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.
When you have been used to celebrating Christmas in brighter and more colourful ways, you will felicitously look forward to be awed by stimulating ornaments hoisted in each corner that you will pass by and through. Who would not be, especially when most streets will be enlivened and full of impressive illuminations. That is why, we promised ourselves that we would spend the spectacular winter holiday this year here in London. Its because, the fascinating spirit of Christmas was part of my childhood and not to have appreciated the christmassy ambience last year gave me the feeling of bleakness.
I'm already at the age where I don’t anticipate having wrapped gifts to unravel or to receive an envelope stuffed with cash. Nonetheless, I always cherish and love receiving red letter cards either as a personalised piece or those with a customary gesture. Someone's intention whose heart is in the right place feels deeper and is more precious to me nowadays.
For the past years, I have been more grateful for living a meaningful and healthy life. A life full of love that has bolstered me for succeeding in bringing many of my dreams into a reality. However, when I think of my childhood memories- which always draw me into the spectra of fantasy- it always separates me from the beauty of my life in the now. It's the longingness resides in my heart. Needless to say, there is nothing wrong in musing over the past for as long as you know how to resurge on to the solid ground of reality!
The "shape" of the earth isn't created to perfection and neither are our lives. No one has achieved an impeccable life without experiencing battles and challenges before they become triumphant. Bear in mind that we have our own resilient rowing boat to manoeuvre but it is only up to us how we will deploy it and steer towards our predilection. If you think your year 2019 hasn't been a proactive and strong chapter, you are certainly not alone!
Let us all embrace another year of being alive and may we try not to disregard (regret) the significance of old chapters (if you can?). Personally speaking, we are moving ahead and are not permanently shutting down the colourful preexistent years of our lives.
Miss Queen Pacific 2019 Title Holder Miss Mexico- Vivienne Melanie Mesias
After 2 years of silence, the Casilleras Charity Organisation UK as a reborn charity reconvened its beauty pageant with a purpose entitled Miss Queen Pacific 2019. This U.K. charity organisation has been operating as a licensed society after its license approval in March 2017 by the Borough of Brent Council. It was set-up by energetic volunteers who committed to strengthening community relationships in the United Kingdom and across the oceans. The main aim of the charity is to compensate less fortunate individuals and assist vulnerable groups. This is accomplished by both organising stimulating sports activities and encouraging social events..
On the 30th of November this year, Miss Queen Pacific 2019 took place at Millennium Gloucester Hotel London in Kensington and was held in the Cromwell suite. It was well attended by the organisation’s supporters as well as admirers, friends and family members of the 8 determined candidates. Most of the colourful entrants came from across the U.K., Europe and Southeast Asia. Prior to the coronation night in November, the Casilleras Charity Organisation UK Reborn arranged a press conference on the 19th of October and also organised a talent night on the 20th of October. The press conference which was held at Grosvenor Casinos in Gloucester Road included the appearance of a few candidates. There was also a talent night which was held at FM Bar in Shepherd's Bush and showcased the flamboyant flair of the final candidates that was evaluated by a panel of judges.
During the coronation night at Millennium Gloucester Hotel London, the candidates flourished the event on stage. In each category they stupefied the audience during the group production number; the ostentatiousness of individual national costume; the prancing in titillating swimwear and the flouncing in elegant long gowns. Apart from that, there was also the ultimate final round and a complete flip side of the glamour called, the ultimate Question and Answer final. More importantly, these were assessed by high calibre members of the jury who gave fair-minded scores to each candidate in every category. Namely, Mr. John Middleton as judge #1; Alex Madia Levi as judge #2; Asam Ali as judge #3; Sumaiya Kolia as judge #4; Vicky Lee as judge #5; Dr. Vincent Wong as judge #6 and Abi Mohamed as judge #7.
On the night of the coronation of Miss Queen Pacific 2019, the audience was baffled and left in limbo as to why candidate number 7, Bianca Carreon, who represented Vietnam didn't get any placement even as a runner-up? More importantly, why the unanimously declared title holder was candidate number 1, Vivienne Melanie Mesias, who represented as Miss Mexico?
