magazine.
He founded XPEDITION in 2015, building the publication from an independent Filipino-led media platform into a brand with an increasingly international footprint.
Over the years, Yugen has worked across the Philippines, the Middle East, Europe and Asia, collaborating with personalities, designers, celebrities, beauty queens, entrepreneurs and global brands.
His career has also brought him to some of the world’s most prominent fashion and entertainment destinations, including international fashion weeks and the Cannes Film Festival, where he made his red-carpet debut in 2026.
A multi-awarded Filipino media personality and entrepreneur, Yugen has received recognition in the Philippines and overseas for his contributions to media, publishing and communications, including an international award in South Korea, alongside other honors accumulated throughout his career.
Beyond publishing and public relations, Yugen has increasingly established a presence within the global pageant industry.
BUILDING A FILIPINO-LED GLOBAL PAGEANT FOOTPRINT
Yugen is behind the House of Yugen’s growing portfolio of international pageant franchises, including the national franchises of Miss Universe Pakistan, Miss Universe Sweden and Miss Universe Egypt.
Through these franchises, Yugen and his team have worked across countries and cultures to discover and develop women for one of the most recognized international pageant platforms in the world.
His work has involved much more than staging competitions. Under House of Yugen, candidates have been supported through international media campaigns, branding, training, fashion collaborations, public relations and opportunities across Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
For Yugen, building national pageant franchises is also an extension of what he has spent much of his career doing: connecting people, cultures and opportunities.
“Pageantry today is so much bigger than a crown. It is media, business, culture, fashion, advocacy and representation all coming together. I love being able to use what we have built through House of Yugen to create opportunities that cross borders.”
His expanding presence within the industry has positioned a Filipino-led company behind several international franchises — an achievement Yugen hopes can also demonstrate the growing influence of Filipino creatives and entrepreneurs beyond the Philippines.
THREE CONSECUTIVE YEARS AT THE MISTER INTERNATIONAL JUDGING TABLE
Yugen’s return to Mister International in 2026 marks his third consecutive year as a judge, reflecting a relationship with the organization that has continued to grow over successive editions.
His involvement with Mister International has also expanded beyond judging.
In 2025, Yugen was appointed Vice President for Global Partnerships and an Executive Board Member of the Mister International Organization, with a role encompassing international partnerships, sponsorships, media relations and creative collaborations.
Despite his executive involvement, Yugen says sitting at the judging table carries a different responsibility.
For him, the modern international male titleholder must represent more than physical appearance.
“Of course, Mister International celebrates male beauty, fitness and presence, but those qualities alone are not enough. I look for someone who has authenticity, intelligence, discipline, purpose and the ability to communicate. You are not simply choosing someone who looks good onstage — you are choosing a man who will carry an international title for an entire year.”
He added that his years in publishing and public relations inevitably influence the qualities he observes in candidates.
“I have spent my career working with people in front of cameras and behind them. You learn very quickly that real presence cannot always be manufactured. There are people who enter a room and you immediately understand who they are. For me, that authenticity matters.”
A SPECIAL CONNECTION TO KIRK BONDAD’S HISTORIC WIN
The Philippine connection to this year’s competition is made even stronger by the reigning titleholder.
At Mister International 2025, Filipino-German model Kirk Bondad represented the Philippines and eventually emerged victorious, giving the country its second Mister International crown.
Yugen was among the judges who witnessed the competition firsthand.
Bondad’s victory continued the Philippines’ strong reputation in international pageantry and placed another Filipino representative at the forefront of a global competition.
Yugen says returning to the same judging table a year later carries an added emotional significance.
“Last year reminded me why Filipinos love pageantry so much. We don’t just watch competitions — we become part of the journey. Seeing the Philippine flag represented internationally will always be special to me.”
TAKING FILIPINO CREATIVITY GLOBAL
Yugen’s latest international appointment comes during a period of continued expansion for House of Yugen.
Through XPEDITION, Yugen PR and its growing portfolio of media, entertainment and pageant ventures, the group has increasingly focused on bringing Filipino-led projects into international markets while also bringing global brands, personalities and opportunities closer to Filipino audiences.
For Yugen, his career trajectory — from building an independent publication to participating in international fashion, media and pageantry — has remained anchored in the same philosophy: Filipinos should not only participate in global industries but also help shape them.
“There are so many brilliant Filipinos working around the world. I want young Filipino creatives and entrepreneurs to understand that we don’t always have to wait to be invited into the room. We can build our own platforms, create our own opportunities and eventually have a seat at the global table.”
His third consecutive Mister International judging appointment is another step in that journey.
And as the only Filipino judge for the Grand Finals of Mister International 2026, Yugen hopes his presence will once again put Filipino talent, perspective and professionalism in the international spotlight.
“I will always be proud of where I come from. No matter how international our work becomes, being Filipino will always be at the heart of what I do.”
Mister International 2026 culminates in Bangkok, Thailand, with reigning titleholder Kirk Bondad of the Philippines set to crown his successor.
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