🏈OLIVER KRETZ

THE FIL-GERMAN POWERHOUSE REDEFINING FITNESS, FAITH, AND FILIPINO PRIDE

In a year that celebrates Filipino excellence on the global stage, Oliver Eugen Kretz stands tall (literally and figuratively) as one of the country’s newest icons in fitness and pageantry. The Fil-German stunner, often compared to fellow Fil-German titleholder Kirk Bondad (Mister International 2025), has carved a place of his own with his authenticity and discipline. Recently crowned Man of the World Philippines, Oliver represents a new generation of Filipino athletes and role models: grounded by struggle, strengthened by purpose, and fueled by self-growth.

GROWING UP:

Growing up in a broken family and without guidance in fitness or healthy living, Oliver’s path was not handed to him—it was something he carved for himself. His German and Filipino heritage shaped him in unexpected ways, but it was his own self-realization that pushed him forward. “As I grew up, I realized how important fitness and being health-conscious really are,” he shares. “I had a lot of health problems when I was younger. Fitness became my way of taking care of myself.” His naturally fast metabolism, strong genetics, and athletic build eventually transformed from insecurities into assets—fueling the confidence he needed to step into both fitness coaching and pageantry.

When asked about a defining moment from his upbringing in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Oliver points to something deeper than circumstance—God’s grace. “He opened my heart and mind to realize how important life is,” he says. “Being grateful, content, and loving what you do makes you happy and successful.” This faith-centered mindset is reflected in every aspect of his journey—from his workouts to the way he handles pressure in competitions.

FITNESS: 

Oliver’s training philosophy is simple but profound: “Put your heart in it. Find pleasure in pain. The right pain creates positive change.” For him, fitness is not just a career—it’s a calling. And as a coach, he sees the most common mistake people make: they don’t know why they’re doing it. “Many just copy others. But fitness is about becoming a better version of yourself. It’s self-love.” It’s this mindset that makes him stand out in a world often obsessed with aesthetics over purpose.

Having already reached his “natural peak” as a bodybuilder, Oliver maintains a consistent lifestyle approach: “I don’t train only when I compete. Fitness is already part of my life.” Before shows or shoots, he simply increases activity and sharpens his conditioning—proof that discipline over time beats last-minute intensity.

PAGEANTRY: 

Oliver describes joining Misters of Filipinas as something that felt “meant for him”—a path destiny pushed him toward. His biggest challenge? Communication. “My way of speaking is different from the standard in pageantry,” he admits. “I’m naturally casual. But I keep improving.” This openness to self-growth would later become one of his defining strengths.

While others stress before the finals, Oliver kept it simple: “I just relaxed, stayed positive, and maintained my workout routine.” The result? A performance that earned him the crown as Man of the World Philippines. Winning the title is more than personal achievement—it’s identity, pride, and representation. “I brought pride to Palawan, to my family, and to myself.” he says. “Don’t take your advantages for granted. Use them to make you a better person.” With the Man of the World pageant happening next year, Oliver is laser-focused on improvements—especially in communication and confidence. “I want to make the Philippines proud. I’ll train harder than ever.”

FUTURE:

Five years from now, Oliver envisions himself as a full-fledged entrepreneur in the fitness industry. “I see myself as a fitness coach—or a businessman with my own gym.” And with his discipline and passion, it’s only a matter of time. 

His Advice for young men entering fitness and pageantry is heartfelt and direct: “Love what you do. Do it for yourself. Work hard. Enjoy the process. Stay humble, stay grateful, and never doubt yourself.”

Photography: Rxandy Capinpin

Styling: Hans Pascual and Eigen Enad

Grooming: Lars Cabanacan

Special thanks to Rys Villavieja