On the morning of the coronation night for Miss Queen Pacific 2019, the Casilleras Charity Organisation UK Reborn made a thoughtful alteration to the main sequence of the event. They omitted to announce the top 5 ranked candidates who would advanced into the initial Question and Answer round. These are the women who accumulated the highest scores in minor and major categories. Instead, they replaced this with all-inclusive finalists and all candidates advanced into the ultimate Question and Answer final. (source: Casilleras Charity Organisation UK Reborn)
The said alteration was suggested by the pageants' choreographer and stage director, Ronnie Del Barrio. According to the management team of the charity, they asked the candidates in the morning of the final rehearsal about the modification as well as explaining it to them comprehensively. Withal, they all agreed with the immediate alteration of the main sequence of the pageant with no manifested disapproval whatsoever. (source: Casilleras Charity Organisation UK Reborn)
During the presentation of minor and major awardees, one of the 8 candidates took home most of the awards. This was candidate number 7, Bianca Carreon, who represented Vietnam as her chosen country. This announcement of winners in each category was revealed before the ultimate Question and Answer final. As the candidates were informed beforehand that there's no longer the announcement of Top 5 ranked candidates, all candidates were automatically advanced into the ultimate final round of the pageant. Thus, it gave all candidates a fair chance to articulate their insights as what it is to become a beauty queen with a purpose.
The final round (the ultimate Question and Answer) on the night of the coronation was impartially scored and based upon the wit & intelligence as well as grace under pressure of each candidate on stage whilst delivering her answers. Thus, whoever gave the most comprehensive and eloquent answers was scored highly by the respective members of the jury. In this ultimate final round the candidates who scored highly as well as gave consistent performances in all categories were able to raise herself up and increase her chances of winning a placement or to wear the coveted crown.
When the ultimate Question and Answer final concluded, each candidate's score on this round was then combined to their accumulated scores from the 4 major categories. This was the tallied scores during the presentation of talents in October and the actual garnered scores in national costume, swimwear and long gown categories on the coronation night. It was then carefully computed by the adjudicator committee who ascertained the highest 5 ranking candidates. Thus, the final tabulation result, free from any bias, declared the deserving runners- up and the title holder of Miss Queen Pacific 2019 on the 30th of November. (source: Casilleras Charity Organisation UK Reborn)
From Left to Right Abi Mohamed Dr. Vincent Wong ? 3rd runner-up, Miss Colombia- Pola Morena 2nd runner-up, Miss China- Pawee Cadalzo Miss Queen Pacific 2019 Title Holder, Miss Mexico- Vivienne Melanie Mesias 1st runner-up, Miss Japan- Valerie Louise 4th runner-up, Miss Philippines- Mikayla Sophia Narbuada Vicky Lee Alex Madia Levi John Middleton
I like the usual idea of announcing the top 5 ranked candidates who will advance into the next round. In particular, if they deserve to be one of the finalists who will then take part as head-to-head hopefuls for the crown. I also like the all-inclusive finalists as it will give the underdogs (in minor and major categories) the chance to prove their worthiness and essence as a woman of substance.
In truth, when we decide to join in a competition we cannot precisely predict the outcome as it progresses. In particular, we commonly enter and show up as hopefuls who will either end up as clappers or the sole person who will wear the coveted crown. It is worth reminding ourselves that disparaging someone out of hearsay and false beliefs because of our disappointment (and dare I say, ego) will make us slightly inhumane.
The inflated ball is round and if it is your time to be on top of each competition, the ball will accordingly stabilise and you will eventually ascend!
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.
I have found that using the electric food steamer was worth the trouble and time as it leaves the meat so tender!
Main Ingredients:
Pork Leg; cut into three pieces
Fresh Ginger, finely chopped
2 cloves of Garlic; finely crushed using a garlic press
2 tbsps. of Sunflower Oil
Sauce Ingredients:
3 tbsps. of Extra Virgin Oil
1 tbsp. of Clear Honey
¼ tsp. of Cayenne Pepper
a pinch of Salt
a pinch of Mixed Herbs
1 tsp. of Vegetable Stock Granules
Sauce Preparation:
In a deep bowl, combine the extra virgin oil, clear honey and cayenne pepper. Stir well.
Add the salt and vegetable stock granules as additional flavours. Stir all well again.
Once mixed and blended, just set it aside.
Thrice- Cooking Procedure:
Wash and rinse well the fresh pork leg (if frozen, thaw your meat).
Prepare the chopping board and use a butcher's knife to divide the pork leg into 3 pieces. Wash again and set aside in the fridge.
Prepare your electric FOOD STEAMER and fill the boiler pan/base with water up to its maximum water level.
