Filipino-Norwegian actor Markki Stroem placed 4th runner-up in Mister Universe 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Not only that, Markki also won the Best in National Costume for the said event.
Markki won the best in national costume for his tikbalang-inspired costume.
On Instagram, Markki posted a couple of photos and videos with the following message:
“In Philippine folklore, the TIKBALANG is said to lurk in the rainforests of the Philippines. It is a half-human, half-horse, with a head and hooves of a horse. Tikbalangs scare travelers, lead them astray and play tricks on them to get lost forever in the Philippine rainforests that they inhabit.
In this multiverse, MY version of the Tikbalang has joined forces with mother nature to take down illegal loggers and land grabbers. Joining forces to protect our magnificent ecosystems and save our environment.”
“Best in National Costume for @themisteruniverse 2024
I really wanted to wear hooves for the show, fortunately @patrick_isorena was up for the challenge! We then collaborated with our ideas to put together this masterpiece!
Even if I had to pay over 50 thousand pesos in overweight baggage, and put it together by myself with makeup help from @nilocruzbonono we were able to piece it together.
Alam ko mahal, pero mas mahal ko ang Pilipinas!”
(Photo source: Instagram – @Markki Stroem)
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