Showing posts with label July. Show all posts
Showing posts with label July. Show all posts

Saturday, 3 August 2019

THE LARGESE: THE GRAND CORONATION NIGHT OF MISS TRANSBEAUTY 2019


Miss TransBeauty 2019
Miss Akiko Mae Obillo

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!

Tuesday, 23 July 2019

THE IMPERTURBABLE MISS AMAZING MIDLAND 2019: THE BATTLE OF THE QUEENS


Miss Amazing Midlands 2019: The Battle of the Queens
Miss Akiko Mae Obillo

It was on a gloriously sunny day when I began my train excursion from London Euston station to Birmingham New Street station. Half way on my journey, the balmy weather suddenly changed; the nippy air coming from the outside windows vacillated on the train. I could feel the chill around my shoulder and unfortunately, I had no way to make myself snug. The consequence of forgetting my thin jacket on the back seat of the car and for not incorporating it beforehand in my rucksack. On a brighter side, it wasn't that freezing cold and was passable enough to bear until I reached my destination. 

I was heading to the venue of Birmingham- Sandwell West Midlands Filipino Festival (formerly known as Birmingham- Sandwell West Midland Fiesta Celebration) in Bearwood's Lightwoods Park when the nature's refreshing drizzle ensued. A very invigorating about-face from the usual hot and humid weather during summertime in the United Kingdom. Most of the carefree visitors in the park didn't mind the abrupt presence of the fine rain. However, we didn't anticipate that it would leaped into a cats-and-dogs weather condition. Thankfully, the heavy rain moderated and the scheduled time for the Miss Amazing Midlands 2019: The Battle of the Queens kicked-off.

On the 06th of July this year, the cheerful personalities and kindling voices of the hosts, Alexandra Marie Diaz and Julious Labao, on stage initiated the commencement of the 1st day of Birmingham- Sandwell West Midlands Filipino Festival. A 2-day exclusive event in Birmingham and Beyond by the BFBCV (Birmingham Filipino- British Community Volunteers) to which the gasconade pageantry of Miss Dayanara Mesmeize, the chairperson of Dayanara Marques de Araneta Production, for transgender women was the highlight on the 1st day.
The cheerful personalities and kindling voices of the hosts
 Alexandra Marie Diaz and Julious Labao

During the commencement, the hosts called upon the crowd's attention for the customary introduction and remarks. Amongst these were, the acknowledgement of the invaluable BFBCV officials and their chairperson; the presence of bountiful sponsors as well as to welcome the humanitarian activist and the Sandwell Metropolitan Borough councillor, Ahmad Bostan. Subsequently, the crowd was also diverted to a few intermission numbers from the energetic adolescent dancers; the melodic voices of youngster singers and the riveting talents of the Chinese community performers, Moon Dancers, before the pageantry set in motion.
The invaluable BFBCV officials and their chairperson
The humanitarian activist and the Sandwell Metropolitan Borough councillor
Ahmad Bostan


The panel members of the jury and the chairperson

The crowd was awakened and to stimulate it more, the panel members of the jury and the chairperson for Miss Amazing Midlands 2019: The Battle of the Queens were welcomed one-by-one. Thereafter, from the eight (8) predisposed candidates came the bravura display of their fabulous SEXY FANTASY COSTUMES.


It indeed reassembled the mood of the slumberous crowd and revived the oblivious element within their neck of the woods. In order to maintain the response of the crowd, while the candidates were carefully removing their costumes at the back of the stage for the next show off, the attention then veered to the Chinese community duo performers and the compassionate voices of sibling singers. 

The ignited and unruffled candidates were chronologically called upon on stage by the hosts. This was the impish spectacle and not a complete flip-side of their sexy costumes. Each candidate buoyantly pranced on stage at their own pace whilst wearing titillating SWIMSUITS.

The candidates were all invited to appear on stage in one elongated line whilst facing the crowd. Then, the hostess, Alexandara Marie Diaz, gaily asked the crowd if they would like to see the gulping traditional 360-degree turn around. In particular, to catch a glimpse as to who amongst the eight (8) candidates had the physically fit and hourglass figure as well as the buffet booty. Who do you think flattered the eyes of the jury and unanimously won the Best in Swimsuit title?

The raw scoresheets for the swimsuit were collected by the tabulation committee. While the candidates vamoosed the examining eyes of the crowd, a few intermission numbers followed. Like the teenyboppers dance group who gained resonant cheers from the adolescent audience and the funky dance group in which a few BFBCV officials were involved. Their bouncy moves on stage vibrated in the surroundings.

After the “Dangerous” dance music with the BFBCV officials, the laid-back candidates were presented to the crowd and carried out individually their prepped TALENTS on stage.

The funky dancers with the BFBCV officials were back on stage but this time, they were whimsical dancers. They donned themselves in colourful and playful Hawaiian costumes. Along with and who also blew away the crowd, were the enchanting voices of the “Wiggins Sisters” and a solo young singer who winsomely tuned a Filipino song entitled “Buwan” by Juan Karlos Labajo.

After hearing a nationalistic song with poetic lyrics, the candidates glamorously appeared one by one on stage wearing their intricate design EVENING GOWNS. All of them elegantly walked with their body fitting flowy gowns.

After brandishing classiness in bearing their evening gowns, each candidate was requested to appear back on stage for the jittery Question & Answer section. A big round of applause to all of the candidates for retaining self-composure and standing with immense level-headedness.

To give everyone a a break from the more cerebral Question & Answer, a raffle draw then took place which were supervised by the hosts and a BFBCV official on stage. The lucky winners were called upon to collect their substantial prizes. Congratulations to all the fortuitous visitors! On the other hand, Ambie Da Diva and another performer dynamically entertained the crowd in their vocal range.


