QUEEN OF PRIDE, EUROPE 2026: KASS TAPIRU OF GERMANY WINS CROWN

 by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

Courtesy of Kass Tapiru's Facebook Account

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. 

THE GENEROSITY OF SPRINGTIME

 by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

We have been deprived of the gloriousness of sunshine and even its hugging warmth was hindered to us, too. Instead, we were cloaked by a cold breeze which was hardened with an icy touch for weeks. It was doubtlessly the bullheaded extension of the winter period. Am I right my dear fellow U.K. residents and the disappointed transient travellers? 

When we already rolled out the red carpet for the month of Spring, we had hardly experienced a decent week of brilliant sunshine. Sighs in people's breath with a long face mood were in every place. In general, it was such a dismay for most of us apart from the fact that we also encountered the tenacious frigidness of “Beast from the East”. 

Most of us, human beings, tend to delve more into the negatives in life. What a pessimistic outlook which we should try not to entertain. Broadly speaking, a despondent mindset may not apply to you or to most of us, but the quagmire of being ungrateful and wanting more always lurk beneath us. Am I sanely right to conclude?

For the past days, there has been a sudden soar in temperature across the country. Hence, the efficient yet costly house heaters which provided us warmth were given an instant hiatus. On the other hand, locked away electric fans were dug out & cleaned, and idled air conditioners were dusted off & turned on. Moreover, windows have been wide opened supplying gentle fresh air and the humming tête-à-tête sound of birds, all throughout day and night. 

Prior to the sudden leap in temperature, we were forestalled to feel the beautiful excitement of basking under the soothing sunshine. Can you imagine that for the past weeks, we were still wearing our wintry clothes and shoes?

 

Despite the weather interruption, we were still grateful to have spotted thriving colourful blooms of yellow, pink and mauve. We were also astonished by the developing foliage of strong trees in parks and on the verges of the road. In particular, the mesmerising Magnolias in full showy tulip like flower. Consequently, it made most of us steadily buoyant with inclined confidence to welcoming the much anticipated generosity of the season of Spring.

MISS MANGO TREE OUT OF THIS WORLD 2017

 by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

(Miss Alessandra Mae, Miss Mango Tree Out of this World 2017)

I missed the nearest bus stop because of the pending roadworks which caused me to walk my way back to the Mango Tree Restaurant on Grosvenor Pl, Belgravia. 

What I saw as I approached the restaurant was its spirited guests who were either enjoying the vapour substance of cigarettes or just posing for memorabilia snaps behind the Mango Tree's six-foot notice board printed on canvas. Moreover, the area was protected from any harm that may come by their courteous and light-hearted security personnel. 

I was on time and the pageant hadn't started yet. As a matter of fact, I could count the heads of early birds from the ingress of the venue. Prior to joining in the present crowd who were enjoying drinks in their hands, I had my wrist stamped with a "pass" mark by a team of receptionists. That was when I finally met in person Yonlada who had kindly responded to my calls before and forwarded my open letter in the form of an e-mail to the organiser, Sine Kliangsin. I was also able to approach and thank Sine in person who was at that time engaged in conversation with the 2 members of the jury. 

 

 

 

The black elevated platform (stage) was laid solidly and the background was ameliorated minimally with theatre inspired smaggle panel and tie back curtains. Apart from that, the VIP area (on the left side of the stage) wasn't just full with special guests and celebrities as it was also a designated area for the lights and sound system stand. It had an elbow-to-elbow feel particularly when the employees started to fence and secure a passage out for the candidates after appearing on stage. In my opinion, the lights and sound system booth should have been placed on the right side of the stage to yield more ample space for their VIP guests. However, it was easy for me to make this assessment from the vantage point of VIP area and to make an impartial observation. Change is constant and can only be carried-out visibly by someone sturdy and optimistic in life- like the organiser and her cordial team. As the old quote says, “There is no harm in trying..”, and in by doing so, you will be more likely to alter what has become familiar in the eyes of people. As a result, you will either have a splendid outcome after your efforts or you will gain lessons to be learnt. 

 

The organiser, Sine Kliangsin, didn't just show perseverance and robustness in making the beauty pageant an anticipated celebration this year. She can also be described as a concerned humble woman who rendered great care for the candidates on stage, especially when the atmosphere was getting muggier and oppressively stifling. It was indeed a true act of humility despite her stature position at the Mango Tree Thai Classic Restaurant. Pat on the back to you Sine and your energetic team! 

The venue was getting crowded by the jovial presence of the audience who couldn't wait for the show to commence. Such as, the eagled eye admirers who couldn't wait to see more of the candidates; the supportive women who showed encouragement for the LGBTQI+ community and the loving family/friends who audibly shouting the candidate names.

 

 

 

 

The headlights were on and the leading spotlight was single-handedly focused on stage by a London-based radio Magic Station presenter, Angie Greaves. Her introductory voice acknowledged the presence of the celebrity guests as well as the prominent people in the crowd. Apart from them, the outstanding members of the jury were cited one by one. Amongst them were, the All Time Sexy Queen, Lizzy Cundy; the former big brother housemate, Kathreya “Kat” Kasisopa; a very familiar SHOWBIZ face, Simon Gross and the previous Miss Mango Tree contestant with an excellent entrepreneurial profile, Amber Vee. 

