PERSONALISED WRISTLET CARDHOLDER

 by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

This personalised accessory was originally a timeworn soft leather long wallet, which was once loved by its original owner. 

I have been searching for a weeny wallet suitable for my essential cards where it could fit into my other handbags. Unfortunately, I had not come across one that I perceived as a reflection of my inner psyche. That is why for a few weeks in March on the fits and starts process I began to dismantle the venerable long wallet where I revamped it into a subjective accessory.

RIVETS AND LINING 

The rivets and lining used in customising this accessory are repurposed materials. In particular, the rivets are fragments of my tattered handbags whilst the lining is a surplus material of my unsuitable dress. On the other hand, I also sewed a new pair of crystal heart buttons to compliment the red shade around my custom-made engraved label. 

STITCHING 

I glued the cut-out outer shells and then, used an electric sewing machine to create even gaps for the holes of the thread. This means that there was no inserted thread in the needle whilst I ran through the shells on the feed dogs of the machine. Thereafter, I hand-sewn the shells carefully and neatly. 

This accessory is neither a desirable collection piece nor will hold its value like the iconic designer brands as time goes by. However, the process of meticulously creating it to be worn again is one of my several ways to reduce the harmful disruption and damage being done to the natural world. Thus, I consider this personalised wristlet cardholder a priceless piece.

MISS QUEENIVERSE 2024: ASUNTA MAE OF DENMARK WINS CROWN

 by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

Miss Queeniverse 2024, Asunta Mae
Photo Courtesy of Rigene Zapatos

On 18th May 2024, the coronation night for Miss Queeniverse 2024 was held at the Van der Valk Hotel Schiphol in Hoofddorp, The Netherlands. 

The coronation night was an organised project by Amsterdam-based GLAM Infinity where it epitomised the beauty; showcased the various talents and revealed the sharp-witted minds of 10 cordial candidates. 

The objective of the event was to celebrate and welcome the visibility of the LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/ questioning, intersex and asexual) community. Particularly, it led to an opportunity to make full-sounding noises in uplifting the ingenuity, cleverness, and intelligence of my dear fellow transgender women; that they are no longer hidden behind the scenes. 

It was positively hosted by August Baluyot Mateo and Raymond Jay-ar and also, adjudicated by respective members of the jury. There was a special appearance and participation from Miss Queeniverse 2023, Cassandra Havana, before the introductory production number of the contestants on stage. 

BEFORE THE CORONATION NIGHT 

Photo Courtesy of Miss Queeniverse

Photo Courtesy of Miss Queeniverse

The candidates had the opportunity to enjoy fun activities; receive give-away products and visit places such as: 

outdoor photo shoot; 

rehearsed their production number; 

endorsed goods and services from various sponsors;

and 

savoured Italian cuisine at Cucina Casalinga Restaurant.

CANDIDATES 

Photo Courtesy of Miss Queeniverse

There were 10 cheerful candidates who stupefied their undying supporters and lusciously tempted their admirers in a show-off competition on stage. 

The contestants vibrantly appeared on stage in 3 different attires where each round incentivised the audience to choose their favourite(s) during: 

elaborate creative costumes;

seductive swimsuits;

and 

classy gowns.

Video Courtesy of Cassy Nhoyskie Zen-abi

MINOR, MAJOR AND SPECIAL AWARDS 

There were 7 out of 10 candidates who were called one at a time on stage to receive the following awards: 

Miss Photogenic

candidate 1, Nancy Alena Diaz (The Netherlands)

Spirit of Candidate

candidate 3, Mitchelle Agusto (Germany)

People’s Choice Award

candidate 7, Khaylee Ysabella Powell (The Netherlands)

The New You Awardee

candidate 6, Ada Padilla (The Netherlands)

Miss Fab Skin

candidate 9, Hannakim Delena (Germany)

Miss Mega World

candidate 1, Nancy Alena Diaz (The Netherlands)

Miss Cream Silk

candidate 10, Asunta Mae (Denmark)

Best in Creative Costume

candidate 3, Mitchelle Agusto (Germany)

Best in Swimsuit

candidate 9, Hannakim Delena (Germany)

Best in Evening Gown

candidate 10, Asunta Mae (Denmark)

Best Personal Statement

candidate 8, Chloe Bronek (The Netherlands)

SEMI-FINALISTS 

The announcement of awards contributed to the overall scores for each contender and led to the determination of who would be included in the top 5. That is why, the tabulation of candidates' scores fairly decided the announcement of who made it through the initial round of the contest: 

candidate 4

Ram Villaflores (The Netherlands)

candidate 10

Asunta Mae (Denmark)

candidate 3

Mitchelle Agusto (Germany)

candidate 9

Hannakim Delena (Germany)

candidate 8

Chloe Bronek (The Netherlands)

 

This initial round was paired with the jittery Question and Answer portion with a twist. It is because the top 5 ladies were asked to convey their insightful interpretation of their chosen painting from local Filipino artists. Thus, the 3 contestants who delivered the strongest explanations reached the final round. 

TITLE HOLDER AND RUNNERS-UP 

The declaration of 3 finalists was followed by the ultimate Question and Answer portion in relation to the transgender community. 

After the finalists confidently answered the one common question, last year’s title holder Cassandra Havana made her farewell walk and speech.

           

Video Courtesy of Cassy Havana Serdan

The unanimously declared euphoric title holder with her affable runners-up of Miss Queeniverse 2024 are: 

From Left to Right
First Runner-up, Chloe Bronek
Miss Queeniverse 2024, Asunta Mae
Second Runner-up, Hannakim Delena
Photo Courtesy of Edson Swarovski Gonzales