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. 

THE QUEEN OF IKATLONG LAHI 2019 IS...

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD 

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. 

*All Photos Courtesy of Rolly Arcega Bernacer

FILCOM'S BARRIO FIESTA 2017 IN BRISTOL

 by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

(Photo Courtesy of Bristol Barrio Fiesta 2017's Facebook Event Account)

The United Kingdom is a home away from home for Filipinos who moved here to work and to integrate as they have been living outside the Republic of the Philippines. The numbers of Filipinos who are continuously uplifting the status quo of our image isn't just in the fields of nursing, health and social care but non-profit communities are amongst them, too. These conceptualised groups bound by common interests, works and goals are formed to offer encouragement, support and help with living in the U.K. to Filipinos who are happily integrating into the society. One of many is the Filipino Community (FilCom) in Bristol which patriotically advertises the culture, delicacies and dishes of the Philippines. They also give considerable assistance to the gifted and talented Filipinos which helps to anchor them. 

Bristol has been regarded as the eighth most populous city in the United Kingdom and the most populous city in Southern England. Facts! It has been gaining recognition too when it comes to their own currency, the Bristol Pound; the majestic human harp landmark, the Clifton Suspension Bridge and the music & theatre events at the festival in the summer months. Which is why, the FilCom in this independent city will organise a 1-day spectacular event with the theme, “Hawak Kamay” (Holding Hands/I'm By Your Side). The festival sonorously called Barrio Fiesta 2017 in Bristol will grace its audience with dance and song numbers from their talented participants. They may also astound with an appearance of a guest star fresh from the Republic of the Philippines.

On the 24th of June this year from 08:00 to 18:00, the 1-day Barrio Fiesta 2017 in Bristol will actively exhibit skilled and brilliant talents from youngsters and adults; advertise appetising delicacies & dishes from independent business minded locals and much more. So, don't forget the date which will be held at The Park Local Opportunity Centre on Daventry Road, Knowle, BS4 1DQ Bristol.

If you aren't convinced yet and still would like to know more updates and information, here are the useful links only at your fingertips,

https://www.facebook.com/events/741333856031549/ 

http://www.filcombristol.co.uk/ 

The glorious sunny days are just around the corner and Bristol will definitely delight you with their water and green spaces, too!

MY EXPERIENCED OF THE GENDER IDENTITY CLINIC IN THE UNITED KINGDOM

 by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

Life's challenges unfolded and unknown paths emerged on my way to becoming me...

It was nearly ten years ago to date when I first came over to the United Kingdom; to live and explore a new chapter in my life. I had no extended family to rely upon, like most of us Filipinos, but I was full of excitement and had a positive outlook. On the other hand, I was naïve and innocent up to the point of being ignorant, too. Yes, I was! However, it didn’t mean I was careless and dull not to understand the real meaning of being away from my parents and living outside of my nest. 

Before I came over, I have been feeding myself with its history that helped me to understand more clearly what United Kingdom was all about. I even read about the publicly funded health care system which was founded in 1948 and referred to as the National Health Service (NHS). I have to admit that it was such an embarrassment to have assumed that England was United Kingdom and its historically famous London Bridge was falling apart, based on the nursery rhyme we used to sing in kindergarten. 

I didn't have family nor friends to assist me while living a new chapter of my life in the United Kingdom...

When I begun integrating in order to know more about my new environment, I started from scratch. I didn’t like asking for help from other people but someone told me about registering at a nearest surgery, if I may be needing medical advice from a General Physician (G.P.). I set it aside and didn't give much consideration about the surgery for almost a year. Its because I have this idea, like when I was in the Philippines, that if ever I will be needing to see a doctor I will just find one nearby and pay at my own cost. Yes, typical of me! When I was running out of my oestrogen pills and panicking, that was the time I thought of the surgery and a General Physician (G.P.). 

I visited a pharmacy and thought I could just acquire my hormones upfront. Sadly, I was told that without a written prescription from my G.P., they couldn't give it to me. Instead of getting irritated and sulking, I looked on the internet and found out how to register with a surgery as a new settler here in the United Kingdom and what contact number to ring, too. Luckily, I was accepted at the first surgery I applied and became their patient with black & white written formalities. They even immediately booked an appointment for me to see a General Physician. I agreed about the day and time of meeting a G.P. for the very first time and also, to end my misery about oestrogen pills. 

When I first registered with my surgery I still had my birth name but I was already smoothly transitioning. The first time I met my very approachable and considerate General Physician, she was slightly surprised. Her eyes didn’t lie! I didn’t mind her reaction and it vanquished when I chatted to her and we started knowing each other. She asked essential information about me which was very understandable given I wasn't born here and have no medical records on their system. She was even curios with my strong American accent and how I learnt to speak well. We conversed and when the time came to ask for oestrogen pills' prescription, she declined to hand it over to me. She declined with an explanation and even raised the possibility of a private prescription. I was tempted to pay for the private prescription but when she explained about the Gender Identity Clinic referral, my mindset changed. Hence, I responded to her imperatively that I couldn’t wait for it!

She forwarded my referral with a name change and a week after, I received a letter from the Gender Identity Clinic. That was quite fast and even my appointment with the clinic was booked early, too. Thank you! 

On the day of my first appointment at the Gender Identity Clinic, I felt eerie while waiting in their lounge. A few of their patients were staring at me and I could see through their eyes, the sufferings and pain. That was when I put one and one together, the clinic was mainly treating people with psychiatric disorder. I gulped and just looked straight up to the ceiling while waiting for my name to be called. 

My name was called and a community nurse welcomed me with a smile on her face... 