The candidates were given sufficient time to prepare themselves for the ultimate round. This was the grandstand and ostentatious appearance of each candidate whilst wearing exquisite FILIPINIANA GOWNS.

They were all called back on stage and upon assembling as one, a depiction of very colourful photograph emerged!

The time was ticking but the tabulation committee wasn't finished yet in calculating the scoresheet for each category. That is why, the upbeat crowd was entertained by a few spontaneous performances.

When the tabulation committee had finished calculating the scoresheet for each category, the chairperson handed over the prepared envelopes to the hosts. In each envelope was the unanimously decided winner for each category. The computation of each raw scoresheet acquired from the jury was administrated by its chairperson, Miss Amanda Roberts, and assisted by Bianca Carreon, Jazmine Fabregas and Maria Samantha Mendez. Here are the vanquishers for each category:
Best in Fantasy Sexy Costume 
candidate #8, Miss Akiko Mae Obillo 
Best in Swimsuit 
candidate #8, Miss Akiko Mae Obillo
Best in Talent 
candidate #8, Miss Akiko Mae Obillo
Best in Evening Gown 
candidate #8, Miss Akiko Mae Obillo 
Miss Intellectual
candidate #6, Miss Thalia
Best in Filipiniana 
candidate #6, Miss Thalia
Darling of the Crowd 
candidate #8, Miss Akiko Mae Obillo 

At the event, during the announcement of a particular special award to the winning candidate, the Tabulation committee of the Dayanara Marques de Araneta Production made an unfortunate error. This was the unfortunate error in the Best in Swimsuit scoresheet which was discovered during the awarding and after the event.

The regrettable error that was discovered after the event by the chairperson, Miss Dayanara Mesmeize, was formally rectified in a form of official statement and public apology. In particular, to proclaim that the legitimate winner for the Best in Swimsuit of Miss Amazing Midlands 2019: The Battle of the Queens, was candidate number 8, Miss Akiko Mae Obillo.

Here is a transcript copy of Official Statement and Pubic Apology of Dayanara Marques de Araneta Production and its Tabulation Committee together with the BFBCV (Birmingham Filipino- British Community Volunteers) Chairman and Officials.
Click to enlarge image

After the hurly-burly scene on stage, during the announcement of special awards, the unanimously decided runners-up and the crown holder of Miss Amazing Midlands 2019: The Battle of the Queens are:
2nd Runner-up 
candidate #3, Miss Iwa Moto Hardy
1st Runner-up 
candidate #6, Miss Thalia 
Miss Amazing Midlands 2019: The Battle of the Queens 
candidate #8, Miss Akiko Mae Obill

It was a successful pageantry despite the “come rain or shine” weather condition, so it followed the programme of events. It gave an opportunity to a few rising performers within the Filipino community and Beyond. However, it was also a disheartening extravaganza as there was no “side-by-side" photograph of the runners-up and the crown holder. It would have been a virtuous representation of the imperturbable image for Miss Amazing Midlands 2019: The Battle of the Queens and the LGBTQI+ community.

The chairperson and organiser ofDayanara Marques de Araneta Production
Photo courtesy of Dayanara Mesmeize's Facebook account
Our utmost THANK YOU to the chairperson and organiser, Miss Dayanara Mesmeize, for conceptualising and producing this beauty pageant for the past 4 years to date. This has been her core platform in raising immense awareness of the resolute presence and the profound beauty of the transgender women in the community of Birmingham and Beyond.

A rumour was disseminated that Miss Dayanara Mesmeize will never organise this iconic extravaganza again in Birmingham. This year is her last conceptualised engaging beauty pageant. We are hoping, in the course of time, that she will reconsider her decision that was prompted by insinuations and feeling under pressure from bad feelings in some quarters.

Tuesday, 7 March 2017

THE FINAL CANDIDATES FOR MISS AMAZING MIDLANDS 2017

 by: MisS VictoriA DaviD


The candidates have confirmed and sealed their applications for Miss Amazing Midlands 2017. So, who will become the sole successor to claim the crown of Miss Venus Petra Moutney? 
(Photos Courtesy of  Venus Petra Moutney's Facebook Account)

It only took a week for Dayanara Marques de Araneta Productions to search and endorse their 14 confirmed candidates who will fairly soon brandish their elegance and winsomeness on stage. The pageantry for these sophisticated candidates of Miss Amazing Midlands 2017 will grace the crowd with 5 different yet pleasurable categories. Such as, the Philippine traditional dress worn on formal occasions, the FILIPINIANA TERNO, together with the unrestrained and extravagantly imaginative outfit called, FANTASY, as well as their appliqué figure hugging EVENING GOWNS. They will also electrify us with their unknown and unrevealed TALENTS and more importantly, impress us on the hysterically spurring INTERVIEW.

Behold and in no particular order, here are the candidates who will ambitiously win the title of Miss Amazing Midlands 2017.
(Miss Jhexty)

  (Miss AJ)

  (Miss Cassandra)

(Miss Dina)

  (Miss Halina)

(Miss Iwa)

  (Miss Jade Chloe)

(Miss Alicia)

(Miss Sophia)

 (Miss Tamara)

(Miss Estepania/ Yurie)

 (Miss Zowie Kate)


 (Miss Tiana)


 (Miss Agatha)

On the 08th of July, this parade and spectacle of beauty with the sponsorship and cooperation of BFBCV (Birmingham Filipino-British Community Volunteers) will commence at 13:00 and will surely scintillate the Lightwoods Park at Adkins Park Lane Bearwood, Smethwick B67 5DP.

Be there or be square!

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*Photos Courtesy of Dayanara Mesmeize's Facebook Account
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