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.

FITS AND STARTS: PILIPINAS HANDFAN

 by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

When I feel like I've had enough spending on various technology screens and would like to unwind, I always revert to creating personalised pieces. This is where my attention would be drawn more to gathering relevant stationery supplies, repurposed decorative rivets, and additional decorative accessories. 

Weeks ago, I started another analogue time project where I bravely transformed an old fan into an additional decorative wall piece. 

The above old fan was once something I kept and never bothered to pin on my “Wall of Fans”. I would say that I do not like it as it was too dull, uninspiring and lacked the vibrant spirit of my beloved birth country, Pilipinas. 

LEAF AND HORSE- DRAWN CARRIAGE 

I tore away the cloth from its guard and inner sticks (fan sticks) to give it a new lease of energy. Then, I cut out the only exciting image and embellished it with decorative buttons, upcycled stones, and painted tiny sticks. 

GUARD AND INNER STICKS (FAN STICKS) 

After removing the cloth (leaf), I was left with its original fan stick. I carefully pulled out, though it did damage in the process, its original pivot pin where I was left with loose individual sticks. Then, I painted each fan stick a few times with the colours available to me. Luckily, I had most of the colours, except the green, that depict the Philippine flag. 

PIVOT PIN AND HEAD 

When all the fan sticks were completely dry, I made a new pivot pin by straightening and twisting a paper clip. This served as a replacement where it holds fan sticks together at the base; it opened and closed smoothly. Then, spruced up its head with a heart button. 

WHITE COTTON STRING

 

I evenly connected each fan stick with strands of white cotton string as a replacement for its original cloth (the leaf). The strings hold the fan sticks together in a smooth arc when the fan opens. I also glued the string as it entwined around each fan stick, and embellished both ends of the strands with upcycled jewellery stones. 

PILIPINAS AND PESO SIGN

I reused the rest of its original cloth to handwrite “Pilipinas” and the “Peso” sign. Then I cut them out and assembled them (glued them together) with my Tboli-inspired remnant cloth. I intentionally frayed the edges of my remnant cloth to give a fringe-like appearance. 

I also added a white rose button to the "Peso" sign, whilst all letters of "Pilipinas" were carefully painted where each letter "i" decorated with a matching pinhead. 

Furthermore, I adorned a couple of rose buttons and a butterfly button above "Pilipinas", and decided to feature my own forgotten label. 

The handfan is no longer functional as it is now a decorative piece on my "Wall of Fans" where the artistry transformation veritably suits my personality. Hence, I am pleased as punch that I pursued personalising it even though it was not a straightforward analogue time project.

RENTERS' RIGHTS ACT 2025 (RRA 2025): PRIVATE RENTED SECTOR (PRS)

 by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

Image courtesy of www.legislation.gov.uk

Recently, I attended an in-house seminar on the Renters' Rights Act 2025 (RRA 2025) for the Private Rented Sector (PRS). Here are my takeaways alongside my own research ahead of the reforms where it will take effect from 01st May 2026. 

Existing Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) will remain unchanged or as they are. Thus, they will continue under their current terms until the government activates the transition date (Big Bang approach) where it automatically converts ASTs into Assured Periodic Tenancies (APTs). 

The RRA 2025 applies to England and Wales, but implementation dates differ slightly. Also, it may replace sections of the Housing Act 1988 (HA 1988), the primary legislation for private renting in England and Wales. 

The following are key changes wef (with effect from) 01st May 2026:

END OF SECTION 21 NOTICE (no-fault eviction process under the HA 1988) 

• Section 21 will be abolished. All evictions must rely on prescribed Section 8 grounds where there are 37 in total, of which 26 are mandatory. 
• Notice period extended to reflect the removal of Section 21 notice – i.e., tenants receive a longer notice period and can challenge the ground if it’s not genuine. 

GENERAL RULES ON GROUNDS FOR POSSESSION 

• Landlords must use one of the prescribed Section 8 grounds where there are 37 in total, of which 26 are mandatory. 
• Key grounds are as follows: 
• Ground 1, landlords returning to live in the property requires 4 months' notice; 
• Ground 1A, landlords intention to sell or grant a long lease requires 4 months' notice, but cannot be used for existing ASTs as it is a new mandatory ground under RRA 2025. If you do not know your tenancy types click on https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/downloads_and_tools/tenancy_checker; 
• Ground 4A, annual turnover for student accommodation. This is where landlords can regain possession every academic year. Thus, it prevents situations where a student tenant could stay indefinitely; 
• Ground 6B (new mandatory ground), overcrowding requires 4 months' notice. This is where landlords are to regain possession as the number of people living breaches the legal overcrowding standards; and 
• Ground 8, persistent and serious arrears where it requires 2 weeks' notice. 

