When you have been used to celebrating Christmas in brighter and more colourful ways, you will felicitously look forward to be awed by stimulating ornaments hoisted in each corner that you will pass by and through. Who would not be, especially when most streets will be enlivened and full of impressive illuminations. That is why, we promised ourselves that we would spend the spectacular winter holiday this year here in London. Its because, the fascinating spirit of Christmas was part of my childhood and not to have appreciated the christmassy ambience last year gave me the feeling of bleakness.
I'm already at the age where I don’t anticipate having wrapped gifts to unravel or to receive an envelope stuffed with cash. Nonetheless, I always cherish and love receiving red letter cards either as a personalised piece or those with a customary gesture. Someone's intention whose heart is in the right place feels deeper and is more precious to me nowadays.
For the past years, I have been more grateful for living a meaningful and healthy life. A life full of love that has bolstered me for succeeding in bringing many of my dreams into a reality. However, when I think of my childhood memories- which always draw me into the spectra of fantasy- it always separates me from the beauty of my life in the now. It's the longingness resides in my heart. Needless to say, there is nothing wrong in musing over the past for as long as you know how to resurge on to the solid ground of reality!
The "shape" of the earth isn't created to perfection and neither are our lives. No one has achieved an impeccable life without experiencing battles and challenges before they become triumphant. Bear in mind that we have our own resilient rowing boat to manoeuvre but it is only up to us how we will deploy it and steer towards our predilection. If you think your year 2019 hasn't been a proactive and strong chapter, you are certainly not alone!
Let us all embrace another year of being alive and may we try not to disregard (regret) the significance of old chapters (if you can?). Personally speaking, we are moving ahead and are not permanently shutting down the colourful preexistent years of our lives.
Miss Queen Pacific 2019 Title Holder Miss Mexico- Vivienne Melanie Mesias
After 2 years of silence, the Casilleras Charity Organisation UK as a reborn charity reconvened its beauty pageant with a purpose entitled Miss Queen Pacific 2019. This U.K. charity organisation has been operating as a licensed society after its license approval in March 2017 by the Borough of Brent Council. It was set-up by energetic volunteers who committed to strengthening community relationships in the United Kingdom and across the oceans. The main aim of the charity is to compensate less fortunate individuals and assist vulnerable groups. This is accomplished by both organising stimulating sports activities and encouraging social events..
On the 30th of November this year, Miss Queen Pacific 2019 took place at Millennium Gloucester Hotel London in Kensington and was held in the Cromwell suite. It was well attended by the organisation’s supporters as well as admirers, friends and family members of the 8 determined candidates. Most of the colourful entrants came from across the U.K., Europe and Southeast Asia. Prior to the coronation night in November, the Casilleras Charity Organisation UK Reborn arranged a press conference on the 19th of October and also organised a talent night on the 20th of October. The press conference which was held at Grosvenor Casinos in Gloucester Road included the appearance of a few candidates. There was also a talent night which was held at FM Bar in Shepherd's Bush and showcased the flamboyant flair of the final candidates that was evaluated by a panel of judges.
During the coronation night at Millennium Gloucester Hotel London, the candidates flourished the event on stage. In each category they stupefied the audience during the group production number; the ostentatiousness of individual national costume; the prancing in titillating swimwear and the flouncing in elegant long gowns. Apart from that, there was also the ultimate final round and a complete flip side of the glamour called, the ultimate Question and Answer final. More importantly, these were assessed by high calibre members of the jury who gave fair-minded scores to each candidate in every category. Namely, Mr. John Middleton as judge #1; Alex Madia Levi as judge #2; Asam Ali as judge #3; Sumaiya Kolia as judge #4; Vicky Lee as judge #5; Dr. Vincent Wong as judge #6 and Abi Mohamed as judge #7.
On the night of the coronation of Miss Queen Pacific 2019, the audience was baffled and left in limbo as to why candidate number 7, Bianca Carreon, who represented Vietnam didn't get any placement even as a runner-up? More importantly, why the unanimously declared title holder was candidate number 1, Vivienne Melanie Mesias, who represented as Miss Mexico?
