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

 by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

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.

THE NIGHT OF MS. TS PHILIPPINES-U.K. 2013

 by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

Months of preparation... weeks of rehearsals... and last Saturday night, the MS. TS PHILIPPINES-U.K. 2013 extravaganza with its 16 lovely candidates arrived!

The sun was still up when we drove to West London by car, the boot was full with 2 suitcases of outfits and accessories. Sunbeams glazed our faces as we enjoyed the smooth road journey!

When we arrived at the venue, Kensal Community Hall, there was the gushing presence of people milling back and forth. We walked through the main door and I noticed a bar at the side which was filled with men enjoying a glass of alcoholic beverages while waiting for the beauty pageant to commence.

We continued walking until we were arrived at two columns of arranged chairs; a Filipino café and a sizeable stage for the candidates.

Prior to arriving at the venue, I had at the back of my mind a cosy and spacious dressing room. Unfortunately, it was the unexpected however there was no changing room so, we managed to find a portion of space which served as our changing area. As they say, 'if you really want to participate and are willing to fight, you will always find ways out of unexpected circumstances'.

We found the corner where Angela Miñoza started retouching herself, from head to foot. A few minutes after perfecting her appearance, I assisted her with her outfit. A white stretchy floral lace camisole with soft mesh-lining under cup; a sequin fringe sexy shorts with colourful butterfly patches and a pair of sexy wrist fingerless lace mitten as her production number outfit.

She was very ready like the rest of the candidates who were dying to show-off on stage. Although I was just assisting Angela, I also felt the nerves of the candidates; most of them were practising (many times) their individual self-presentations. While waiting for the hostesses to call all of them for their production number I decided, with their permission, to take a few individual snaps.

The waiting of the highly excitable candidates was put to an end when the hostesses, Alexis Mendoza and Angelica Caye Casinto, named the members of the jury and also acknowledged the sponsors. It was the forewarning that the production number would start soon and a few minutes later, the laid back audience were bedazzled by the candidates' dance performance and individual speeches on stage.

Minutes after baring their curvaceous bodies and long legs on stage, their own interpretations of respective Regional Costume in the Philippines followed..

I admired all of their regional costumes as they were created with effort and love which I called, masterpieces. Additionally, they weren't just bright and colourful they were also really made to fit their physiques which delighted most the spectators taste buds. Amongst them were, contestant no. 14, Angela Miñoza, whose Regional Costume was embellished with varieties of colourful artificial flowers and complemented with an intricately made crocheted umbrella; contestant no. 01, Mharyl Era, whose two-colouored creation reminded me of a modified fictional super heroine and contestant no. 04, Sophia Sasil, who confidently exposed her bosoms but also dressed-up more by holding a colourful feathery sceptre and a headdress. More importantly, contestant no. 10, Asunta Mae, who revealed her curvesome body while walking with handwoven mat-like hanging panels both on her forearms which secured her winning the Best in Regional Costume award.

The array of Regional Costumes concluded and an intermission was given to allow the beautiful candidates backstage to prepare for their Casual Wear appearances.

When the candidates were called to reappear on stage, it was decided to divide them into 2 groups. This was done to accommodate all the ladies on stage as well as to avoid a disorderly bunch, as they would be wearing their captivating body hugging above-the-knee dresses. Actually, while we were waiting I managed to take pictures of 2 lovable candidates which you could say were stolen. In this category the Best in Casual Wear was awarded to contestant no. 06, Venus Brum, who wore elegantly a royal blue chiffon dress in a sweetheart bandeau boob tube style with glittery jewelled waistband.

It wasn't the most exciting part of the night but all candidates really gave their best projections. That is why, the swimwear competition delighted the eyes of spectators and their energetic fans once again!

Most of the 16 candidates in this category displayed their erotically attractive and flawless bodies by wearing colourful two piece swimsuits. All of them had to do a graceful 360 degrees turn which gave the jury better views and also, helped them to evaluate who had the most seductive figure. For that reason, the Best in Swimwear was awarded to contestant no. 12, Mika Mae Dela Vega, who revealed her long and lean body by wearing a sizzling black lively one piece swimsuit with a flattering crossover halter neck.

We saw them perform on stage... paraded their costumes... strut with casual dresses and reveal their curvaceous bodies but not yet with their glinting and sophisticated evening gowns!

The moment we'd been waiting for finally arrived when the pressured yet still fresh looking candidates grandstanded the audience with their best and luxurious long flowing dresses. We, the audience, were not just only enticed by their exquisitely design gowns, we also applauded their graceful catwalks in heels given how nervous they were. They were all regal on stage but there was only one lady who really captivated the eyes of the jury and brought home the Best in Evening Wear award. Her name was Mika Mae Dela Vega who wore a brilliant Gold Empire Halter and V-Neck Open Back Floor Length Evening Dress covered with glistening diamond-like accent beading.

