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). It 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. 

ETIAS will start operations in late 2026 (October - December), where its system will exist and applications will begin. However, it is expected to become fully mandatory for British passport holders or all visa-exempt travellers in early 2027 (April), 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. 

RELEVANT LINKS 

For more relevant information, click on the following: 

• https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/the-eu-entry-exit-system-and-eu-travel-authorisation-system/ (House of Commons Library: EU Entry/Exit system and EU travel authorisation system)

• https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees/faq#what-progressive-start-EES-mean (FAQs about EES - EES)
• https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees/data-held-by-ees (Data held by the EES - EES)

• https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias (Official ETIAS Website)
• https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/etias/about-etias/who-should-apply (Who should apply - ETIAS)

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. It is provided for general information only and should not be taken as legal advice. If you believe that any part requires clarification or correction, please feel free to contact me. Hence, it should not be taken as legal advice.

THE SKYDECK BAR: THE VIEW FROM THE SHARD

 by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

A day before their pre-planned visit viewing on the 72nd floor of the tallest building in Western Europe, The Shard, there was an abundance of sunshine. Its most anticipated rays graced warmly the people of the U.K. It indeed made people's day flourishingly glorious as it had been withheld from them for so long. Comparably speaking, they were like restrained plants in the garden or in pots as the lake of sun repressed the strengthening of green leaves as well as inhibiting the production of colourful blooms.

The skydeck visit day... 

When they were finally on their way to one of the famous landmarks and well-accomplished designed buildings in London, the “Beast from the East” brewed the silvery skies and replaced the pleasant climate with chilly conditions. However, the change of weather didn't hinder them in pursuing the planned visit and from jumping-on a standby black cab. While they were quiet cosy inside the cab, the creeping gloomy weather outside was cheered-up by the jovial crowd. They were celebrating the traditional death date of the foremost patron Saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick's Day, wearing green coordinated ensembles. She then whispered, “I bet they will be liquored up in bars, walking groggily on streets and seeing double on a Saturday night!”. 

Their black cab moved moderately on the busy roads of London until they eventually reached St. Thomas Street. From the ingress of the street and through the cab's windshield, she had a glimpse of the conspicuously erected 95-storey skyscraper. A 309.6 metres (1,106 ft) tall pyramidal tower designed by Master Architect Renzo Piano which was durably embellished in 11,000 shard of glass panels. This London's skyline has 87 levels with 72 habitable floors occupied by hotel rooms; restaurants & bars; a viewing gallery and an open air observation deck. What a dynamic “vertical city” symbol of London! 

The cab stopped and arrived at the drop off point of The Shard. They were greeted by a hotel's foyer employee standing outside and who then directed them to use the side corridor. They traversed on a pavement feeling the chill breeze while heading towards the main entrance door of The View From The Shard.  

They were greeted, queued and then, advised to place their belongings in a tray for a CT (computerised tomography) scanning. Moreover, they also passed through a full body scanner before finally joining in the people ahead of them. Wait a minute, there was a stand by photo booth with an attendant who asked them for 3 different pretence poses. The end product of the quite fast captured images, after they were cropped and photoshopped, was a monetising souvenir scrapbook.  

Walked straight... turned left... turned right... then inside the quick as a thud lifts... 

They reached the compacted viewing gallery deck on the 69th floor bustling with enthusiast locals and mesmerised tourists. After a quick circuit, they finally headed to an open air observation deck on the 72nd floor for spectacular panoramic views of the capital. As they joint the ongoing fervent crowd, the icy cold breeze from the “Beast from the East” greeted and bashed them. What an open superstructure exposed to the elements; you can take in the atmosphere and hear the sounds of the metropolis below. They claimed their complementary glass of Moet & Chandon Imperial Brut Champagne while also really pleased to be wearing more than just their party clothes and accessories.  

Thereafter, she started capturing aerial landscape sceneries from the 72nd floor of Western Europe's Tallest building or at 244 metres (801 ft) above the ground. However, the poor weather condition and the murky glass panels inhibited her in snatching decent and fulfilling photographs. Inevitably, she was relatively dismal and it was utterly evident in her facial expressions. On the other hand, her eagerness and optimism in capturing adequate yet comprehensible images prevailed more and counter triumphed her melancholic state of mind.

They finished sipping their glass of champagne and couldn't stand longer the frigid conditions. Accordingly, they routed their way down and decided to adjoin the set of queuing adieu crowd. The high speed lifts at 6 metres per second took them down and found their selves concluded at the gift shop. A souvenir store chock-full with miniature models of The Shard London; London fridge magnets; kiddie stuff toys and sweets; informative print and publications; customised fabric shopping bags and many more. With all of the choices in front of her eyes, she decisively chose and bagged the 160mm miniature model of The Shard London. 

Their tummies called of their attention... 