WRITTEN TENANCY TERMS 

• Landlords must provide a written statement of terms for all APTs. Whilst existing tenants may request one of their current terms for transparency purposes where landlords must comply. 
• All new tenancies become APTs. This is where a tenancy is either on a weekly or monthly rolling -- i.e., no longer locked into a 6-12 months fixed contract, with no fixed end date, but renews automatically at the end of each rental period. 
• Existing ASTs will continue for a period until the government activates the automatic conversion to APTs. This means that section 21 will continue to apply to existing ASTs until the Big Bang approach– i.e, switch over to APTs. 

DEPOSITS 

• Landlords must protect tenants' deposits through one of the current, existing tenancy deposit scheme providers (TDPs). Here is a link for relevant information on https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/housing/deposits/check-your-landlord-has-protected-your-deposit/
• The existing legal limit for a deposit continues to apply under the new system. Here is a link for more relevant information on https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/tenancy_deposits/paying_your_tenancy_deposit

Image courtesy of http://oneofakindpets.com/

RENT ON ADVANCE 

• Tenants can voluntarily offer to pay more rent in advance, but it is unlawful for landlords to require more than one month's rent in advance as a contractual obligation (e.g., a clause in the tenancy agreement) in APTs. 

RENT INCREASES (Currently, rent increases use section 13 legal procedure through County Court or a rent review clause in the tenancy agreement.) 

• Rent review clauses are banned and any attempt to include them will be legally unenforceable. 
• Rent increases must use section 13 legal procedure and file at the First-Tier Tribunal (FTT) - Property Chamber. FTT - Property Chamber may delay increases where tenants would face hardship. 
• Tenants may challenge proposed rent increases in APTs under section 22 and have the right to ask the FTT – Property Chamber for a review. 

ANTI-DISCRIMINATION RULES 

• New legal protection against discrimination where landlords cannot refuse a tenant based on benefits. However, landlords can still assess whether tenants can afford the rent by taking into consideration at their income, and capital. 
• Enforcement will be challenging (difficult to prove) because tenants initially bear the burden of proof until it shifts to the landlord to explain their actions. 
• Applies in Wales from June 2026. 

Image courtesy of http://oneofakindpets.com/

PETS 

• Tenants may request permission to accommodate a docile pet in writing within the property. 
  
• Landlords must respond within 28 days. 
• If further information is required, landlords must decide within 7 days of receiving it. 

TENANTS’ NOTICE TO QUIT 

• Tenants must give 2 months' notice instead of the current 1 month's notice. 
• Notice may be withdrawn if the tenant changes their mind. This is where tenants can revoke the notice before it expires or tenancy has legally ended. 

RENT IN REPAYMENT ORDERS (RROS) 

• Tenants can reclaim up to 2 years' rent for unlawful eviction or harassment instead of the current 1 year. 
• RROs are available for cases where landlords misuse Grounds 1 and 1A. This is where landlords claim to intend family to move in or to sell the property when they actually don't, then the landlord can be ordered to repay up to 1 year of rent. 

LANDLORDS' PENALTIES and LOCAL AUTHORITIES (LAs) POWERS

• LAs may impose fines from £7k up to £30k depending on landlords' breaches. 
• LAs may investigate and prosecute landlords inside and outside of their boroughs. This is where they can issue penalties for breaches and retain fines to fund PRS enforcement (e.g., staffing, inspections and database monitoring). 

PRS DATABASE & OMBUDSMAN 

• The national PRS database will launch later this year or by 2028. 
• The national PRS database is managed by the PRS Ombudsman. Landlords must register themselves and their properties. 
• The PRS database registration is subject to a fee. Failure to register or comply with PRS Database requirements can lead to civil penalties ranging from £7,000 to £40,000, or prosecution. 
• The national PRS database is accessible to the public where it will show, amongst others, landlords' information and breaches or offences. 
• The PRS Ombudsman will allow tenants and landlords to resolve disputes without court proceedings. This is where a formal dispute-resolution service is provided to investigate and resolve issues without the need for court proceedings. 

If you are PRS tenants on existing ASTs, it may be prudent to avoid escalating non-urgent disputes that might prompt landlords to serve a section 21 notice before the reform takes effect on 01st May 2026. This is because a valid notice before the Big Bang approach, landlords can still evict tenants under the current rules. 

If you are PRS tenants on existing ASTs, be aware that some landlords may issue “protective section 21 notices” ahead of the reforms. This is because “protective section 21 notices” served before that date remain valid under the current rules where landlords can still begin possession proceedings and evict tenants using the current rules. Thus, it allows landlords to preserve their ability to regain possession under the current, existing rules even after the Big Bang approach starts the abolition of the section 21 notice for existing ASTs. 

If you are PRS tenants on existing ASTs and have been served by landlords with an invalid section 21 notice before 01st May 2026, it cannot be corrected by serving a new notice under APTs. However, landlords can still issue a fresh section 21 notice on existing ASTs until the government activates the Big Bang approach. 

The above information reflects my understanding of the reforms 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.