On the morning of the coronation night for Miss Queen Pacific 2019, the Casilleras Charity Organisation UK Reborn made a thoughtful alteration to the main sequence of the event. They omitted to announce the top 5 ranked candidates who would advanced into the initial Question and Answer round. These are the women who accumulated the highest scores in minor and major categories. Instead, they replaced this with all-inclusive finalists and all candidates advanced into the ultimate Question and Answer final. (source: Casilleras Charity Organisation UK Reborn)
The said alteration was suggested by the pageants' choreographer and stage director, Ronnie Del Barrio. According to the management team of the charity, they asked the candidates in the morning of the final rehearsal about the modification as well as explaining it to them comprehensively. Withal, they all agreed with the immediate alteration of the main sequence of the pageant with no manifested disapproval whatsoever. (source: Casilleras Charity Organisation UK Reborn)
During the presentation of minor and major awardees, one of the 8 candidates took home most of the awards. This was candidate number 7, Bianca Carreon, who represented Vietnam as her chosen country. This announcement of winners in each category was revealed before the ultimate Question and Answer final. As the candidates were informed beforehand that there's no longer the announcement of Top 5 ranked candidates, all candidates were automatically advanced into the ultimate final round of the pageant. Thus, it gave all candidates a fair chance to articulate their insights as what it is to become a beauty queen with a purpose.
The final round (the ultimate Question and Answer) on the night of the coronation was impartially scored and based upon the wit & intelligence as well as grace under pressure of each candidate on stage whilst delivering her answers. Thus, whoever gave the most comprehensive and eloquent answers was scored highly by the respective members of the jury. In this ultimate final round the candidates who scored highly as well as gave consistent performances in all categories were able to raise herself up and increase her chances of winning a placement or to wear the coveted crown.
When the ultimate Question and Answer final concluded, each candidate's score on this round was then combined to their accumulated scores from the 4 major categories. This was the tallied scores during the presentation of talents in October and the actual garnered scores in national costume, swimwear and long gown categories on the coronation night. It was then carefully computed by the adjudicator committee who ascertained the highest 5 ranking candidates. Thus, the final tabulation result, free from any bias, declared the deserving runners- up and the title holder of Miss Queen Pacific 2019 on the 30th of November. (source: Casilleras Charity Organisation UK Reborn)
From Left to Right Abi Mohamed Dr. Vincent Wong ? 3rd runner-up, Miss Colombia- Pola Morena 2nd runner-up, Miss China- Pawee Cadalzo Miss Queen Pacific 2019 Title Holder, Miss Mexico- Vivienne Melanie Mesias 1st runner-up, Miss Japan- Valerie Louise 4th runner-up, Miss Philippines- Mikayla Sophia Narbuada Vicky Lee Alex Madia Levi John Middleton
I like the usual idea of announcing the top 5 ranked candidates who will advance into the next round. In particular, if they deserve to be one of the finalists who will then take part as head-to-head hopefuls for the crown. I also like the all-inclusive finalists as it will give the underdogs (in minor and major categories) the chance to prove their worthiness and essence as a woman of substance.
In truth, when we decide to join in a competition we cannot precisely predict the outcome as it progresses. In particular, we commonly enter and show up as hopefuls who will either end up as clappers or the sole person who will wear the coveted crown. It is worth reminding ourselves that disparaging someone out of hearsay and false beliefs because of our disappointment (and dare I say, ego) will make us slightly inhumane.
The inflated ball is round and if it is your time to be on top of each competition, the ball will accordingly stabilise and you will eventually ascend!
Recently, a duo artists in London has come to my attention. As a matter of fact, I witnessed them perform together at the WayOut Club in Minories as well as at Martha's Restaurant and Bar in Soho. They stupefied the atmosphere at each venue and produced such engaging shows!
Each artist has a winning flair and panache as they can effortlessly fire up an audience and thrill a crowd. It is achieved by individually delivering belt-out songs with humour and by coquettishly dancing around with a gymnastic flip twist. They are both no longer amateurs in the industry of spotlight extravaganzas as each artist has triumphantly accomplished competitions and stood out in shows beforehand.
