Multi-hyphenate Filipino-Norwegian actor and Cornerstone artist Markki Stroem recently ended his Mister Universe 2024 journey with an impressive 4th runner-up finish during the finals night held at the Fonda Theater in Hollywood, California last December 22. Representing the Philippines, Markki battled it out with forty-seven other candidates from all over the world in the pageant’s first ever edition. On top of that, he also took home the awards for Best in National Costume and Best in Talent.
Q: How did your family and friends react when they found out?
A: “My family are really chill when it comes to my work, its great actually. Although they did message me and congratulated me upon finding out that I won 4th runner up. My friends were so encouraging and kind. Got so many congratulatory messages and for that I am incredibly thankful!
Q: What’s the most important thing you learned while preparing for and competing in Mister Universe?
A: “I learned that you can be any age, race or ethnicity, as long as you believe and work towards your goal, you will always manifest a great outcome. Positive vibes lead to positive results. Block negativity from your life, that is but noise. People’s opinions are valid, but kindness is more important in this world right now.”
Q: In a previous interview, you’ve mentioned that you wanted to try and join a pageant as a contestant yourself after having been the one hosting for many years. Given the impressive result, do you see yourself competing again in a future pageant?
A: “I do not know if I qualify for age requirements anymore. If there is an opportunity and I qualify, I might reconsider. For now, I will rest and continue to hone my passions. Singing, acting, hosting will always be at the forefront for me.”
Q: What’s next for Markki in 2025? Any upcoming projects you can share?
A: “There are a few projects in the horizon. They cannot be divulged yet, but I think I may be going back to the screen. I also cameoed for a movie for Netflix after the success of Lolo and the Kid. I also cannot reveal too much. Abangan nalang! It’s gonna be a good year.”
“Maraming salamat Pilipinas! Maraming salamat sa suporta na binigay niyo sakin! Nakakataba ng puso!” he said in his post-pageant Instagram post dated December 23.
(Thank you so much Philippines! Thank you for the support you’ve given me. It really warms my heart!”
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