Lay the pieces of pork leg into the rice bowl and then, place it in the steaming barrel/tray (if in case the rice bowl cannot accommodate all of the pieces, use another steaming tray. Just make sure that the piece of meat is placed in the centre so when it's steaming, the dripping juice will funnel down into the rice bowl underneath).
Cover, turn on the food steamer and set its timer at 40-60 minutes. Check every 20-30 minutes with the intention of turning each over. Alert your senses apart from maintaining the water level of its base.
While waiting, chop the ginger and crush the garlic. Additionally, formulate and make your homemade glazed sauce as well.
Prepare your cooking dish and scatter evenly on its base the chopped/crushed main ingredients. Then, seal it by distributing on top the sunflower oil.
Ten minutes before the steaming ends, preheat the oven to 160ºC under BAKE MODE (electric).
When the pieces of pork leg have been steamed, remove them out of the rice bowl and place them one by one over the arranged ingredients in the cooking dish.
Using a silicone pastry brush, coat and cover the pieces all over with the prepared homemade glazed sauce.
Subsequently, cover-up your cooking dish with a sheet of foil and seal it by twisting its end sides.
Place it in the preheated oven, then bake for 40 minutes. In 20-minute time, turn over and glaze the pieces with the remaining sauce and its own extracted piping hot succulent juice. Be careful not to burn yourself!
Once baked, remove the foil and bring the meat to GRILL MODE. I have been using a double-oven cooker with grill for the past months. Thus, when it was time for me to grill the pieces I turned on the grill and set its degree temperature to 3 out of 4 levels.
Grill them for 30 minutes and carefully turning over every 15 minutes. If you can spoon-out its extracted juice without burning yourself, do it and spread all over the pieces.
Once crispy grilled, take your cooking dish out of the grill. If possible, spoon & glaze again over the pieces its flavoursome jelly-like juice.
Leave it to cool down for 3 minutes before cutting the pieces into less choking portions. Alternatively, dish them out of the cooking dish and serve the way they are on the table for you and your 2 more family members to devour.
The benefit of using an electric food steamer in order to tenderise the meat is that it is far better than traditionally boiling it in a saucepan. Why is that? It creates a succulent meat with sitting duck consistency particularly the fat and skin. Moreover, it yields a gelatinous syrup which can be used either as the luscious final liquid for cooking rice or as a savoury broth ingredient for the gravy sauce.
The next time you have plenty of time, try cooking meat this way and who knows, your evasive granny would appreciate its succulence as well!
Adobo is a very popular Filipino cuisine, which involved stewing with vinegar. In the late 1500s and early 1600s, the Republic of the Philippines was colonised by the Spanish, who encountered an indigenous cooking process, which they then referred to as 'adobo'. A Spanish word for seasoning or marinade.
This is a meal that uses sauce and seasoning on meats. The common way of cooking this recipe is to fry the meat first in oil and add the sauce mixture afterwards.
In this recipe, I grilled the meat and then, baked it in the oven!
!
Main Ingredients:
3-4 pork chops
a dash of salt & pepper Grilling
Sauce Ingredients:
4 tbsps. of Soy Sauce
2 tbsps. of Wine Vinegar
2 tsps. of Worcestershire Sauce
1 ½ tbsps. of Extra Virgin Oil
1 teaspoonful of ground pepper
¼ tsp. of cayenne pepper
vegetable stock granules to taste
a pinch of mixed herbs
1 medium-sized onion, cut into 4 (separate each layer)
2 cloves of garlic, crashed
2 medium- sized potatoes, peeled and cut into 4
Sauce Preparation and Cooking:
In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, wine vinegar, worcestershire sauce and extra virgin oil until well blended.
Add the ground pepper, cayenne pepper and vegetable stock granules that serve as additional flavours.
Sprinkle the mixed herbs in the mixture. Mix all until well combined.
Cook the mixture in a saucepan on a moderate flame for 2 minutes. Stirring occasionally.
Add the garlic, onion and the potatoes.
Cook again for another 2-3 minutes.
Cover the grilled meat with the sauce mixture.
Grilling and Baking Procedure:
Thaw your meat, if needed.
Preheat the grill to 110ºC.
Using your chopping board, place the meat on it and rub it with salt and pepper.
Prepare a cooking dish (Pyrex-glass cooking dish is good), grease it with oil and lay the prepared meat on it.