Brandy X who is also known to her admirers and friends as Brandy Xtravaganza or Brandy X Mandella was born in America and grew up in a Mexican culture. At a very young age, she outrightly embraced her identity & expression as a transgender woman. She was full of motivation in reaching her dreams and satiated with selfless love which she bestowed to others by acceptance. Her determination was put to the test at the age of 12, which she transcended, she then secured herself a place in modelling, acting and dancing. Her beauty and personality attracted myriads of audiences and like-minded companions. As things inclined favourably, she was signed-up and cast to feature at a clothing company, American Apparel; in a reality competition television series, RuPaul's Drag Race; in a comedy-drama television series, Transparent Season 2 and at various Gay Pride festivals. Moreover, that experience also paved the way for her to work with artist like, the American female highest-selling R&B artists, Toni Braxton; the Austin, Texas multi-platinum singer, Ciara; the Queen of Burlesque, Dita Von Teese; the American entrepreneur rapper, Kesha and the American singer- songwriter, Parson James.
Her unceasing perseverance as a transgender woman of colour contributed to her achieving a life in London while also she was having an influencing over the nightlife. That is why when Martha's Restaurant and Bar launched as a rebranding brand in Soho, she landed a job and became the face of it. Ever since the first opening of Martha's, she has been the prominent receptionist for the curious walk-in customers and the prosperous pre-booked guests. Apart from her glamorous role, she still possess a character in acting; perceptible beauty for modelling; choreography mindset in organising dance numbers as well as savviness in hosting events. Actually, she has been hosting her own live shows like the “The Brandy Brunch” which is currently at Martha's. Because of her gregariousness and versatility, she has been heartily invited to exclusive events in central London and beyond. In particular, the Bombshell Club London; Circa the Club in Victoria Embankment; Glitterbox at Ministry of Sound; The Groucho Club in Soho; Heaven Nightclub in Charing Cross; Metropolis Gentleman's Club in Bethnal Green; O2 Victoria Warehouse in Manchester and The WayOut Club in Minories.
Brandy X's supple movements and burlesque outfits in her stimulatingly cavorting around shows is a by product of being affiliated with the ballroom culture world of the LGBTQ and gender-nonconforming society that originated in New York from the 1980's. As a matter of fact, she belonged to the House of Xtrvaganza in Los Angeles for 10 years and is now related to the L.A. Nightlife sensation, Hector X aka Kiki, as a daughter. If you have watched an episode of the drama series entitled POSE, you already know what I'm referring to here? If you would like to become acquainted with her and read more of her future shows, you can follow her on the following accounts:
Geri Love started her passion for singing in her hometown in the Republic of the Philippines. She has had the opportunity to work in the entertainment industry that enhanced her talent and widened her experience. Her first involvement was with a transient R&B band where she was their main vocalist. However, when she decided to leave the band and ventured out single-handedly she ended up in comedy clubs in Timog, Quezon City. Like, the Metro Concert Bar; Laffline Comedy Bar; Punchline Comedy Bar and the Musicbox. Here she adapted the stage name Gee/ Geezel and worked as a regular singer, a whimsical comedienne and a wacky event hostess.
She never stopped loving her passion for singing as she also participated in a few Trans community singing competitions where she met acquaintances, friends and made supportive connections. Because of her drive and hard work, she was noticed by one of the long-established television networks known as ABS- CBN. They hired her as an outside performer for a noon time variety show called MTB's (Magandang Tanghali Bayan) Divading and the first live comedy- gag show called Yes, Yes Show! During her time at ABS-CBN and after being discovered by a talent scout, she was bolstered and encouraged to join famous singing competitions. Like, the Clown in a Million of ABS-CBN where she clinched as a finalist. When Geri Love's enthusiasm in the industry abated, she carried over a different role in the outsourcing industry. However, her attachment to and love for music weighed more that led her to reconvene in Japan as an entertainer or also called newhalf. Before she was ultimately chosen as one of the first class Okama talents for the Satcho's Club, she endured a painstaking elimination process. To be more specific, she was one of more than 800 transgender hopeful talents who were exhaustively screened in a day. Thereafter, her name was shortlisted and her application to become a professional singer in Japan was guaranteed. Upon embarking on the bandwagon to Japan, Geri's fate changed positively. As matter of fact, when she was already working in Japan she also secured additional contracts from different omise (club). This furthered her stay as she was helped in obtaining a supplementary working visa on four occasions. That is why, she has an adequate knowledge about the Japanese people and their rich culture because of visiting a few capital cities in Japan like Tokushima, Kumamoto and Tokyo.
