After 19 years, finally the Philippines conquers its first male Grand Slam title.  June Macasaet, a model from Batangas, was chosen among 53 hunks who competed for the coveted title in Bangkok, Thailand. Macasaet had been considered one of the favorites since the beginning of the competition.

The hottest favorite in this year’s pageant, however, Sweden’s Peter Jonsson, had to settle for second place. Martin Wang Yu-Tian made history for Macau: his 3rd place is the best ever Grand Slam result for the Chinese territory, in male or female beauty contests. Latin America left its mark with Puerto Rico’s Jimmy Perez Rivera, 3rd runner-up, and rounding out the top 5, we had another Asian, Singapore’s own  Jason Chee Pei Kun.

Completing the list of 15 semi-finalists, there were the candidates from Colombia, Jorge Leon Perez, Denmark, Alexander Bach, Dominican Republic, Joel Perez Nunez, Greece, Thomas Gabriel, India, Arry Dabas, Latvia, Ivans Jevstignejevs, Switzerland, Lavdrim Sylejmani, Thailand, Mookkapon Posakabuth, United States, Andres Santa Giraldo, and Venezuela, Jeyco Edgar Esteba Ruiz.

Manhunt International 2012 comes from the Philippines!

Results were more or less within the expected, and there were not as many surprises and upsets like in 2011.

Bankok served as host for Manhunt International for the first time ever. The production was not as elaborated as it used to be. There was no final question or interview for the finalists.

Special awards winners:

Best National Costume: 1) Hong Kong, 2) Vietnam, 3) Venezuela

New Urban Male Award: Philippines

Best Runway Model: Latvia

Face of the Year: Puerto Rico

Mr Physique: Macau

Mr Photogenic: India

Mr Personality: Bahamas

Mr Friendship: Denmark (automatic advance to Top 15)

Mr Internet Popularity: Singapore (automatic advance to Top 15)

It’s party time in the Philippines! Congratulations to the new Manhunt International!!