After winning Manhunt International, Irish-Thai model Kevin Dasom admits he didn’t expect it would lead to a career in the Philippine entertainment industry
MANILA, Philippines – To say that June will be a busy month for Manhunt International winner Kevin Dasom would be an understatement. He is set to pass on his title, and wrap up filming for his Philippine TV series Binibining Marikit this month.
“I’ll have to fly back and forth for doing my duties as reigning Manhunt International and then my commitment to the television series,” he told journalists during a brief break in a recent campaign shoot for shoe designer Jojo Bragais.
Dasom said that while this year’s Manhunt International competition is rolling, he is set to film a lot of crucial, action scenes for the GMA series, which also stars beauty queen Herlene Budol.
“So I’m gonna be throwing my body, literally around Southeast Asia, and on set. But it’s really exciting,” shared the Irish-Thai model, actor, athlete, and pageant winner.
Playing Matt on the series, Dasom said he is far from the character. “Whenever I see myself in playbacks, and even right now, the series is airing, ‘Aww, that’s not me.’ Matt is a son of a CEO, I’m not a son of a CEO,” he said.
The 31-year-old will get the opportunity to take on more roles, some of which could be closer to his character, because he signed a long-term co-management contract with Empire Philippines and Sparkle GMA Artist Center.
“It’s a stepping stone. What I would like to do, is I would love to do a great job with what I have right now,” said Dasom, who also shared that he did not think his title would eventually lead to a career in the Philippine entertainment industry.
He has been visiting the Philippines even before he won his Manhunt International title though, he revealed, sharing another Filipino connection that started years back.
“When I was a kid, my first basketball coach was a Filipino. So I’ve had relationships with the Philippines for a long time. I’ve been back-and-forth in the Philippines since 2018, after my first international pageant,” shared Dasom, who was also a runner-up in Mister Supranational.
“I’ve always loved to come to the Philippines, whether it’s for work, for travel. It just feels like home. The people here are the warmest, the kindest, the most fun-loving people that I know in the world,” he continued.
Dasom’s love affair with the country has also transcended to Filipino crafts, including the Filipino shoe brand Bragais Man, saying “they are very different.”
Bragais Man is an official partner of the 23rd edition of Manhunt International that will take place in Bangkok. Dasom is set to pass his title to the new winner on June 10.
“I’ve had a pretty amazing journey, pretty fun journey, no negatives, all positives. I want to give that to the next person. I think that’s my goal right now, to be able to hand this type of opportunity, give advice, give opinion, give suggestions to the next batch of contestants,” he shared.
And right after finishing his pageant duties, Dasom said it is time to aim for a career in Hollywood. “I think it’s important to dream as big as you can. Otherwise, why call it a dream? Why call it a goal?”
But for the time being, his short-term plan is to master the Filipino language so he can get more projects in the Philippines and build an impressive portfolio.
“After my taping in June, I’ll be taking up vigorous lessons in learning how to speak Tagalog, three to four times a week, at least two hours a day,” Dasom said. – Rappler.com
Content shared from www.rappler.com.