She treasures her years of working in Japan. It helped her to save enough cash that she then later used in securing her application for a student visa going to the United Kingdom. Coming over to the United Kingdom is another milestone for her especially upon elevating her love for music. She secured a place in an institution and studied a Diploma course in Popular Music. After finishing the course, she eventually propelled and took a B.A. Degree course in Creative Musicianship at the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP). She graduated with first class honours. Whilst she was “burning her eyebrows” (studying hard), she was also actively involved with the LGBTQIA+ festivals and various clubs in central London and beyond. This opened doors for her to join singing competitions again which she greatly benefited from. It also enabled her to practice even more her vocalisation outside the institution; she was gradually recognised in the LGBTQIA+ community and that also boosted her stage presence. Her success prevailed because of her singing voice and charismatic personality. Consequently, it trajected her to win victories in numerous singing competitions like the CXR Got Talent in Charing Cross London; Madame JoJo's Tranny Academy in Soho, London and the Q Factor in Frome, England.
Geri Love isn't just destined for singing as she was once a pageant enthusiast because of her beauty queen friends. When I say enthusiast, she involved herself as one of the entrants to a few prestigious beauty pageants here in the U.K. Such as, Miss Mango Tree 2014 at the Mango Tree in Belgravia, London and proclaimed as the 2nd runner-up; Miss Exilio 2015 of the Exilio LGBT Latino at Guy's Bar in London and proclaimed as the title holder; Alternative Miss London 2016 at the WayOut Club in Minories, London and proclaimed as the title holder as well as Miss Mango Tree 2018 at the Mango Tree in Belgravia, London and proclaimed as the 3rd runner-up. If you would like to become acquainted with her au naturel singing voice and support more of her future shows, you can contact and follow her on the following accounts:
Queen of Ikatlong Lahi 2019 Miss Iwa Moto- Hardy London, United Kingdom
She travelled more than 700 miles from London, England to Barcelona, Spain by plane in the attempt to bringing home the crown of Queen of Ikatlong Lahi 2019. But prior to her quest for the crown and as a preparation, she went through hairstyle and makeup tutorials under the capable hands of Miss Chin Ungos Swift. Then, during her flight to Spain for the coronation night she was accompanied by Miss Cassandra Mae Madrigal. Who has greatly been her mentor, designer and assistant throughout the process as well as during her past pageant involvements.
The Queen of Ikatlong Lahi 2019 is an annual beauty pageant founded and formed by an association of Filipinos living in Barcelona. They phrased themselves as FIBA-SYM which stands for “Filipinos in Barcelona- Society of Youthful Minds”. Moreover, the successful production of the pageant on the 26th of October held at the Aquarella Hotel Music & Restaurant was chiefly organised by Rolly Arcega Bernacer. One of the youthful minds responsible for the presence of 8 determined candidates, mostly came from different parts of Europe, who sensationally pranced and fearlessly articulated during the bravura display on a centre stage.
Without further ado, here are the coquettishly charming ladies during their supple PRODUCTION NUMBER & INTRODUCTION; fascinating spectacle of NATIONAL COSTUME; tantalising swagger in SWIMWEAR and the flounce in plunging neckline LONG GOWN. Thank you to Rolly Arcega Bernacer for capturing and sharing the full body portraits of the 8 ladies.