After watching all of them promenaded gracefully with their gowns, the battle of the brain commenced and it tested their confidence while waiting their turn...

It was the nerve wracking part of the pageant for the candidates and I, felt it too. Inevitably, being on stage and watched intently by the audience will really make you worried and anxious. That night, all of the 16 candidates gave their best answers, but only a few answered with clarity and conviction. In this category, each contestant is judge mainly by the content of her answer and the way she delivers it. This is when the respective members of the jury impartially make their remarks and decide who are the deserving runner-ups and the sole queen.

(Photo Courtesy of  GL Productions Ltd.)

4^th Runner-up was Ms. Katrina Paola Montecarlo

3^rd Runner-up was Ms. Alexandra Gemeniano

2^nd Runner-up was Ms. Mika Mae Dela Vega

1^st Runner-up was Ms. Venus Brum

Ms. TS Philippines-U.K. 2013 was Ms. Asunta Mae

Moreover, there were also 5 minor awards given that night. These were for gaining more 'likes' on Facebook and for being loved by their fellow candidates; for being unanimously evaluated their individual portrait pictures by the members of the jury and for being a very active candidate of the event.

(Photo Courtesy of  GL Productions Ltd.)

Ms. TS Philippines-U.K. Charity was Ms. Katrina Paola Montecarlo

Ms. Congeniality was Ms. Katrina Paola Montecarlo

Ms. Photogenic was Ms. Jhext Scotwo

People's Choice Award was Ms. Venus Brum

Princess TS of the Night was Ms. Katrina Paola Montecarlo

I genuinely have to say that I was pretty flabbergasted about the results, but was also happy meeting 3 beautiful women with striking personalities. It was indeed a nice and fun experience being a personal assistant of Angela Miñoza during the course of the event.

WHO WILL WIN THE MS. TS PHILIPPINES-U.K. 2013 CROWN

 by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

(Click to enlarge photo)

The happy personalities and good companionship of most Filipinos who work and live abroad are well-appreciated and commended on, not just by fellow countrymen but also by different nationalities who have personally known and genuinely trusted them.

Filipino communities abroad are in many places and are created for humanitarian purposes. They serve like an institution which delivers information about what's happening back home and also, offers support to all who need guidance/assistance while living abroad. Moreover, they also help in organizing particular gatherings/ special events and also, by disseminating information to attract more people who become part of the event.

On the 30th of March this year, a show of beautiful women organised by Catherine Casinto-Poole will take place in West London. The main purpose of the pageant is not just to showcase the beauty of the charming candidates on stage, it is also an event with a cause. What I mean is, it will be a good moment for us all in the United Kingdom to share and participate. The proceeds of this charitable event will benefit the underprivileged children and community in the Northern part of the Philippines. 

Weeks before the month of March, the organiser and her associates published an advertisement on Facebook. A leaflet stating that they were looking for interested applicants who will join the competition for MS. TS PHILIPPINES-U.K. 2013. Consequently, days after the public announcement they were inundated by glamorous and fresh looking women who were serious to commit and become part of the procession and show of beauty. 

On the 16th of February, the interviewing of interested applications for Ms. TS Philippines-U.K. 2013 was put to an end. Also on that day, photo shoots, pictorials and a video teaser for the candidates were made, and published on their Facebook page. They were produced with the help of GL Productions Ltd. creative hands and the people behind the fundraising event. 

Catherince and her associates are very serious about making the event happen smoothly. That's why, all candidates are obliged to attend and participate during rehearsal days. Actually, they have been practicing for 2 consecutive weekends this month and are still having one ultimate practice on the day before the pageant night. It is the best way of embedding, in the candidates' minds, their individual projection and group performance while on stage. In particular, when and how long they will appear on stage as well as where they will place themselves in every category. 

Moreover, these fastidious preparations are headed and monitored by Althea, Jean Leonida Alanis, Cath and Angelica Caye Casinto. They have been offering their unconditional time and effort in order to secure a successful event. Aside from perfecting the candidates’ performance, another admirable benefit is that candidates become a little closer to each other and begin to treat all as one huge extended family. 

In less than 3 days from now the candidates for Ms. TS Philippines-U.K. 2013 will be exciting the eyes of ticket holders. They will entertain the audience with their talents and catwalk performance while flaunting colourful costumes as well as wearing sparkling gowns. More importantly, the coveted title with its prestige and the enthronement will only be given to the deserving lady after being judged impartially during the Question and Answer portion.

If you want to see the candidates below and also, become part of this charitable event on the 30th of March which will be held at 

Kensal Community Hall 

177 Kensal Road 

North Kensington, London 

W10 5BJ

 from 17:30 to 23:00

better reserve or buy your tickets beforehand! 

  (Click to enlarge photo) 

 *Photos courtesy of Search for Ms.TS-Philippines UK Facebook Page