Place it under the grill for 30 minutes. Turn it over every 15 minutes to grill the other side. While waiting for the meat, prepare the 'sauce mixture' below.
Once the meat is grilled and both sides are cooked, remove from the grill.
Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the meat.
Place it in the oven and BAKE for 10-15 minutes. Adjust the heat to 90ºC.
Once cooked, dish it out of the pyrex-glass and you can use either your choice of traditional food serving bowl or the tomfoolery saucepan to present it on the table.
My train journey heading to Gloucester Road Station was velvety smooth while the weather was refreshingly delightful. Shall I say, the outside ambiance was enlightened with the spirit of Yuletide. When I was heading to the venue, I also had a pleasant walk on the plain concrete pavements while passing by commercial buildings. These were development plots that were once part of the post-war social housing developments and are now defined as “ambiguous landmark buildings”. I have to admit that the whole milieu took me back to the Victorian period and I even wished that I had worn my long flowy dress.
The ambiguous landmark buildings on the left verge of Cromwell Road accompanied me until I reached the corner of Queen's Gate. There it was the main venue of Casilleras Charity's event for a cause, Baden Powell House. A site which was originally purchased by the building committee, chaired by Sir Harold Gillet and was designed by Raplh Tubbs into a modern architectural style building. It was opened in 1961 and underwent several refurbishments over the years and to date, has been providing a modern and affordable home for the members of Scout Association. It also functions as a for hire space to host conferences and events. It is conveniently based in the attractive South Kensington and one of the most affluent areas of the U.K.
Once I had decided to attending the concluding part of Casilleras Charity's event, I contacted directly on social media the head organiser, Jewel Natividad Gagan. I politely requested a reserve admission ticket for myself to be paid in person and also, asked for a seat as near as possible to the stage. Sadly, the latter part of my request wasn't favourably approved as the first 3 front seat rows were allocated for the companions of members of the jury and their sponsors for this year. However, I was advised to arrive on time so that I could find an ideal seat location where I would be able to take pictures without annoying anyone. Yes, I was able to find a good aisle spot on their theatre seating plan by being early, but was very surprised that there was no clear reserved sign for the first 3 front row seats. That is why, numbers of ticket purchasers who were not well informed about the seating arrangements were asked to vacate and find seats somewhere at the back. Actually, only the reserved seats on the right side were properly monitored as these were supervised by a woman.
I was approximately 20 minutes early before the event to start at 18:00...
When I entered the event hall of Baden Powell House, I was greeted by its theatrically arranged chairs; the red carpet-like aisle leading up to the stage; the well set-up music booth and the on-going construction of the stage. Apart from that and as I got closer to the stage, there were spruced-up chairs & embellished tables for members of the jury and a donned table illuminated by tiaras; encased souvenirs; wrapped bottles of Casillero del Diablo wine and the intriguing headphones.
What do you think was the main purpose of the headphones during the entire event? Were they even utilised? Was the main intention to choose the high ranking top 5 candidates and then, they would have the final Q&A round? If it was so, the headphones should have been worn by the awaiting chosen candidates and all their previous accumulated scores were set to zero in order to determine who really had the wit & intelligence and not just the good looks.
Time was ticking and yet there was no indication that the beauty pageant for my fellow transgender women would soon to commence. Yes, they were running out of time and yet they were still beautifying more of the stage by gradually erecting a background and styling it with letters/numbers that read as MISS QUEEN PACIFIC 2017. That is why, a glimpse of the partial candidates were called upon to gather on stage for their final production number rehearsal.
The question was, where are the rest of the candidates? More importantly, where were the members of the jury, without whom could not start at 18:00? Actually, it didn't start at an agreed time as the first wiggly movements of the candidates during their production number was around 19:20. After the engaging production number, we were energised more by Miss Ela Hidalgo's belting and strapping vocal cords.
The stage was then owned by their marvellous masters of the ceremony namely, the voluble Miss Coleen Kacey; the acquiescent Mr. Elijah Paul Villanueva and the articulate Miss Vivienne Melanie Tion Mesias. The three of them detailed the sequence of the night's event and its mechanics; specified the minor, major & special awards; endorsed this year's sponsors; thanked the presence of the invited jury; acknowledged the founder & chairman of Casilleras Charity Organisation UK (CCOUK), Mr. Enly OC Gagan and addressed the honourable guest speaker, Hon. Voltaire Mauricio, First Secretary and Consul of the Philippine Embassy in London, U.K.