Candidate No. 1, Candy Barrett of Italy
Candidate No. 2, Johanna Adelmund of Germany
Candidate No. 3, Jan Nicole Sotto of Palma de Mallorca
Candidate No. 4, Jan Ortuz Torres of Barcelona, Spain
Candidate No. 5, Iwa Moto- Hardy of London, United Kingdom
Candidate No. 6, Lea Pascua of North Tenerife, Spain
Candidate No. 7, Jade Chloe Colobong of Oslo, Norway
Candidate No. 8, Patricia Mcay Go of Vienna, Austria
Iwa Moto- Hardy's attempt at succeeding the 2018 title-holder, Miss Rica Quines Santos, came to a fruition but behind her triumph was a backbone bolster of family and friends. Apart from her becoming the unanimously proclaimed Queen, a few candidates also walked away with contrived awards and 2 contenders with well-esteemed hierarchy status:
From Left to Right 1st Runner-up Miss Jan Nicole Sotto of Palma De Mallorca Queen of Ikatlong Lahi 2019 Miss Iwa Moto- Hardy of London, United Kingdom 2018 Title-Holder Miss Rica Quines Santos 2nd Runner-up Miss Lea Pascua of North Tenerife, Spain
Queen of the Crowd
Candidate No. 3
Miss Jan Nicole Sotto
Palma De Mallorca
Queen of National Costume Candidate No. 3
Miss Jan Nicole Sotto
Palma De Mallorca
Queen of Swimwear Candidate No. 3
Miss Jan Nicole Sotto
Palma De Mallorca
Queen of Long Gown
Candidate No. 7
Miss Jade Chloe Colobong
Oslo, Norway
Queen of Talent Candidate No. 7
Miss Jade Chloe Colobong
Oslo, Norway
Queen of Photos Candidate No. 5
Miss Iwa Moto- Hardy
London, United Kingdom
Queen of Smile Candidate No. 4
Miss Jaz Ortuz Torres
Barcelona, Spain
Queen of Congeniality Candidate No. 1
Miss Candy Barett
Italy
The coronation night at the Aquarella Hotel Music & Restaurant wasn't just wrapped in a semblance of eye catching and obsequious candidates on a theatrical stage. More importantly, it was attended and applauded by a teeming of like-minded crowd, whose sensitivity wasn't a spectre of virtue signalling. Because of the generosity of spirit amongst Filipinos and other nationalities who were present on the night, the production of the Queen of Ikatlong Lahi 2019 transpired fruitfully.
Behind the festive occasion of Dayanara Mesmeize on the 19th of October this year was a hard work and perseverance. Her incomparable hands-on attitude transformed a conventional area at the Millennium Point in Birmingham into a floridly grandiose venue.
Her endeavour has given myself the opportunity to attend and witness- together with her invited guests, friends and family- her ultimate 50th birthday celebration. That is why, creating and producing this video especially for her was worthy of my effort, time and trouble.
“Please be aware that this movie has some adult contents”
Disclaimer:
I claim no rights to the played songs utilised by the celebrant and the artists/entertainers/performers as a background music.
I also claim no rights to the music/songs lip synced/sang by the celebrant and the artists/entertainers/performers.
If you are using a MacBook/laptop to watch the movie, may you change the VIDEO QUALITY to HD.
Alternatively, if the VIDEO above is UNAVAILABLE in your country, you may click on the video below,
From Left to Right Alternative Miss London 2018, Miss Nicole Williams Alternative Miss London 2019, Miss Iwa Moto
On the 28th of September this year, the 26th anniversary catwalk contest of the WayOut Club entitled Miss Alternative London took place at the Minories in London, United Kingdom. It was organised by the inspirational Miss Vicky Lee and bolstered by her closest hard working collaborators. They produced a dazzling spectacle which was attended by a swarm of LGBTQIA+ community members, admirers and compatible people. Kindly click the links beneath for supplementary and underpinning information,
The Alternative Miss London 2019 took place late at night. Taking part was a set of eager and flambouyant hopefuls. Generally speaking, each contestant had the opportunity to don herself in 3 categorised semblances. One by one they walked onto the improvised red carpet that was fastened and placed on the dance floor. They emerged from their tightly secured dressing room and swung around in front of the jury and the frisky crowd. Yes, there was "red ceremonial carpet" with crowd control stanchions that provided an unrestricted space for each contestant to prance back & forth. This was the replacement for the conventional and demountable 12-foot long platform stage with LED lights on the dance floor. Personally speaking, it was an avant-garde undertaking and a brilliantlly embracing arrangement!
