With PH as pit stop, ‘Manhunt’ Kevin Dasom sets sights on Hollywood

Behind the scenes at Kevin Dasom’s shoot for shoe designer Jojo Bragais’ “Bragais Man” footwear. Image: INQUIRER.net/Armin P. Adina

Reigning Manhunt International Kevin Dasom is making hearts swoon in the Philippines as “Matt” in the Kapuso series “Binibining Marikit” opposite beauty queen Herlene Budol. But while the Thai pageant winner carves his path in Philippine show business, he plans to go global someday.

Speaking to an intimate gathering of journalists and online content creators at his shoot for international Filipino shoe designer Jojo Bragais, Dasom shared his journey in pageantry that paved his way to acting in the Philippines.

“I signed a long-term contract with both Empire and Sparkle, I’ll be in the Philippines for a long time,” he said on the sidelines of the recent shoot at the studio of Bragais’ flagship store in Quezon City, with famed photographer Seven Barretto behind the camera.

June will see the culmination of both of his pursuits. This month, he will relinquish his title to his Manhunt International successor in Thailand, and also wrap up work for the series in the Philippines. Which means he will be flying between the two countries back and forth to fulfill his duties.

And right after, he said he will sit with his managers from both Empire and GMA Sparkle to map out what’s next for him, and possibly plot a path that will lead to Hollywood.

“When you set goals and you set dreams, I think it’s important to dream as big as you can. Otherwise, why call it a dream? Why call it a goal?” Dasom said.

“Others will call it unrealistic, delusional. But to me that’s good. You know, dreams need to be crazy, they need to be bigger than reality. And I think if I set goals so high, I might achieve it. But if I don’t, I definitely won’t achieve it.” he continued.

Dasom’s acting debut was back home in Thailand, about a decade ago. “I was very young, and I was not mature enough in this business,” he shared.

“Now, being in the Philippines, I think I’m a lot more mature than I was. And also a leading man, they treat you very differently. It’s just a great experience. I can’t find anything wrong, or to complain about,” Dasom continued.

He also shared that the working environment in Manila is “a lot more professional” than what he experienced elsewhere. “I love working in the Philippines, it’s so much fun!” he exclaimed.

Dasom also offered his observation about his costar, and it is not what people usually hear about Budol. “With Herlene, there is so much more depth to her as a person, and as a character. And you really got to spend time with her,” he said.

“And I’m glad, I’m grateful, also blessed to work with Herlene, Tony [Labrusca], Mama Pokwang, Thea [Tolentino], Ashley [Rivera], Migs [Almendras], Jeff [Moses], Cris Villanueva, John Feir. You know it’s an awesome experience working with everyone, Direk Jerome [Lee Monroy] as well, you know?” he continued.

But aside from acting, Dasom has also been busy with modeling. With Manhunt International basically as a modeling search, his victory has opened a lot of opportunities in the fashion industry, including international runways.

“I think nowadays style is very comfortable. As technology and design continues to advance, I think style also becomes comfortable, you know?” he shared.

“I do like to wear some comfortable sneakers, comfortable leather shoes. I have not worn shoes like Jojo Bragais before, I tell you that. When I put them on, ‘these are different.’ I’m not trying to sweet-talk the shoe, but they are very different from any other leather shoes I have,” he continued.

READ: Manhunt International Kevin Dasom tells Mister Cosmopolitan bets: ‘Be crazy’

Bragais Man is the official footwear of the 23rd Manhunt International: Male Supermodel competition. The delegates are starting to arrive in Bangkok for the June 10 finale.

Mister Pilipinas Worldwide 2024 titleholder Jordan San Juan is representing the Philippines in the competition. He hopes to post the country’s second victory, following June Macasaet’s win in 2012.  /ra