The community nurse was easy going and soft spoken while asking personal questions regarding my transition to becoming me, a woman. It went pleasantly and she also learnt new information (from me) regarding the transsexual men and women in the Philippines. She forgot the time because of our frolic but before we ended our conversation, she asked me politely if it was ok for me to be forwarded to another expert. I just said yes with an interrupted explanation from her. She said and I quote, 'It was just for formality purposes and to be assessed by another expert means, I couldn’t be accused of being biased with my remarks about you and your transition'. 

Another letter arrived and an appointment with the same clinic was arranged for me to see a psychologist... 

I was there once again but with no more spooky feelings. The community nurse I talked to last time escorted and introduced me to an intern female psychologist. I was very surprised as I thought a tough psychologist would handle me and be very critical about my transition and sexuality. I was utterly disappointed, just a joke! 

My one on one dialogue with the intern psychologist went smoothly and she even complimented me on how comfortable I was when asked delicate questions. She was very glad and delighted at my well-balanced understanding of being a man and as a woman. That is why, we had a good laugh and even talked about a patient who slapped her for no reasons whatsoever. We finished our healthy conversation with a statement from her and I quote, 'You can't choose who you will be serving in this profession and that slap was part of the package'. 

I know the words per see in the name, Gender Identity Clinic. However, I have no knowledge that this type of clinic existed until I first met and conversed with my General Physician. When I started my transition back in the Philippines, I didn’t have to see a General Physician in order to acquire for my oestrogen pills. I would just go straight to the pharmacy and buy it from them with no limits, for as long as you can afford the total price. That is why, to be assessed by experts from the Gender Identity Clinic was new to me but it gave me so much understanding why. Wish we have Gender Identity Clinics in the Philippines who would not just assess women and men like us but will also deeply understand our biological sex and gender identity. Actually, the Gender Identity Clinics here in the United Kingdom don't just assess biological sex and gender identity issues. They also offer support groups who will treat you with respect, guidance and love. 

My surgery gave me a call and an appointment to see my dearest General Physician was booked on my behalf... 

It was, more or less, a period of 2 months of assessments before I finally got to see my General Physician again. We chatted for awhile regarding my experience with the Gender Identity Clinic as she was very happy with the remarks from the experts. She then monitored manually my blood pressure while explaining another test I will do once in a year called, lipid blood tests. After that, she handed over to me my monthly supplies of oestrogen pills' prescription.

*Photo Courtesy of gendergp.co.uk

MISS LIP GLOSS QUEEN INTERNATIONALE 2015

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

(Miss Lip Gloss Internationale 2015, Miss Erika)

 

Talk to my glossy lips and I mean, You... YOu and YOU! Repeat each word after me, too, my boy? Shall I start with LIP?... then, GLOSS... and BIRMINGHAM. Can you get it now? It's LIP GLOSS in BIRMINGHAM!

The glittery rotating disco ball was erected in the centre of the marquee and its polished octahedron mirror glass glinted, enhancing the ambiance of the Eden Bar. Loving admirers, beautiful friends/supporters and encouraging family members arrived on time for moral support and to fill the spacious venue. The 8 thrilled candidates arrived earlier than their admirers in order to prepare for their night. They were busy beautifying themselves in the make up room with the help of their partisans.

The audience was getting highly-strung while waiting for the battle for MISS LIP GLOSS QUEEN INTERNATIONALE 2015 to commence. That is why a video was played to make them (slightly) quiescent and it contained the official photoshoot of the ladies. Just a click and you will be able to watch their pictorial,

MISS LIP GLOSS INTERNATIONALE 2015 OFFICIAL PHOTOSHOOT

The ecstatic contestants were very ready and just waiting for their moral supporters to sit erect and loosen up a bit in their chairs. When all of a sudden the white background cloth on stage shone with warm and lustrous lights. Hip hip hooray as this was when the Miss Penny (hostess) vigorously introduced them one-by-one. Their confidence exuded from the stage and filled the whole venue. The candidates brandished their womanly figure and feminine demeanour in their fetching flamboyant creations. The strong audible cheers were everywhere and there were standing ovations from their family and friends, too. What a great panoply that was enlivened by these beautiful ladies with radiant personalities.

 (Miss Paula and Miss Portia)

 

  (Miss Adriana and Miss Seema)

 

 

 (Miss Dayanara and Miss Charlene)

  (Miss Angel and Miss Erika)

That was one spectacular segment of the pageantry held on the 04th of December last year in Birmingham. Which is the second largest city in the United Kingdom, located in the middle of England where different nationalities live harmoniously. One of the nationalities who have been vocal in their support and encouragement for the LGBTQI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, and Intersex) people is the hospitable and loving Filipinos. 

Lip Gloss is a non-profit organisation and was built and secured upon the love of professional Filipino transgender people working and living in Birmingham. The unending perseverance of the brains behind Lip Gloss in spreading equality and the right to live blissfully have been thriving and gaining recognition for the past years. The unconditional love and unending support they have been receiving make LIP GLOSS a very subtle and deep organisation despite its irresistibly provocative image! 

... and that is LIP GLOSS my dear, ladies and gentlemen! 

The spectacle array of beauty, glamour and wit continued up to the wee hours of the morning. Weren't they getting sleepy while waiting and anticipating who will win? Personally speaking, you will never feel lethargic especially when you are with the vivacious crowd!

The final tally was handed over to the cordial Miss Penny while the ladies held each other's hand, and why they wouldn't be? This was when the deserving runners-up and the queen were officially proclaimed in front of the sprightly crowd.

The pageant finished pleasantly with genuine smiles from the rest of the candidates. All of them went back home as winners and it's because hugs, kisses and congratulatory compliments were conveyed to them by the frisky audience.

*Photos and link courtesy of LIP GLOSS Facebook Page