Miss Nicole Williams and Contestant Number 1, Miss Iwa Moto
Miss Geri Love and Contestant Number 2, Miss Jade Chloe Calolong
Miss Vicky Lee and Contestant Number 3, Miss Tiana Delosata
Contestant Number 4, Miss Jolie Cooper and Miss Geri Love
Photo courtesy of Miss Geyzhel Sparkes' Facebook account
During the event, the familiar and sophisticated Miss Alexandra Marie Diaz who has been single- handedly hosting the event since 2014 was unable to attend due to personal commitments. That is why, the inspirational Miss Vicky Lee stepped into her shoes and delivered the affairs with aplomb. When Miss Vicky began holding the floor, signalling the start of proceedings for the contest, she called upon the presence of Miss Geyzhel Sparke to express her gratitude for her invaluable support and reinforcement. Thereafter, the members of the jury and the tabulator were introduced beginning with Miss Natasha Mckenzie- Daniels of Ted's Place; Doctor Woof of X Factor 2017 and the 'Cancer is a Drag' ambassador; the multi pageant title holder, Miss SaHHara; Miss Alex Ceciliato of Roma TV/TS Party in London and Lesly, the proficient recorder of the scores. They were all stationed on a roomy elevated section of the dance floor rather than the regular cramming spot with closed proximity to the conventional platform stage. Personally speaking, this change of layout was a wise plan as the members of the jury could attentively see and clearly view each contestant's creativity, seductiveness and elegance.
Miss Geyzhel Sparkes and Miss Vicky Lee
From Left to Right
Miss Natasha Mckenzie- Daniels Doctor Woof Miss SaHHara Miss Alex Ceciliato
Without further ado, here are the contestants wearing their first semblance on the red carpet. It's their scintillating CREATIVE COSTUMES which were carefully remodelled.
After the appearance of the last contestant, Miss Jolie Cooper, the red carpet was then taken over by Miss Vicky Lee. After emphasizing the resourcefulness of the candidates and appreciating the ecstatic numbers of people, a first intermission number from the Dragqueen Showgirl Entertainer, Katt Kitten, took place. She invigorated the crowd with her vocal version of the late Whitney Houston's “Queen of the Night”.
The contestants dressing room door opened for the second category, SEXY COSTUME, and contestant number 1, Miss Iwa Moto, emanated wearing her evoking ensemble. In this category, the eagle eyed crowd witnessed an on cloud nine mutual promise of a later marriage to contestant number 3, Miss Tiana Delosata. After she won the hearts of everybody, especially her handsome boyfriend, she was named the Queen of Hearts during the proclamation of AML 2019 runners-up and the reigning Queen .
For the verve in the crowd to sustain, Miss Geyzhel Sparkes lifted up her voice. She supplemented the crowd with her glamorous boogie rendition of “Aint Nobody (Loves Me Better)” song by Jasmine Thompson.
It was already in the wee hours of the morning and the crowd's peppy energy was still ascending. More so, when the “phoenix” urban pop singer, Miss Geri Love, influenced the dance floor with her “Love You Like A Love Song” by Selena Gomez.
What an ignitable emote voice Miss Geri has. Actually, her performance didn't just earn applause but also drew in a generous benefactor. After her bouncy performance, the 2018 Queen of Alternative Miss London, Miss Nicole Williams, was called upon by Miss Vicky Lee for her short and sweet farewell message. A finesse Queen who was very classy and stylish in her all pearly white motif.
Thenceforth, the Alternative Miss London 2019 runners-up and the Queen were declared by unanimous decision. To be more specific, the winner (runners-up and the Queen) was individually announced and called on to the red carpet to exclusively hold the spotlight and cherish her victory.
From Left to Right
Miss Vicky Lee Alternative Miss London 2019, Miss Iwa Moto 1st Runner- up, Miss Jolie Cooper 2nd Runner- up, Miss Jade Chloe Calolong Miss Geyzhel Sparkes
The Alternative Miss London 2019 catwalk contest may not have acquired a large numbers of contestants. However, the overall outcome- from night until the wee hours of the morning- had an affable & engaging feeling and more importantly, it filled the stomping ground with love. Not to mention, the battle of the contestants for the coveted crown/title was compassionate and never overshadowed by a pernicious strife!
Poster courtesy of Alternative Miss London- WayOut Club's Facebook page
In 1993, the WayOut Club was founded and formed by Miss Vicky Lee and Stephan Whitffield. For the past years to date, the venue for this regular Saturday nightclub at the Minories in London has been operating for and welcoming the LGBTQIA+ community members; their admirers and compatible people. The club at the Minories in London is a comforting place which has a modernised heated beer garden; indoor drinking space; a fair-sized dance floor and security bouncers. Moreover, it has been operating as the main venue for the WayOut Club's annual catwalk contest entitled Alternative Miss London.
