Sometime before March this year (2020), there was an alarming report of a disease outbreak which occurred in the central province of China. People in the United Kingdom were becoming more aware of the outbreak and exceedingly, when it started to disperse out of Wuhan, China. That is why, international news on the television and over the radio apprised and forewarned the world population of its trajectory and threat. Apart from the compiled news, there was numerous raw footage originated, in and out, of Wuhan containing leaked stories of distressed people.
When the outbreak morphed as an epidemic then later magnified itself as an unprecedented pandemic, people around the world increasingly became agitated and mindful of its petrifying course. That is why, when it reached the domain of European countries there was a surged in the number of people being sent to hospitals as well as the mournful increased in the death toll.
This formidable danger of Covid-19 echoed across the world. As a result, the U.K government gradually announced its lockdown guidelines for the benefit of its people, the visitors and more importantly, its NHS & all key workers. In effect, commercial establishments ceased to operate; tourist attractions were prohibited; offices/factories were dead-bolted and schools were suspended. In connection to this, residents and visitors were asked to stay-at-home at their respective residences/addresses. If and when they go out, they must abide with and practice the 2-metre social distancing rule and avoid congregating in parks etc. On an encouraging note, just last week (10 May 2020) the U.K. Government announced a strategic roadmap for Corona virus lockdown recovery; that is by organising a "stay alert" step-by-step easing/lifting of restrictions.
In the early days of stay-at-home ordinance, the people in the U.K. either found it as a challenge or a beneficial diversion. There were individuals who unselfishly registered themselves for voluntary roles and who unconditionally assist the frail/vulnerable around their neighbourhood. Moreover, most people handled their time by tidying up hoarded stuff and by rediscovering neglected interests and passions in life.
More than a month ago, your Quidnunc Queen Victoria completely revamped a souvenir gift from her dearest sister, Dayanara Mesmeize. The improvisation allotted by her was a combined conceptualisation, dedication and fiddle. She performed it using the convenience of stitches made from a sewing machine and the laborious needle & thimble of hand sewing. During her attempt at giving it a new appearance, she hastily made a few stitching errors that compelled her to almost give up finishing it. She even thought that she had ruined a lovely souvenir because of a radical idea. Fortunately, she didn't tear it apart but instead, learn from her mistakes. That is why, with pride and joy, here is another handcrafted pieces of Fits and Starts that is associated to the Queen of Birmingham, Dayanara Mesmeize. It has been named as the “Generous Dayanara On-A-Lockdown Versatile Clutch Bag (022020) in Philippines T'boli Tribal Print”. The T'boli (Tagabili to lowlanders) are an animist ethnic group inhabiting highland areas in southwestern Mindanao, centring on Lake Sebu (TauSebu is another of the people's names). (Source: https://www.encyclopedia.com)
The Generous Dayanara On-A-Lockdown Versatile Clutch Bag (022020) in Philippines T'boli Tribal Print is fully padded and structured in an irregular geometrical shape. It has a sheated top grab/carry handle with a pair of grommets out of remnants; a recycled metal push-lock clasp and reclaimed metal triangle flat studs feet. Additionally, it has a customised accoutrement, dust bag, with elastic opening. The reinforced contrasting fabrics utilised were from an an antiquated wool scarf and most of the scarf around the original designed bag.
This Dayanara clutch bag has two different layers of linings: a red cotton cloth for the main interior compartment and a colourful gradient fabric for its opening flap. In order to make this “cross crawl” piece of hers more functional, she embellished it with a couple of extra details. A clashing colour interior slip in pocket and an unplanned hand sewn back exterior motley slip in pocket.
Her handcrafted piece may not go up against and match the sartorial status of highway robbery designer bags. In particular, this may not become a desirable obsession for the wealthy societal classes and nouveau rich collectors. However, this Generous Dayanara On-A-Lockdown Versatile Clutch Bag (022020) in Philippines T'boli Tribal Print has unparalleled gilt-edge calibres as a fully functional generous piece with A1 character.
From Left to Right Alternative Miss London 2018, Miss Nicole Williams Alternative Miss London 2019, Miss Iwa Moto
On the 28th of September this year, the 26th anniversary catwalk contest of the WayOut Club entitled Miss Alternative London took place at the Minories in London, United Kingdom. It was organised by the inspirational Miss Vicky Lee and bolstered by her closest hard working collaborators. They produced a dazzling spectacle which was attended by a swarm of LGBTQIA+ community members, admirers and compatible people. Kindly click the links beneath for supplementary and underpinning information,
The Alternative Miss London 2019 took place late at night. Taking part was a set of eager and flambouyant hopefuls. Generally speaking, each contestant had the opportunity to don herself in 3 categorised semblances. One by one they walked onto the improvised red carpet that was fastened and placed on the dance floor. They emerged from their tightly secured dressing room and swung around in front of the jury and the frisky crowd. Yes, there was "red ceremonial carpet" with crowd control stanchions that provided an unrestricted space for each contestant to prance back & forth. This was the replacement for the conventional and demountable 12-foot long platform stage with LED lights on the dance floor. Personally speaking, it was an avant-garde undertaking and a brilliantlly embracing arrangement!