(Angie Greaves)

(The Jury from left to right: Lizzy Cundy, Kathreya “Kat” Kasisopa, Simon Gross and Amber Vee)

The audience was getting more fidgety and ruckus which is why, the duo carnival-inspired dancers assuaged the air. Their elaborately yellow & red feather costumes as well as the lush headdresses were made more seductive because of the wiggly movements of their voluptuous bodies. All I can say is, “it's all about the hips, the boobeys, the cheeks and the eyes (LOL!)”. 

(Miss Nicole Lee and Miss Amy Franke)

After that frisky intermission dance, the individual self- presentation of the candidates kicked-off. They flamboyantly flounced their OUT OF THIS WORLD ensembles with great pride and refinement. Most of them wore extravagant costumes with functioning accessories which were embellished meticulously by hands. In particular, the laser cut design costume with floor-length braided headdress; the spectacular futuristic astronaut corset costume with extended solid wings; the illuminated costume with self-regulating silver wings and a hand torch; the enslaving angel in disguise; the daringly sexy she-version of Thor and the risqué metallic blue haired pixie with miniature crystal balls. 

 (1. Miss Agatha Mae De Gula and 2. Miss Neha Jasmin)

 (3. Miss Geri Love and 4. Miss Korakot Chansiri)

 (5. Miss Sophia and 7. Miss Areeyan Sutani)

 (8. Miss Nina Nichole Williams and 9. Miss Saskhia Marie)

 (10. Miss Iwa Moto and 11. Miss Alessandra Mae)

 (12. Miss Leah Anne Kubuyashi and 13. Miss Peach Pongpusut)

 (14. Miss Jennifer Chai)

 

Their individual ostentatious display of their costumes astonished everyone of us! They were all called back to gather on stage as one and after their hand-clasping appearance, a dance intermission number performed by a pair of topless hunks awakened most of us. 

 

The candidates then changed to something less delicate and heavy. It was time to flaunt their innate sexiness and enhanced figure; wearing their preferred SWIMSUIT with dramatic revelations. They appeared one by one on stage with the complimentary singing performance from Miss Nicole Lee like the theme of the annual fashion show of Victoria's Secret. 

 

 

It was indeed the steamy and stimulating part of the pageant because of the candidates' long slender legs; pop bubble butts; flat stomachs and nicely defined feminine breasts. They headed back to their dressing room and the stage was entertained by a raffle draw based on the numbers printed in the admission tickets. Thenceforward, it was succeeded by the candidates elegant appearance on stage by wearing their flowy LONG GOWNS. In other words, there was classiness in bearing; vibrancy in colours and exquisiteness in designs. 

 

 

 

 

 

That was the penultimate round of the pageant which was appreciated by the audience. Once again, they were all called back and gathered like a rainbow on stage only to award the deserving candidates for the 2 minor titles: 

(The Best in Costume, Miss Alessandra Mae)

(The Best Body, Miss Areeyan Sutani)

Last Sunday, there were 13 wilful candidates who brandish themselves on stage but only 5 were chosen to continue during the jittery Question & Answer portion. The English fashion consultant, author and television presenter, Gok Wan, graced the stage with his presence and without further ado, here are the videos of the chosen finalists. My apology for the babble noise in the background. 

(From Left to Right: Miss Alessandra Mae, Miss Areeyan Sutani, Miss Iwa Moto, Miss Geri Love and Miss Peach Pongpusut)

(Question: How do you find beautiful and how do your represent it?)

(Question: How can you be an inspiration to this pageant?)

(Question:If you are to promote tourism in a country, which country would it be and why?)

(Question: What you will gain by entering this pageant?)

(Question: What is your unique quality in this competition?) 

What do you think of their answers? Or shall I say, who was In This World and Out Of This World? The top 5 finalist headed back to their dressing room for the final touch up and the audience was then diverted with the appearance of Miss Mango Tree Circus 2016, Miss Amy Franke, in her twirling traditional dance. 

The understandably nervous finalists were called back to gather and face again the high spirited crowd as well as the impartial jury. The members of the jury unanimously decided who will bring home the coveted crown and title. This year's runners-up and the winner of Miss Mango Tree Out Of This World 2017 are:

From Left to Right

4th Runner-up, Miss Iwa Moto 

2nd Runner-up, Miss Peach Pongpusut 

Miss Mango Tree Out Of This World 2017, Miss Alessandra Mae  

1st Runner-up, Miss Areeyan Sutani  

3rd Runner-up, Miss Geri Love

Losing in a battle can lead to an emotional despair but bear in mind that there is no success without a failure. Keep a positive mind and disposition in life in order for you not to give up. So, pick yourself up and recreate yourself as life must go on.

If you would like to see more photos, just click on link below...

https://www.facebook.com/pg/quidnuncqueenvictoriaphotography/photos/?tab=album&album_id=349765462140527