Mister Universe 2024 4th runner-up Markki Stroem. Stroem/Instagram Markki Stroem is ending the year with a bang after his impressive performance in the Mister Universe 2024 pageant.

The Philippine representative finished 4th runner-up in the competition, which was held in Hollywood, California on Sunday (Monday in Manila). 

He also won Best in Talent, as well as Best in National Costume for his tikbalang-inspired ensemble.

LOOK: Markki Stroem in tikbalang-inspired costume for Mister Universe

"What a journey the Mister Universe was! Ended up as 4th runner-up. Not bad," Stroem said in an Instagram post shortly after the pageant.

"Happy to have represented the 'Pearl of the Orient,' the Philippines! I am so deeply sorry, I guess, sometimes nerves take over," he added, expressing his gratitude to his team and supporters. 

The Mister Universe 2024 title went to Patrick Callahan of Ireland, with his runners-up including representatives from the United States, Indonesia, and Dominican Republic. 

Stroem, a singer and theater actor, was appointed as the Philippines' representative in Mister Universe 2024, where he competed against 47 candidates from around the world.

In a previous interview, he said he wanted to try becoming a delegate himself after years of hosting pageants.

"I have hosted a slew of pageants, judged more than a handful, even provided swimwear for one. I realized I have actually never joined a pageant?" he said.

"So, I decided to give it one last hurrah. Time to see how far experience and a whole lot of passion can take me," he added. 

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