Miss Queeniverse 2024, Asunta Mae Photo Courtesy of Rigene Zapatos
On 18th May 2024, the coronation night for Miss Queeniverse 2024 was held at the Van der Valk Hotel Schiphol in Hoofddorp, The Netherlands.
The coronation night was an organised project by Amsterdam-based GLAM Infinity where it epitomised the beauty; showcased the various talents and revealed the sharp-witted minds of 10 cordial candidates.
The objective of the event was to celebrate and welcome the visibility of the LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/ questioning, intersex and asexual) community. Particularly, it led to an opportunity to make full-sounding noises in uplifting the ingenuity, cleverness, and intelligence of my dear fellow transgender women; that they are no longer hidden behind the scenes.
It was positively hosted by August Baluyot Mateo and Raymond Jay-ar and also, adjudicated by respective members of the jury. There was a special appearance and participation from Miss Queeniverse 2023, Cassandra Havana, before the introductory production number of the contestants on stage.
BEFORE THE CORONATION NIGHT
Photo Courtesy of Miss Queeniverse
Photo Courtesy of Miss Queeniverse
The candidates had the opportunity to enjoy fun activities; receive give-away products and visit places such as:
outdoor photo shoot;
rehearsed their production number;
endorsed goods and services from various sponsors;
and
savoured Italian cuisine at Cucina Casalinga Restaurant.
CANDIDATES
Photo Courtesy of Miss Queeniverse
There were 10 cheerful candidates who stupefied their undying supporters and lusciously tempted their admirers in a show-off competition on stage.
The contestants vibrantly appeared on stage in 3 different attires where each round incentivised the audience to choose their favourite(s) during:
elaborate creative costumes;
seductive swimsuits;
and
classy gowns.
Video Courtesy of Cassy Nhoyskie Zen-abi
MINOR, MAJOR AND SPECIAL AWARDS
There were 7 out of 10 candidates who were called one at a time on stage to receive the following awards:
Miss Photogenic
candidate 1, Nancy Alena Diaz (The Netherlands)
Spirit of Candidate
candidate 3, Mitchelle Agusto (Germany)
People’s Choice Award
candidate 7, Khaylee Ysabella Powell (The Netherlands)
The New You Awardee
candidate 6, Ada Padilla (The Netherlands)
Miss Fab Skin
candidate 9, Hannakim Delena (Germany)
Miss Mega World
candidate 1, Nancy Alena Diaz (The Netherlands)
Miss Cream Silk
candidate 10, Asunta Mae (Denmark)
Best in Creative Costume
candidate 3, Mitchelle Agusto (Germany)
Best in Swimsuit
candidate 9, Hannakim Delena (Germany)
Best in Evening Gown
candidate 10, Asunta Mae (Denmark)
Best Personal Statement
candidate 8, Chloe Bronek (The Netherlands)
SEMI-FINALISTS
The announcement of awards contributed to the overall scores for each contender and led to the determination of who would be included in the top 5. That is why, the tabulation of candidates' scores fairly decided the announcement of who made it through the initial round of the contest:
candidate 4
Ram Villaflores (The Netherlands)
candidate 10
Asunta Mae (Denmark)
candidate 3
Mitchelle Agusto (Germany)
candidate 9
Hannakim Delena (Germany)
candidate 8
Chloe Bronek (The Netherlands)
This initial round was paired with the jittery Question and Answer portion with a twist. It is because the top 5 ladies were asked to convey their insightful interpretation of their chosen painting from local Filipino artists. Thus, the 3 contestants who delivered the strongest explanations reached the final round.
TITLE HOLDER AND RUNNERS-UP
The declaration of 3 finalists was followed by the ultimate Question and Answer portion in relation to the transgender community.
After the finalists confidently answered the one common question, last year’s title holder Cassandra Havana made her farewell walk and speech.
