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!
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!
It was getting dimmer when we touched down at Corfu International Airport at Kerkyra. Despite the close of day arrival, the retrieving of our checked-in luggages on a moderately rotating carousel was very fast and hassle free. If it were a beauty pageant, they (suitcases) were included in the top three (LOL!).
(The Hassle Free Carousel)
Outside the airport, a complimentary coach was waiting but wait a minute, where is the driver? I stepped inside the coach which was quite dark and mildly sweltering. I couldn't find a single soul or even the shadow of the driver. There he was outside with the rest of the motorists who were enjoying and finishing the puff of their vices. Here came the driver who checked our names & destination and more importantly, helped us with our chocked-full suitcases placed on the roomy baggage locker of the coach.
The coach's engine started as well as the air conditioning unit which removed the oppressive heat and gradually cooling the interior air. We fastened our seat belts and then, welcomed ourselves for arriving safely and on time in Corfu, Greece!
We were smoothly moving on our way to Agios Georgios on the South...
From the coach's tinted window, I saw on the verges of the main road some infrastructures and buildings similar to my beloved Republic of the Philippines. However, the distinctiveness of their window and door shutters created each facade a more homely feeling; attractive appeal in one's eyes and were exquisitely unique. In my humble opinion!
Alas, we arrived at our destination after almost an hour on the labyrinth road. I have to admit that our driver was first-rate in manoeuvring the steering wheel as well as bypassing big vehicles with no scratch. My heart was pounding and at every turned we traverse warily reminded me of famous James Bond films. I was a bit petrified which kept me alert & awake and besides, we arrived in one piece. Actually, I enjoyed the watchful experience as it gave me so much of a thrill!
My energy level depleted and my efficiency abated...
I was exhausted and hungry for food. Which is why when I was presented with unexpected circumstances, I wasn't able to hold my composure. My fastidiousness and perfection to detail almost ruined the first night entirely in the South of Agios Georgios. I consumed my frustrations by unpacking my suitcase which emitted a reflective light feeling. My state of exasperation petered-out and my attention to practical interior decorations altered the clinical arrangements as well as assuaged the stifling ambience.
We filled our greedy stomachs; freshened-up our weary bodies and a few minutes later, we were slumbering until we finally reached our dreamlands. In other words, the overall exhausting journey equated to an immersed sleep with episodes of dreams. The next morning, I woke-up with the rays of the sun infiltrating the gaps of the room's shutter doors with the therapeutic tête-a- tête sounds of birds. I stood-up and opened gently the glazed sliding glass door before I was able to unlatch the shutter doors connecting into our balcony. Thereupon, the glorious warmth of the sun radiated in the hotel's especially rendered garden. The process of disengaging and opening the shutter doors reminded me of the famous British comedy-drama series based on Gerald Durrell's three autobiographical books entitled, The Durrells. Have you watched an episode or been watching still?
From our balcony, I diverted my attention to the adjacent swimming pool; it was already occupied by people. Inquisitively, I stepped-out of our room to find out more about the established customers. They were sitting and laying on the hotel sun loungers as well as savouring the heraldic light from the sun, either with their reading materials or early cold drinks. I wasn't just keen to scrutinise their faces and to see how big the pool was (and to dip-in later) as I was more inclined to see the rocky shoreline. It was a few steps away from the pool and my eyes perceived the turquoise mirror image of Ionian Sea with genteel waves; all-encompassing landscape and the spellbinding skies. I fell in love with the shapely handsome and pleasing beauty!
I went back into our room and we scooped down a continental breakfast. This was more than enough to renewing our energy levels without looking like a frog in my swimwear! Honestly, I just didn't desire a bigger meal as I didn't like the thought of having a bloated tummy while sunbathing around the pool. After all, it was my first day on this Green Island in Ionian Sea and to capture flourishingly tickle pink selfies was a sine qua non. We call it V-A-N-I-T-Y especially when you haven't been eating sumptuously yet!
We lavished ourselves with sun tan lotion and rubbed every inch of our body before using the sun loungers. It was a great feeling under the mild strength of the sun which turned my acquired fair skin complexion into my original vibrant dark brown colour. After hours of relishing the delight of sunshine, we headed back into our room and immersed ourselves (alternately) in the hot/cold tub. While waiting for my turn, I thought of the restaurant's menu and specifically what to order!
The hot/cold water revitalised our weary bodies... my silky long locks were naturally dried and we were both dressed-up and ready to explore the hotel's dining place. Literally speaking, to taste what's on their menu!
That time of the day I wasn't finicky as all I would like to eat was English Breakfast with a hot, milkier & foamy coffee latte. Sadly, they adhered to the definition of the meal which was only served until 12 noon, everyday. That is why, I asked for an Italian pasta dish called Carbonara as my second choice which I didn't regret. It was an appetising made-to-order food delivered on a plate with oozing flavours of its creamy sauce together with slices of bacon & mushrooms; rich grated cheese and seasoned with black pepper granules. Moreover, the gushing amount of olive oil with its smooth consistency gave it an extra brimming aroma and taste. I have to admit that I kept dazzling my Carbonara with Olive oil and I just couldn't stop. It was lusciously flavoursome!
After devouring what was on our plates, we started our local excursion in which we were able to track down the steep passageway to the Beach. It was about 10 minutes away by foot from our hotel and just in front of this family restaurant which was very noticeable because of the entrenched magnificent flowers. You will be greeted by a marquee of healthy roses and once inside, the inflorescence of flowers were ubiquitous. The ornamental blossoming surrounding this family restaurant truly enticed my eyes and more so, when I tasted one of their menu items. The prices were reasonable for the scrumptious cuisine with a loving owner who gave us complimentary sorbets!
We kept walking and found a supermarket which sells local souvenirs; household good and food ingredients. Yes, we bought a few things including a good sized can of Olive oil which we dearly used for the rest of the week. In particular, every time we had slices of ciabatta rolls and hot drinks on our balcony which has a flourishing front garden.
The sun was soon to set when we headed back to our hotel. We unloaded our groceries and then, went by the swimming pool. That was when the overpowering descent beauty of the sun induced me to capture a few pictures as well as taken panoramic images of the elongated shoreline.