(Miss Coleen Kacey, Mr. Elijah Paul Villanueva and Miss Vivienne Melanie Tion Mesias)
The limpid overhead headlights were off and the beaming DJ lights were gradually turned on toward the stage. At the same time, our attention was diverted to the back of the event hall. We saw some members of the charity and secured a passage for the candidates who ostentatiously paraded, one by one, on the aisle wearing their vibrant National Costumes and headed up to the stage for their self introduction. What a grandstand array of guises and ensembles which revealed their love for their chosen countries. The unanimously decided winner for Best in National Costume was Miss Philippines, Miss Akiko Mae Obillo!
Best in National Costume, Miss Akiko Mae Obillo (Miss Philippines)
Miss Chile, Miss Chixy Wilson
Miss Colombia, Miss Iwa Moto
Miss Peru, Miss Tiana Delosata
Miss El Salvador, Miss Jade Phoenix Chua-Hoskins
Miss Philippines, Miss Akiko Mae Obillo
Miss Solomon Islands, Miss Geri Love
Miss Australia, Miss Chezka Mari
Miss Singapore, Miss Mikaella Atay
Miss Costa Rica, Miss Pola Morena- Benfetima
Miss Ecuador, Miss Sophia Frewin
Miss Panama, Miss Nicole Williams
Miss Mexico, Miss Vee Lacsamana
The candidates colourful appearance wearing their intricate and cumbersome national costumes invigorated and cheered us all. After their paralleled exit on stage, we were then occupied by succeeding intermission numbers of Miss Florie May Rapirap and Miss Alexis Mendoza Chiforescu.
The entertainment numbers of the performers were sufficient enough for the candidates to take-off their chunky ensembles and change to something titillating. It was time to flaunt their innate sexiness and enhanced figure by wearing their preferred swimsuit. They appeared one by one on stage with draped cloth around their waist which was inspired by the Miss Universe 2017's Swimsuit competition. Who do you think outrivalled the rest of the candidates when they all showed-off their flat tummies, sexy booties and elongated limbs? The unanimously decided winner for Best in Swimwear was Miss Philippines, Miss Akiko Mae Obillo!
Best in Swimwear, Miss Akiko Mae Obillo (Miss Philippines)
I thought they would all headed back to their cosy and roomy changing room in the basement of the building. However, my supposition was incorrect as the swimsuit round was also in conjunction with the initial Q&A portion of Miss Queen Pacific 2017. What does it entail? The main highlighted sequence of the beauty pageant was to have an initial Q&A portion which would add to the gathered minor scores of the candidates. They were then ranked and whoever would be successfully included on the top 5 will go onto the final Q&A round. If I am not mistaken and on this ultimate part of the beauty pageant, the previous accumulated scores by the top 5 would be set to zero in order to determine who really has the wit & intelligence and not just the good looks. Also, this should have been the segment in which the intriguing headphones were utilised.
Why they did not follow the proposed sequence of Miss Queen Pacific 2017? In my opinion, the long-winded questions (which were read twice for a better comprehension) for the candidates were not necessary as the initial Q&A round is traditionally brief. Generally speaking, it consumed most of the time! As a result, when the closing time of 23:00 drew closer there was a discussion between the supervising employee of Baden Powell House and the organisers of Casirellas Charity.
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea has been known in London and across the U.K. as a posh and expensive place to live in. The places within its periphery aren't just accessible addresses for small and multi companies. They are also residential homes for upper class and stinkingly wealthy people. They are residents who adhere to the implemented rules & regulations put forward by the council in order to maintain a harmonious and organised neighbourhood. In connection with this, they do not tolerate any unreasonable behaviour which may harm and threaten the peacefulness. Thus, any disobedience like conducting/performing late events either indoor or outdoor has no place in the lexicon of the residents. As a result, any events which interfere and hamper in the peacefulness will be forcefully closed down as stipulated in the black & white permit. Last Saturday, 02nd of December, the first organised beauty pageant for my fellow transgender women by Casirellas Charity and in direct partnership under Starvision UK met with disasters. The adjective “successful” according to the dictionary of Cambridge means “achieving the results wanted or hoped for”. Shall I say, if you have accomplished the planned sequence of the event and fulfilled the desired aim result is when you can actually describe and use the adjective itself.