Video Courtesy of Cassy Havana Serdan
The unanimously declared euphoric title holder with her affable runners-up of Miss Queeniverse 2024 are:
From Left to Right First Runner-up, Chloe Bronek Miss Queeniverse 2024, Asunta Mae Second Runner-up, Hannakim Delena Photo Courtesy of Edson Swarovski Gonzales
From Left to Right Alternative Miss London 2017, Miss Pola Benfetima Alternative Miss London 2016, Miss Geri Love Photo Courtesy of Miss Geri Love's Facebook Account
Historically speaking, the titles Miss, Ms. and Mrs. were addresses only used by biological women to indicate their civil status in life. At present, society's tenets and behaviours (as a whole) toward non-biological women have changed and have been changing progressively, too. In the United Kingdom, the male honorific titles of transgender women can now be interchanged to more appropriate esteem titles which are legally acknowledged by the government and its institutions. What a freedom and we must not forget to give THANKS to the First Gay Rights Liberation Front's Heyday Leaders and Members as well as the Legislation Key Concepts of Equality Act of 2010!
Over the years, the exuding brilliance of the LGBTQI+ community especially the letter “T” for transgender women is no longer hidden behind the scenes. Which is why, various conceptualised beauty pageants all over the world are now making full sounding noises in uplifting the ingenuity, cleverness and intelligence of my dear fellow transgender women.
Recently, an assiduously 25th year anniversary of a catwalk contest that was conceptualised by Miss Vicky Lee and her friend was held in London, England. It was an on stage show-off competition of 8 stunning candidates who stupefied their undying supporters and lusciously tempted their admirers. You might be asking yourself intriguingly, by what degree of means or methods?
(1. Miss Kam Angel and 2. Miss Akiko Mae Obillo)
(3. Miss Alicia Finess and 4. Miss Pola Benfetima)
(5. Miss Kiara Da Cruz and 6. Gina) (Right Photo Courtesy of Ricky Dixon's Facebook Account)
(7. Miss Adelina Bonita and 8. Miss Sophia Mae) (Candidates' Photos Courtesy of Alternative Miss London - WayOut Club's Facebook Account)
Last Saturday's catwalk contest of The WayOut Club at THE MINORIES was vignetted by the candidates creativity, seductiveness and elegance. There was artistry in their Crafted Outfits in which a couple were wearing delicate, substantial and efficacious imported humanoid ensembles. Shall I say, the word meagre was despotically nullified by their elaborate designers.
(Candidates' Above Photo Courtesy of Ricky Dixon's Facebook Account)
(No.7 Photo Courtesy of Ricky Dixon's Facebook Account)
(Candidates' Photos Courtesy of Gareth Davies' Facebook Account)
There was also scintillating heat emanating from the embellishments and seductiveness flaunted by the candidates during the Sexy Outfit round. Can you imagine the turbulence in the crowd when they revealed their feminine figures and smooth limbs? Who knows, there was a mesmerising chaos especially as most candidates strutted on stage like lingerie models and a few with a dramatic striking entrance.
(No.5 Photo Courtesy of Ricky Dixon's Facebook Account)
(Candidates' Photos Courtesy of Gareth Davies' Facebook Account)
The evening was beaconed mostly by the beguiling presence of the candidates. However, it was also teemed by courageous men who have been, with the encouragement of their families, embracing their true sexual identities. The WayOut Club in itself is not just an establishment to meet loving admirers and compatible people. For over the years, it has been also an anchorage home for those struggling with extreme fear in expressing themselves. In such a manner, we must highly acknowledge and recognise the unceasing succour presence of our dear Miss Vicky Lee and her toil supportive company.
From Left to Right Miss Geyzhel Sparkes, Miss Vicky Lee and Miss Alex Ceciliato Photo Courtesy of Miss Alex Ceciliato's Facebook Account
The night of Miss Alternative London 2017 was concluded by the candidates' classy floor-length and flashy Gowns. Most of them donned in prêt-à -porter bodyhugging dresses with unique trimmed details and a few wore befittingly made to measure sexy neckline gowns. Moreover, there was a surprised bridal show exhibited by one of the candidates who threw over to the crowd a bouquet of lilies.
