QUEEN OF PRIDE, EUROPE 2026: KASS TAPIRU OF GERMANY WINS CROWN

 by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

Courtesy of Kass Tapiru's Facebook Account

On 14th March 2026, the inception of Queen of Pride, Europe 2026 took place in Geneva, Switzerland. This was participated in by 16 insightful and remarkable candidates where the coronation night was held at Uptown UOG in Geneva, Switzerland. 

The first edition was organised by a charitable organisation of pageant-enthusiast Filipinos whose objective was to showcase the beauty, charm, eloquence and wits of my fellow transgender women who lives across Europe. 

The pioneering coronation night was well attended by a vibrant audience from the LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/ questioning, intersex and asexual) community and the candidates' admirers where it created a milieu filled with pride and solidarity. 

The spirited night was also hosted by Wendellou Delmar and Raymond Malavega who kept the crowd entertained and involved all night long to entirely forget the cold weather lingering outside. 

TICKETS, REGISTRATION AND ACCOMMODATION

Courtesy of Raymond Malavega's Facebook Account

The coronation night's admission was set at 40 CHF for VIP seats and 30 CHF for regular entry with advanced purchasers receiving a 10% promotional discount. 

Candidates contributed a modest registration fee of 100 – 150 euros where it helped cover essential participation requirements. On the other hand, the charitable organisation generously covered the candidates' two-night accommodation to make their stay pleasant and worry-free. 

CORONATION NIGHT 

Courtesy of Charlene Monteverde's  Facebook Account

The 16 candidates confidently and strikingly graced the stage, opening with an engaging introduction of themselves where each one delivered playful, light-hearted remarks. They then showcased more of their presence and versatility in a series of captivating segments, as follows:

sultry red casual wear

elaborately inspired costume

coquettish swimsuit displays 

glamorously sparkling evening gowns

unique talent presentations 

The audience watched in awe when their favourite candidate(s) appeared on stage. The venue was filled with admiration, applause and excitement. On the other hand, the members of the jury observed each performance with attention where they carefully evaluated and scored the candidates for the various awards, inter alia, major and special awards. 

MINOR, MAJOR AND SPECIAL AWARDS 

The candidates whose performances had stood out throughout the competition were recognised and received the following awards that have been known to me: 

Best in Casual Wear 

Kass Tapiru 

Best in Swimsuit 

Kass Tapiru

Best in Talent 

Kass Tapiru 

Best in Gown 

Kass Tapiru 

Miss Photogenic 

Kass Tapiru 

Miss Congeniality 

(candidate's name unknown) 

Best Smile 

(candidate's name unknown) 

Miss Feminine Look 

(candidate's name unknown) 

There were also a set of Sponsors' Choice awards given to the candidates whose performance and qualities impressed the valued sponsors:

Pinoy Vibes Award 

Charlene Monteverde 

Miss Cream Silk 

(candidate's name unknown) 

The above-mentioned awards had influenced the judging process and impacted the selection of the top 5 finalists. 

TOP 5 FINALISTS 

Courtesy of Charlene Monteverde's  Facebook Account

The candidates who earned a spot in the top 5 faced the time-bound Question-and-Answer segment. They were challenged to the limit of their wit and presence of mind. The finalists, in alphabetical order, were: 

Charlene Monteverde 

Ena Santos

Fritzimae Yee 

Kass Tapiru 

Mitchelle Agusto 

TITLE HOLDER AND RUNNERS-UP 

From Left to Right
Third Runner-up, Mitchelle Agusto 
First Runner-up, Charlene Monteverde 
Queen of Pride, Europe 2026, Kass Tapiru 
Second Runner-up, Fritzimae Yee 
Fourth Runner-up, Ena Santos 
Courtesy of Charlene Monteverde's  Facebook Account

After demonstrating their composure and insight during the Question and Answer segment, the most defining moment was declared and revealed. The unanimously proclaimed pioneering title holder with her runners-up are: 

Queen of Pride, Europe 2026 

Kass Tapiru 

First Runner-up 

Charlene Monteverde 

Second Runner-up 

Fritzimae Yee 

Third Runner-up 

Mitchelle Agusto 

Fourth Runner-up 

Ena Santos 

The newly crowned Queen and her Runners-up were awarded crowns, sashes, bouquets and commensurate cash prizes.

The above relevant details were excerpted from a shared conversation with one of the candidates and public Facebook posts. If you believe any part of the information requires correction, please feel free to contact me and I will update it accordingly. 