After the lengthy Q&A portion, we were then shake-up by Ambhie Da Diva's voice. Succeedingly, the stage was then paved way for the inspirational Miss Vicky Lee's speech. The co-founder and host of the oldest Trans Club, The WayOut Club, in the U.K. who has been the greatest pillar in the acknowledgement of “Transpeople” and bringing greater awareness about Transgender people to the wider LGBTQI+ community. According to Miss Vivienne Melanie Tion Mesias' agreeable introduction for Miss Vicky Lee and I quote, 'all transgender women in the U.K. know the name and integrity of our tirelessly inspirational mother!'
(The inspirational Miss Vicky Lee)
The candidates were no longer provocatively exposed when they flourished on stage elegantly wearing their floor- length gowns accentuated with glistening beads and sequins. They graced the stage in a stunningly exquisite manner with an inevitable gaffe from one of the candidates, who level-headedly recomposed her bearing on the spot. The unanimously decided classy winner for Best in Evening Gown was Miss Mexico, Miss Vee Lacsamana!
Best in Evening Gown, Miss Vee Lacsamana (Miss Mexico)
They were all gathered on stage like glimmering dolls and the announcement of the winners of minor and major awards were proclaimed:
Miss Popularity, Miss Tiana Delosata (Miss Peru)
Miss Photogenic, Miss Vee Lacsamana (Miss Mexico)
Miss Congeniality, Miss Tiana Delosata (Miss Peru)
Darling of the Crown, Miss Akiko Mae Obillo (Miss Philippines)
Best in Talent, Miss Akiko Mae Obillo (Miss Philippines)
They were then caressed by the serenading voice of Mr. Dave Hoskins who also exhilarated the lenient crowd. Unexpectedly, there was a problem with the calculations and as a reconstruction, another raffle draw was executed and random lucky winners from the audience were handed over wrapped bottles of Casillero del Diablo wine.
(Mr. Dave Hoskins and the lovely candidates)
It was getting near the closing time allotted for the Casilleras Charity's event. That is why, we were able to witness the unhindered scenario between the organisers and the supervising employee of Baden Powell House who were having a plight. For that reason, the masters of the ceremony mentioned over the microphone the sudden alteration of the main sequence of the event of Miss Queen Pacific 2017.
Ms. Charity, Miss Nicole Williams (Miss Panama) and the people behind Casilleras Charity Organisation UK (CCOUK)
The organisers were getting more agitated and so did some of the ticket purchasers. Because of the beforehand mistakes, (which could have been prevented by starting at 18:00 and shortening the lengthy questions), there was an abrupt modification of the event. The presentation of the special award labelled, Ms. Charity, and the declaration of Miss Queen Pacific 2017's runners-up and title holder were accelerated...
From Left to Right
2nd Runner-up, Miss Pola Morena- Benfetima (Miss Costa Rica)
1st Runner-up, Miss Nicole Williams (Miss Panama)
Miss Wela Dela Vega
Mr. Ronald Husenia
Mr. William Jonas Andrews
Miss Queen Pacific 2017, Miss Akiko Mae Obillo (Miss Philippines)
Companion of Member of the Jury
3rd Runner-up, Miss Sophia Frewin (Miss Ecuador)
4th Runner-up, Miss Vee Lacsamana (Miss Mexico)
4th Runner-up, Miss Vee Lacsamana (Miss Mexico)
3rd Runner-up, Miss Sophia Frewin (Miss Ecuador)
2nd Runner-up, Miss Pola Morena- Benfetima (Miss Costa Rica)
1st Runner-up, Miss Nicole Williams (Miss Panama)
Miss Queen Pacific 2017, Miss Akiko Mae Obillo (Miss Philippines)
I must say that it was a wonderful transgender women beauty pageant for a cause with an ideal venue and top notch masters of the ceremony. However, last Saturday's event met with disasters which could have been avoided if the organisers and event coordinators followed firmly the time allotted. Thus, describing the entire outcome of last Saturday as successful is misinterpretation of the adjective itself and a deception.
If you think that my above raised issues are unjust and have no bearing for veracity, think of the people who commuted far- just to witness Miss Queen Pacific 2017 and only to be rushed out of the event hall at Baden Powell House. May I remind you highly that Miss Queen Pacific 2017 was under the supervision of people who have background knowledge and past experiences in the use of Baden Powell House!