They walked back at the drop off point and headed onto the level 31 of The Shard for some contemporary British cuisine and breathtaking views. A buzzing Aqua Shard surrounded by delightful family; reunited friends; etiquette conscious socials; some generation-Y food-photo affiche and the unfeigned diners. 

VISA: HAPPILY APPROVED OR MOURNFULLY REFUSED

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

  

 

“I want a greener pasture for my future!”

The word visa is derived from Latin charta visa which means, “paper that has been seen”. It is more commonly a stamp endorsed in the applicant’s passport or it can be a document that authorizes a person to enter the country that “issued” the visa.

It is everyone’s dream to go to The United States of America, Europe etc. to search for a better quality of living and aim for the bulls eye of success.

(Schengen Visa)

A better quality life can be measured for most of us according to the size of house we have. Most of all a big fat bank account! Are you one of these people? If your answer is YES, then you are indeed a person who has a vision for their life and is still learning about what makes a successful life.

The visa application procedure is kinda tricky and not so easy to comprehend. A way to get a better understanding of the procedure is by reading, How? We live in a world where many of the things we intend to do, are just at our finger-tips. New technology will help you to find information and provide websites for you to read; will answer the enquiries you have and augment your knowledge on how to process the application. In this way you will be hands-on with your form, if you are not a languid ant!

There are a few countries that will allow you to enter without a visa, however the rest oblige you to have it in your passport. In order for you to find it easier to search for information it is good to know where you really want to go for a visit, work, settlement, study etc.

(US Visa)

Commonly, applicants will go to a travel agency to seek their assistance, all throughout the processing period. For this type of help there will be a charge for the service of dealing with your application and sharing of esoteric information which they have already in hand. Be sure you have funds to finance this help. As these agencies have experience of the procedures and often know how to find work it is indeed a really good option for applicants who want to go abroad for work (without having an employer ) or for study purposes.

Learning is living...

A few assertive applicants will find information regarding the visa application procedure online. It is a hit or miss method of finding answers, however its not wasteful as it feeds our brain. If you have your own computer and Internet, search for the country’s visa application website and carefully read what is written. Particularly the type of visa you want to apply and the checklist, which shows the documents needed. Sometimes, you will encounter statements that are slightly technical and a way to clarify these is by either calling the customer service helpline number of the visa department or by sending an e-mail that of course is free and won’t cost you a penny but you need to wait for 1-2 working days for the feedback.

(UK Visa)

It is not just the visa department that may answer technicalities as travel agencies can provide, too. If you are a regular customer or if you know someone working inside an agency you can ask questions and make sure it will not sound like an investigation- be casual in the conversation and insert the question you want to raise in a discerning manner.

Visa is not just an ordinary stamp that is available in any shop and you are off to go. It is an application procedure that needs focus to fully understand the consequence. Once you are confident that you have all the documents for your type of visa, you will have the courage that you can process it practically (hands-on) as it costs nothing.
 
If you stop learning, you stop living!

YEAR 2010: ECONOMY'S DIRECTION

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

People, mainly buyers and sellers, seem to think that today or at the moment the situation of the economy is doing well, perhaps there's no direction!

Some people think the economy is doing well, mainly those people who think it goes up. A few days ago there was a news about Chinese exports and normally when you hear this type of news and when you get people analyse it you will find that the export were something like not proper goods but something else. Such as electronics stuff or components.

So far, what people are watching when comparing the 'book' is either the Chinese economy will go down or up.

A lot of people cannot see how the Chinese economy will continue growing if everyone itself is no longer buying like America, Europe, United Kingdom or the biggest market. Most of their sales are sold to those countries that reached up to 75% or 80%.

Today, all those countries are in absolute distress, so, how can their market continue growing? There are two ways they can adapt either to export more goods to the far east in which the far east has no big middle class consumers' society or its own people could be buying more goods.

The only way its own people could buy more goods would be if the Chinese government is prepared to give their people more money which would mean increasing the value of their currency. If they increase the value of their currency the prices of their goods will go up, thus, people will buy less offers so they are in catch 22; the buying dilemma!

So, on one hand a lot of people especially fund managers want to put their money into shares, earn dividend and see growth. But the more realist people are, they can see that most growth so far comes from government spending. Those from China, Europe and America, their government just about spend much they can afford to and if they keep printing money, the bond market will stop lending them money. That was happened in Greece as I said before!

So, at the moment the stock market has come to a shaky balance between buyers and sellers because there is no direction. This is because of the export growth in China that people will think and see as a sign that the world economy is picking up. Probably, this is a growth from the very lower, much lower!

The beginning of this year there was growth after a huge down-turn and most of that growth are people, factories, countries etc. that were so frightened in that banking crisis last 2008 and 2009.

A lot of 'people' recommended replenishing inventory, which is re-stopping. It is interpreted as an up-turn in the world economy but it is not really an up-turn but a job less recovery. This is nearly when people adding put-off through fear that is why the government had the cash for clankers which brings purchasing forward and gives the illusion of growth.