(Left Photo Courtesy of Ricky Dixon's Facebook Account)
(Left Photo Courtesy of Ricky Dixon's Facebook Account)
(Left to Right Photos Courtesy of Ricky Dixon's Facebook Account)
(Candidates' Photos Courtesy of Gareth Davies' Facebook Account)
They were all looking ornately glamorous and sophisticated as they gathered and emerged as one on stage. There were intermission appreciation reminders specified by the hostess, Miss Alexandra Marie Diaz, and Miss Vicky Lee herself before the announcement of Miss Congeniality recipient. The deserving and most amiable of all the candidates was...
Miss Congeniality, Miss Kam Angel Photo Courtesy of Ricky Dixon's Facebook Account
The final tabulation was signed by the members of the jury and sealed in an envelope before it was handed over to the hostess. The 8 candidates were unsurprisingly excited and became more twitchy on stage while waiting for who will be the announced furbelow humble 1st runner-up and the euphoric title holder of Miss Alternative London 2017.
From Left to Right 1st Runner-up, Miss Sophia Mae Miss Alternative London 2017, Miss Pola Benfetima Photo Courtesy of Gareth Davies' Facebook Account
(Miss Alessandra Mae, Miss Mango Tree Out of this World 2017)
I missed the nearest bus stop because of the pending roadworks which caused me to walk my way back to the Mango Tree Restaurant on Grosvenor Pl, Belgravia.
What I saw as I approached the restaurant was its spirited guests who were either enjoying the vapour substance of cigarettes or just posing for memorabilia snaps behind the Mango Tree's six-foot notice board printed on canvas. Moreover, the area was protected from any harm that may come by their courteous and light-hearted security personnel.
I was on time and the pageant hadn't started yet. As a matter of fact, I could count the heads of early birds from the ingress of the venue. Prior to joining in the present crowd who were enjoying drinks in their hands, I had my wrist stamped with a "pass" mark by a team of receptionists. That was when I finally met in person Yonlada who had kindly responded to my calls before and forwarded my open letter in the form of an e-mail to the organiser, Sine Kliangsin. I was also able to approach and thank Sine in person who was at that time engaged in conversation with the 2 members of the jury.
The black elevated platform (stage) was laid solidly and the background was ameliorated minimally with theatre inspired smaggle panel and tie back curtains. Apart from that, the VIP area (on the left side of the stage) wasn't just full with special guests and celebrities as it was also a designated area for the lights and sound system stand. It had an elbow-to-elbow feel particularly when the employees started to fence and secure a passage out for the candidates after appearing on stage. In my opinion, the lights and sound system booth should have been placed on the right side of the stage to yield more ample space for their VIP guests. However, it was easy for me to make this assessment from the vantage point of VIP area and to make an impartial observation. Change is constant and can only be carried-out visibly by someone sturdy and optimistic in life- like the organiser and her cordial team. As the old quote says, “There is no harm in trying..”, and in by doing so, you will be more likely to alter what has become familiar in the eyes of people. As a result, you will either have a splendid outcome after your efforts or you will gain lessons to be learnt.
The organiser, Sine Kliangsin, didn't just show perseverance and robustness in making the beauty pageant an anticipated celebration this year. She can also be described as a concerned humble woman who rendered great care for the candidates on stage, especially when the atmosphere was getting muggier and oppressively stifling. It was indeed a true act of humility despite her stature position at the Mango Tree Thai Classic Restaurant. Pat on the back to you Sine and your energetic team!
The venue was getting crowded by the jovial presence of the audience who couldn't wait for the show to commence. Such as, the eagled eye admirers who couldn't wait to see more of the candidates; the supportive women who showed encouragement for the LGBTQI+ community and the loving family/friends who audibly shouting the candidate names.
The headlights were on and the leading spotlight was single-handedly focused on stage by a London-based radio Magic Station presenter, Angie Greaves. Her introductory voice acknowledged the presence of the celebrity guests as well as the prominent people in the crowd. Apart from them, the outstanding members of the jury were cited one by one. Amongst them were, the All Time Sexy Queen, Lizzy Cundy; the former big brother housemate, Kathreya “Kat” Kasisopa; a very familiar SHOWBIZ face, Simon Gross and the previous Miss Mango Tree contestant with an excellent entrepreneurial profile, Amber Vee.
