THE 2019 CHRISTMAS OF QUEEN VICTORIA

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD 

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

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

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!

*Photos courtesy of Ryan B.

the official photographer of 

Casilleras Charity Organisation UK Reborn 

THE DUO: BRANDY X AND GERI LOVE

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

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:  

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/brandmecastellanos 

Instagram username la_fierce 

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:

E-mail address gerilovets@yahoo.co.uk 

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Miss.geri.love 

 Instagram username gerilovesyou 

Twitter username gerilovesyou