Who’s that foreigner in local teleseryes? It just might be Kevin Dasom

Balancing a global title and a local acting gig sounds intense, but that's the reality for Irish-Thai model and reigning Manhunt International, Kevin Dasom, this June.

This month is particularly packed as he prepares to crown his successor while also wrapping up filming for the Philippine TV series "Binibining Marikit." He shared these details during a quick break from a recent campaign shoot for shoe designer Jojo Bragais.

Dasom admitted that winning the Manhunt International title wasn't something he initially expected to directly pave the way for a career in the Philippine entertainment scene.

He noted that the current Manhunt International competition preparations coincide with filming crucial action scenes for the GMA series, which also stars beauty queen Herlene Budol. He also feels quite distinct from his character, Matt, who is portrayed as the son of a CEO, commenting, "Aww, that’s not me," when he sees himself in playbacks.

Greater opportunities to explore roles, perhaps ones closer to his own personality, are anticipated thanks to a new long-term co-management agreement with Empire Philippines and Sparkle GMA Artist Center.

"It’s a stepping stone," Dasom remarked, emphasizing his commitment to performing well in his current projects as a priority.

His ties to the Philippines, however, predate his Manhunt win. He revealed that his very first basketball coach as a child was Filipino, and he has been visiting the country regularly since 2018 after competing in Mister Supranational, where he was a runner-up.

"I’ve always loved to come to the Philippines, whether it’s for work, for travel. It just feels like home," he shared, describing the Filipino people as the "warmest, the kindest, the most fun-loving people that I know in the world."

This affection extends to Filipino craftsmanship, specifically mentioning the shoe brand Bragais Man, which he finds "very different." Bragais Man is also an official partner for the upcoming 23rd edition of Manhunt International in Bangkok.

Dasom is set to pass on his Manhunt title on June 10, reflecting on his "pretty amazing journey" and expressing his desire to pass on advice and support to the next batch of contestants.

Looking ahead, he harbors dreams of a Hollywood career, guided by the philosophy that "it’s important to dream as big as you can. Otherwise, why call it a dream? Why call it a goal?"

However, his more immediate goal involves deepening his connection to the Philippines by mastering the local language. He plans intensive Tagalog lessons, aiming for three to four sessions a week, at least two hours a day, after filming for his series wraps up in June, to help secure more local projects and build his acting portfolio.