Miss Nicole Williams and Contestant Number 1, Miss Iwa Moto
Miss Geri Love and Contestant Number 2, Miss Jade Chloe Calolong
Miss Vicky Lee and Contestant Number 3, Miss Tiana Delosata
Contestant Number 4, Miss Jolie Cooper and Miss Geri Love
Photo courtesy of Miss Geyzhel Sparkes' Facebook account
During the event, the familiar and sophisticated Miss Alexandra Marie Diaz who has been single- handedly hosting the event since 2014 was unable to attend due to personal commitments. That is why, the inspirational Miss Vicky Lee stepped into her shoes and delivered the affairs with aplomb. When Miss Vicky began holding the floor, signalling the start of proceedings for the contest, she called upon the presence of Miss Geyzhel Sparke to express her gratitude for her invaluable support and reinforcement. Thereafter, the members of the jury and the tabulator were introduced beginning with Miss Natasha Mckenzie- Daniels of Ted's Place; Doctor Woof of X Factor 2017 and the 'Cancer is a Drag' ambassador; the multi pageant title holder, Miss SaHHara; Miss Alex Ceciliato of Roma TV/TS Party in London and Lesly, the proficient recorder of the scores. They were all stationed on a roomy elevated section of the dance floor rather than the regular cramming spot with closed proximity to the conventional platform stage. Personally speaking, this change of layout was a wise plan as the members of the jury could attentively see and clearly view each contestant's creativity, seductiveness and elegance.
Miss Geyzhel Sparkes and Miss Vicky Lee
From Left to Right
Miss Natasha Mckenzie- Daniels Doctor Woof Miss SaHHara Miss Alex Ceciliato
Without further ado, here are the contestants wearing their first semblance on the red carpet. It's their scintillating CREATIVE COSTUMES which were carefully remodelled.
After the appearance of the last contestant, Miss Jolie Cooper, the red carpet was then taken over by Miss Vicky Lee. After emphasizing the resourcefulness of the candidates and appreciating the ecstatic numbers of people, a first intermission number from the Dragqueen Showgirl Entertainer, Katt Kitten, took place. She invigorated the crowd with her vocal version of the late Whitney Houston's “Queen of the Night”.
The contestants dressing room door opened for the second category, SEXY COSTUME, and contestant number 1, Miss Iwa Moto, emanated wearing her evoking ensemble. In this category, the eagle eyed crowd witnessed an on cloud nine mutual promise of a later marriage to contestant number 3, Miss Tiana Delosata. After she won the hearts of everybody, especially her handsome boyfriend, she was named the Queen of Hearts during the proclamation of AML 2019 runners-up and the reigning Queen .
For the verve in the crowd to sustain, Miss Geyzhel Sparkes lifted up her voice. She supplemented the crowd with her glamorous boogie rendition of “Aint Nobody (Loves Me Better)” song by Jasmine Thompson.
It was already in the wee hours of the morning and the crowd's peppy energy was still ascending. More so, when the “phoenix” urban pop singer, Miss Geri Love, influenced the dance floor with her “Love You Like A Love Song” by Selena Gomez.
What an ignitable emote voice Miss Geri has. Actually, her performance didn't just earn applause but also drew in a generous benefactor. After her bouncy performance, the 2018 Queen of Alternative Miss London, Miss Nicole Williams, was called upon by Miss Vicky Lee for her short and sweet farewell message. A finesse Queen who was very classy and stylish in her all pearly white motif.
Thenceforth, the Alternative Miss London 2019 runners-up and the Queen were declared by unanimous decision. To be more specific, the winner (runners-up and the Queen) was individually announced and called on to the red carpet to exclusively hold the spotlight and cherish her victory.
From Left to Right
Miss Vicky Lee Alternative Miss London 2019, Miss Iwa Moto 1st Runner- up, Miss Jolie Cooper 2nd Runner- up, Miss Jade Chloe Calolong Miss Geyzhel Sparkes
The Alternative Miss London 2019 catwalk contest may not have acquired a large numbers of contestants. However, the overall outcome- from night until the wee hours of the morning- had an affable & engaging feeling and more importantly, it filled the stomping ground with love. Not to mention, the battle of the contestants for the coveted crown/title was compassionate and never overshadowed by a pernicious strife!
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.
A pen and a writing notebook will always be her companion, especially when attending various events. In one way or another, she still adheres to a more conventional and traditional style of detailing assimilated information. Alternatively, she also embraces the fingertips away from the efficiency of the technology by simply using her “bitten apple” cellular phone for sending cues, ideas etc. via text message to herself. She then has a compiled relevant record in capped time to look at later.
When you notice her being tight-lipped (resembling timorous..LOL!) and detect her unresponsiveness with the surroundings. It's because she is in a trajectory absorbing the whole ambience and progressively memorising every corner of the event. So, don't be surprised if you see her inaudibly quiet as she is mentally ingesting the occasion's general perspective to invoke a detailed and even-handed essay.
Arduously speaking, you will always recognise her presence because of her conspicuous appearance and bright and colourful apparel. Moreover, you will notice her more when she courageously struts around with a sui generis camera collared her neck.
The woman referenced above is your Quidnunc Queen Victoria (QQV) who has been ardently pursuing her passion for writing.
QQV is a qualified CILEx paralegal with protected and regulated legal professional status in England and Wales who is also pursuing a law degree in the United Kingdom.
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