(Angie Greaves)
(The Jury from left to right: Lizzy Cundy, Kathreya “Kat” Kasisopa, Simon Gross and Amber Vee)
The audience was getting more fidgety and ruckus which is why, the duo carnival-inspired dancers assuaged the air. Their elaborately yellow & red feather costumes as well as the lush headdresses were made more seductive because of the wiggly movements of their voluptuous bodies. All I can say is, “it's all about the hips, the boobeys, the cheeks and the eyes (LOL!)”.
(1. Miss Agatha Mae De Gula and 2. Miss Neha Jasmin)
(3. Miss Geri Love and 4. Miss Korakot Chansiri)
(5. Miss Sophia and 7. Miss Areeyan Sutani)
(8. Miss Nina Nichole Williams and 9. Miss Saskhia Marie)
(10. Miss Iwa Moto and 11. Miss Alessandra Mae)
(12. Miss Leah Anne Kubuyashi and 13. Miss Peach Pongpusut)
(14. Miss Jennifer Chai)
Their individual ostentatious display of their costumes astonished everyone of us! They were all called back to gather on stage as one and after their hand-clasping appearance, a dance intermission number performed by a pair of topless hunks awakened most of us.
The candidates then changed to something less delicate and heavy. It was time to flaunt their innate sexiness and enhanced figure; wearing their preferred SWIMSUIT with dramatic revelations. They appeared one by one on stage with the complimentary singing performance from Miss Nicole Lee like the theme of the annual fashion show of Victoria's Secret.
It was indeed the steamy and stimulating part of the pageant because of the candidates' long slender legs; pop bubble butts; flat stomachs and nicely defined feminine breasts. They headed back to their dressing room and the stage was entertained by a raffle draw based on the numbers printed in the admission tickets. Thenceforward, it was succeeded by the candidates elegant appearance on stage by wearing their flowy LONG GOWNS. In other words, there was classiness in bearing; vibrancy in colours and exquisiteness in designs.
That was the penultimate round of the pageant which was appreciated by the audience. Once again, they were all called back and gathered like a rainbow on stage only to award the deserving candidates for the 2 minor titles:
(The Best in Costume, Miss Alessandra Mae)
(The Best Body, Miss Areeyan Sutani)
Last Sunday, there were 13 wilful candidates who brandish themselves on stage but only 5 were chosen to continue during the jittery Question & Answer portion. The English fashion consultant, author and television presenter, Gok Wan, graced the stage with his presence and without further ado, here are the videos of the chosen finalists. My apology for the babble noise in the background.
(From Left to Right: Miss Alessandra Mae, Miss Areeyan Sutani, Miss Iwa Moto, Miss Geri Love and Miss Peach Pongpusut)
(Question: How do you find beautiful and how do your represent it?)
(Question: How can you be an inspiration to this pageant?)
(Question:If you are to promote tourism in a country, which country would it be and why?)
(Question: What you will gain by entering this pageant?)
(Question: What is your unique quality in this competition?)
What do you think of their answers? Or shall I say, who was In This World and Out Of This World? The top 5 finalist headed back to their dressing room for the final touch up and the audience was then diverted with the appearance of Miss Mango Tree Circus 2016, Miss Amy Franke, in her twirling traditional dance.
The understandably nervous finalists were called back to gather and face again the high spirited crowd as well as the impartial jury. The members of the jury unanimously decided who will bring home the coveted crown and title. This year's runners-up and the winner of Miss Mango Tree Out Of This World 2017 are:
From Left to Right
4th Runner-up, Miss Iwa Moto
2nd Runner-up, Miss Peach Pongpusut
Miss Mango Tree Out Of This World 2017, Miss Alessandra Mae
1st Runner-up, Miss Areeyan Sutani
3rd Runner-up, Miss Geri Love
Losing in a battle can lead to an emotional despair but bear in mind that there is no success without a failure. Keep a positive mind and disposition in life in order for you not to give up. So, pick yourself up and recreate yourself as life must go on.
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