Netizens were quick to notice that international superstar Ricky Martin has started following Mister International 2025 Kirk Bondad on Instagram—instantly sparking buzz online.

With Martin’s 18.9 million followers and only 2,458 accounts on his following list, fans found it noteworthy that Bondad has now joined the roster.
Many called it an “honor” and even a “validation” of Kirk’s newfound global recognition.
“Malaking karangalan ang ma-follow ka ng isang super sikat sa buong mundo na tulad ni Ricky Martin. Parang validation ‘yon na hindi ka ordinaryo, kundi markado ka na sa mundo,” one fan gushed.
However, Kirk isn’t the only Filipino on Ricky’s radar. Broadway icon Lea Salonga—whom Martin worked with as a child—has long been on his list, as well as Kapuso actor Derrick Monasterio.
Still, given Kirk’s recent pageant victory, the timing of Ricky Martin’s follow felt extra special to fans, who saw it as another milestone in the Mister International 2025 winner’s rising career.