ENTRY/EXIT SYSTEM (EES) AND EUROPEAN TRAVEL INFORMATION AND AUTHORISATION SYSTEM (ETIAS)

 by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

Image courtesy of crankyboss.org

On 12 October 2025, the European Union’s (EU’s) new border checks, also known as the Entry/Exit System (EES), were launched. This is a new digital border biometrics registration process applicable to non-EU and UK nationals travelling to the EU's Schengen and non-EU Schengen countries (Schengen countries). 

The EES replaces the manual passport stamp with a digital record where it automatically calculates travellers' stay to ensure they do not exceed their limits. This is because exceeding the limitation may result in enforceable consequences (e.g., fines, deportation or a future entry ban). The current rule where travellers can stay in Schengen countries (more information on https://www.gov.uk/travel-to-eu-schengen-area) must not exceed 90 days (cumulative total stays) within any rolling 180-day period (not a fixed calendar year). If you would like to verify how many days you have remaining, click on https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/border-crossing/short-stay-calculator_en. 

The EES is expected to become fully operational on 10th April 2026. 

EES FULL REGISTRATION PROCESS 

The EES full registration process is free. However, the first (trip) biometric registration involves taking initial high-quality biometrics, as follows: 

• taking all four fingerprints and a photo at the dedicated booth upon arrival; and 
• provide either a fingerprint or a photo upon exit at an e-gate or desk, if you are travelling to the Schengen countries. However, this is verification of who you are where you do not require full registration again. 

The records of your full first biometric registration process are valid for 3 years and linked to your travel document. Thus, if your passport expires before the 3rd year, then you will require full registration again with your new passport. 

3 -YEAR VALIDITY PERIOD

The 3-year period resets each time you have a travel activity, but is subject to the following provisos, as follows: 

• you travel to a participating country at least once every 3 years; 
• compliant with 90/180-day limitation; and 
• holds a valid passport as mentioned above. 

This means that every time you leave a Schengen country or a participating country, the “clock” on your full biometric remains valid and resets to a new 3-year period -- i.e., starts fresh the moment you exit Schengen countries.

EES VERIFICATION PROCESS 

If you are a frequent traveller who has already applied the full registration process with a valid passport, your subsequent travels will only require “quick verification” each time you cross (enter and exit) the borders of Schengen countries. 

The verification still requires one form of biometric data:

• facial scan; or 
• a fingerprint. 

The required biometric is to verify your identity against the existing record, whilst the system calculates your travel record. 

EES ENRTY AND EXIT

When you enter any Schengen country, the system acts as a calculator for the 90/180-day limitation. On the other hand, when you exit any Schengen country, the system acts as a reset button where it updates travellers' biometric expiry date to 3 years and 1 day from the last exit (subject to the passport's validity).

EES EXEMPTIONS

Some UK nationals are exempt from EES where registration is not required. However, upon arrival at the border, they should present their exempting documentation to a border guard rather than use the EES kiosk.

The full list of exemptions is on the EU’s official Travel Europe website on 

https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/ees/to-whom-does-ees-not-apply 

Furthermore, children under the age of 12 are exempt from providing fingerprints for the initial full registration and for any subsequent verification checks. More information on https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/the-eu-entry-exit-system-and-eu-travel-authorisation-system/ 

ETIAS 

This is a new visa waiver (not a visa) and is similar to the US Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA). This is where British citizens (and non-EU nationals) are visa-exempt for short stays of up to 90 days when entering 30 EU countries. However, there is still a requirement to apply online for a digital authorisation before boarding flights, trains or ferries to EU countries. 

It will be introduced or fully operational in late 2026 with important details, as follows: 

• it will cost adults aged 18 to 70; 
• free for under 18 or over 70 years old, but an application is still required; 
• a 3-year validity is fixed. It will either expire when your passport expires, even if ETIAS is not, or when it hits the 3-year mark. 

ETIAS is expected to become fully mandatory for British passport holders or all visa-exempt travellers in early 2027. 

RELEVANT LINKS 

For more relevant information, click on the following: 

• https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees/faq#what-progressive-start-EES-mean
• https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/the-eu-entry-exit-system-and-eu-travel-authorisation-system/ 
• https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees/data-held-by-ees 
• https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/etias/about-etias/who-should-apply 

In the event that you will first travel in 2027 where both systems are fully operational, you must apply for the ETIAS first. This is because it is a pre-travel requirement where travellers must complete before leaving airports, stations or ports. On the other hand, EES is registered at the border desk or kiosk when entering participating Schengen countries. 

The above information reflects my understanding of the systems and is provided for general guidance only. If you believe any part requires clarification or correction, please feel free to contact me. Hence, it should not be taken as legal advice.