Filipino crooner, host, theater, film, and television actor Markki Stroem expressed his excitement about making his pageant debut as the country’s representative in the Mister Universe 2024 competition, which will take place in Hollywood, California, this September.
But who exactly is Markki Stroem?
He is half Filipino and Norwegian
Marcello Angelo Ledesma Stroem, professionally known as Markki Stroem, was born in Antipolo City on March 21, 1987, to his Norwegian father, Rune Stroem, and Filipino mother, Lea Ledesma.
He works as a crooner, host, theater, film, and television actor
Stroem was recognized as today’s “Contemporary Crooner.” Prior to his remarkable success in the industry, Stroem was first recognized as a former contestant in ABS-CBN’s reality and talent show Pilipinas Got Talent during its first season, where he clinched a spot as one of the show’s finalists.
In light of his innate talent, adaptability, range, and passion for his craft, he has been given numerous opportunities and landed in various projects, specifically in radio, theater, television, film, music, and hosting.
Stroem has showcased his versatility in various theater productions, including “Next To Normal,” where he portrayed Henry. He also took on the roles of Shane Gray in “Camp Rock” and Tommy Ross in “Carrie: The Musical.” In “Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady,” he played a lead character, while in “Jersey Boys,” he portrayed Tommy de Vito. Other notable roles include Gabby in “Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko,” Claude Hooper in “Bukowski in Hair,” Terry Connor in “Side Show,” Joe Pitt in “Angels in America,” Christian in “Mula sa Buwan,” and Rolf in “Sound of Music.”
Stroem also gained prominence as a film actor, wherein he appeared in different films such as Slumber Party, Amor Y Muerte, and 10,000 Hours. In addition, he currently works as a host for the Radio Talk Show “The Morning Rush” on Monster RX93.1.
He is a marketing management graduate and entrepreneur
According to the Philippine Entertainment Portal and Inquirer.net’s reports, apart from his prominence in the industry as an artist, Stroem took up a degree in marketing management at Glion Institute of Higher Education in Switzerland. This academic journey has led him to venture into the business world, specifically the clothing business, especially during the height of the pandemic, where he collaborated with his friend Wesley Que and other business-minded friends and colleagues to turn things into a reality.
In response to Stroem’s business venture, he also made good use of his business with the goal of providing jobs to people affected by the challenges brought by the pandemic, especially ABS-CBN employees who lost their jobs after the network’s shutdown.
He speaks six different languages
Interestingly, citing the report from the Philippine Entertainment Portal’s and an interview with the King of Talk Boy Abunda on the former ABS-CBN’s news broadcasting program, Bandila, Stroem stated his proficiency in speaking six languages: Filipino, Norwegian, English, German, Spanish, and French.
Let us get to know about his journey and preparations as Mister Universe Philippines 2024
In an exclusive interview with Push, Stroem was appointed to represent the country at the Mister Universe 2024 competition after being noticed for their hosting experience in Love Yourself’s Love Gala involving former Miss Universe titleholders Pia Wurtzbach and Catriona Gray, where he received a message from the people in the States.
He believes that his convincing speech on HIV and his advocacy for it made it to the US, which then resulted in receiving a request for his participation in the pageant. Despite the fact that he had never competed in a pageant prior to that, he made the decision to seize the opportunity and learn more about the pageant industry.
Stroem believes that his years of experience in the fashion world, hosting, and doing theatrical performances have been his source of preparation to venture into the world of pageantry. He also shared that he had informed fashion designers, including Mark Bumgarner and Francis Libiran, to talk about the upcoming competition.
He indicated his plans to get in touch with some of his best friends and favorite designers in the industry, who have created some of the most amazing dresses for Miss Universe and male pageants. As a result, Stroem has shown that he is open to any result that may come from expressing his interest in how he will participate in the competition.
Meanwhile, Stroem expressed his uncertainty in response to what would be his plans during the pageant’s talent portion, indicating his capability in doing fire dancing. He looked back on his experience as a pole dancer during his younger years and might consider himself to be a singer. As the event draws near, he nevertheless remains undecided about which talent he will showcase. Stroem further stated that he is going through the preparation process one day at a time.
Stroem is currently busy committing himself in preparation for “Rent,” a play by 9Works Theatrical, where he will play the roles of Benjamin Coffin III and Tom Collins, which will premiere on April 19 at Makati City’s RCBC Plaza.
