MANILA, Philippines — Cao Xuân Tài, a 22-year-old sports coach and fitness enthusiast from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, was crowned 2018 Man of the World and named Best in Casual Wear (photo, center) last Saturday night, July 14, at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan City.
Tài, a graduate of Da Nang Sports University, succeeded Egypt’s Mostafa Galal Elezali, the first-ever Man of the World, and defeated 26 other contestants from the same number of countries.
With Tai are his runners-up (photo, from left), Natapol Srisarn of Thailand (fourth and also Best in Formal Wear), Clint Karkliñs Peralta of the Philippines (first also Best in National Costume, Mr. Personality, World’s Choice and Mr. Highland Bali Resort & Spa), Bjorn Camilleri of Malta (second) and Onrej Valenta of the Czech Republic (third).
Other special awardees were Korom Gesese, Ethiopia (Mr. Photogenic), Kaung Htet Wai, Myanmar (Best Advocacy), Erdenetsogt Siilegma, Mongolia (Best in Swimwear), Max Mehrafsha, Iran (Best in Talent) and Joshua Chhabra, India (Best in Fashion of the World).
Now on its second edition, the international beauty pageant for men that advocates for “Masculinity with Responsibility” and promotes education as a tool to empower the youth, is organized and presented by Prime Events Productions Philippines Foundation, Inc. headed by Carlo Morris Galang and director for legal Rich Montoya.