Historically speaking, the Alternative Miss London event was created/founded in 1992 by the late co-founder and performer extraordinaire, Stephan Whitfield. Ever since then, this catwalk contest at the the WayOut Club has been the core eye-opener in sharing and unfolding its mission in London and beyond. It has been essentially showing how naturally beautiful, resourcefully creative and innately intelligent the transgender, transitioning and in full bloom, women are on and off stage.
The search is on...
Photo courtesy of Geyzhel Sparkes' Facebook account From Left to Right 2nd Runner-up, Miss Clara Clyd Cosning Alternative Miss London 2019, Miss Nicole Williams 1st Runner-up, Miss Iwa Moto
Who will succeed the current title holder, Miss Nicole Williams? In particular, who amongst the unnamed contestants will favourably deserve to wear the Alternative Miss London 2019 crown?
Photo courtesy of Nicole Williams'' Facebook account
Photo courtesy of Nicole Williams'' Facebook account
For the past weeks to date, Miss Vicky Lee and her supportive family have been updating their social media accounts for the approaching 26th year anniversary of Alternative Miss London. An annual night catwalk contest for the beguiling candidates who will stupefyingly appear and swagger on stage. More importantly, it will become a significant show of remembrance to the founder and performer extraordinaire, Stephan Whitfield.
If you are interested in being one of the “icing on the cake” contestants, don't hesitate to send a message of interest onto the following accounts:
This coming 28th of September, the inspirational Miss Vicky Lee and her hard working family cordially invite us all to witness and be enchanted by the beauty of the desirous candidates as well as their leading-edge performances on stage.
This year's Alternative Miss London will be held at The Minories located at 64-73 Minories, London EC3N 1JL. A traditional pub with beer garden and less than a minute walk from Tower Hill Underground Station. Here is the link of its location for your reference and courtesy of http://www.thewayoutclub.com,
The night at the Minories will undoubtedly teem with individuals who have been courageously embracing their true gender identities, gender expressions and sexual orientation. Its because, the WayOut Club- with the unceasing succour from the inspirational Miss Vicky Lee- has been the flambeau home for those struggling with anxieties and who are fearlessly proud in expressing themselves.
StarVision UK Event Production and Management is a private group enterprise which provides high quality entertainment, photography/videography and other related services in London and beyond. The main objectives of their services to organisations/parties are, to set-up the best appearance of the visualised social gathering/festivity into a reality and to assist with the technical outline of the event during the actual date..
As StarVision UK gained a solid reputation, they began venturing into a supplementary field of interest. They embarked on creating and producing events of their own for a greater humanitarian cause. In particular, the materialisation of Mister and Miss Body Beautiful in 2017 was the first organised event of their own in London. Then, its favourable outcome paved the way to go for another conceptualised event: a beauty pageant for transgender women which was first thought of in the late of 2016.
In 2018, when the founder, Ela Hidalgo, and the organiser, Randy Silverio, of StarVision UK Event Production and Management were pursuing the realistic creation of their secondary (halted) project they encountered provoking hurdles. One of these was, the withdrawal of support from a generous Fashion Designer who had verbally agreed with Ela Hidalgo to be a sponsor. Allegedly, the designer was going to provide some of the outfits and that would have moderated the expenses of the candidates. Sadly, this did not happen! Personally speaking, the promising sponsorship would have been a considerable relief not just for the flexible candidates but for the charitable cause. In particular, the accumulated funds for this undervalued beauty pageant for transgender women will benefit the underprivileged children in 2 places in San Fernando City, Upper Pao and Abot, La Union in the Philippines. Hence, the spectre shadows of hurdles and insufficient presence of generous benefactors in 2018 resulted to the halt production of Miss TransBeauty.
In the early months of 2019, Ela Hidalgo and Randy Silverio were optimistically back on track again with the ultimate creation and production of Miss TransBeauty. They continued looking for more sponsors who would open-handedly contribute for a greater humanitarian cause and also, for candidates who would become the powerful image of the beauty pageant.
Despite the fact that it was first conceptualised in 2016; briefly advertised in 2017 and tried to put forth in 2018, the long-winded creation and production of Miss TransBeauty in 2019 still met a few stumbling blocks. However, the combined resolute personalities of the founder and the organiser yielded to the fruition of the grand coronation night of Miss TransBeauty 2019..
Poster courtesy of StarVision UK's Facebook account
On the 27th of July this year, StarVision UK Event Production and Management have brought into existence their first conceptualised beauty pageant for a vital humanitarian cause. This was the persevered outcome of the vital "heads" in pursuing and finally surmounting the antecedent undermining challenges. Hence, a triumphant colourful procession of beauty, body and intellect of transgender women took place on the grand coronation night held at Baden Powell House in South Kensington.
The Miss TransBeauty 2019 was single-handedly on stage by a sophisticated hostess, Alexandra Marie Diaz. She appeared throughout the show wearing colourful dresses. It was a piece by piece appearance in which she wore three different outfits which embodied the shades of the flag of the Republic of the Philippines.
(Photos courtesy of Alexandra Marie Diaz)
The buoyant and prancy candidates on stage were evaluated by high calibre members of the jury. Namely, judge #1, Steven St. Catherine (model & actor); judge #2, Emma Jay Baker (Miss Paragon International); judge #3, Rihannon 'D Avec (London Runway Magazine editor in chief); judge #4 Dele Onabowu (Miss Africa Director); judge #5, Glaiza De Castro (actress & singer) and judge #6 Leila Samati (Miss Africa).
The crowd's exhilarating energy during the panoply of candidates was sustained more by a few intermission numbers from the youngster artists within the Filipino community. Moreover, a breather also took place in the style of raffle draw. The lucky winners were pampered with prizes generously contributed by sponsors.
During the ostentations show-off on stage, the crowd was intensely astonished by candidates with body & stature in SWIMWEAR;
beauty & groove in CASUAL WEAR;
cheer & vision in TALENT; creativity & ingenuity in FANTASY WEAR;
class & elegance in EVENING GOWN and self composure & substance in QUESTION & ANSWER.
The affirmed winners in each category were impartially scored by the respective members of the jury. While the gathered score sheets were even-handedly calculated by a chosen committee of tabulators. Apart from the evaluations of the jury for minor awards, there were also specials awards given to the radiant candidates. Such as, the beforehand votes from the social media users; the applause of the crowd during the grand coronation night and the tally recommendations from the candidates.
Miss Elegance candidate #7, Miss Cassandra Concepcion
Best in Casual Wear candidate #5, Miss Akiko Obillo
Best in Fantasy Wear candidate #7, Miss Cassandra Concepcion
Best in Swimwear candidate #5, Miss Akiko Obillo
Miss London Organic Beauty candidate #5, Miss Akiko Obillo
Best in Evening Wear candidate #5, Miss Akiko Obillo
Best in Talent candidate #5, Miss Akiko Obillo
Miss TransBeauty- Online Sensation candidate #4, Miss Paw Cadalzo
Face of the StarVision UK candidate #4, Miss Paw Cadalzo
Miss Congeniality candidate #3, Miss Maria Ara
Princess of the Crowd candidate #5, Miss Akiko Obillo
It is a common practice in pageantry to have the nerve-racking Question and Answer section. This is when a contestant is judge mainly by the content of his/her answer and also, on his/her delivery. On this part of the grand coronation night of Miss TransBeauty 2019, the gathered scores of each candidate during the minor and special categories were nullified and their hierarchy was back to square one. Thus, each candidate was neutrally evaluated by the jury as per her articulation on stage while explaining a meaningful answer to a chosen question. Therefore, the deserving runners-up and the crown holder, as per the ranking during the Q&A section, for Miss TransBeauty 2019 were:
From Left to Right 1st Runner-up candidate #7, Miss Cassandra Concepcion Miss TransBeauty 2019 candidate #5, Miss Akiko Obillo 2nd Runner-up candidate #4, Miss Paw Cadalzo
Every event has groups or tribes who coalesce together as audience: overall is a crowd. They will cheer and support their candidate(s). On the other hand, behind the spectacle on stage displayed by the candidates was a show created and produced for a vital humanitarian cause. Hence, there is a story which awaits to be revealed and told!
