Filipino wins transgender pageant

Twenty-two-year old Kevin Balot, a nursing graduate from the Philippines, won the prestigious Miss International Queen, the worldwide pageant of transgenders and transvestites. Kevin was also voted Ms Photogenic according to pageant organisers Tiffany Show and Piton Communications. Jessika Simoes of Brazil won 1st runner-up while Thailand’s Panvilas Mongkol was 2nd runner-Up.

The yearly event held at the resort city of Pattaya, Thailand, on Nov 2, was aired live on Thai television and watched by millions. An offshoot of Tiffany Show Pattaya, a cabaret show, Miss International Queen has grown into one of the most popular pageants in Thailand and has attracted international media coverage. It is also dubbed as the Miss Universe for transvestites and transgenders, whose aim is to empower transgenders, promote LGBT rights and provide a venue for showcasing their talents. The pageant has also launched the careers of several winners including Ai Haruna and Treechayada 'Poy' Malayaporn, who have become mainstream actresses and models in Japan and Thailand respectively.

According to organisers, the parents and sister of Kevin surprised him by flying in from Manila to Thailand to watch him compete and win the pageant. His mother was so proud she wanted to immediately join and congratulate him onstage after the pageant.

Kevin, who dreams of becoming a flight attendant, said he was proud to be the first Filipino to win the eight-year-old pageant, which has been dominated by winners from Thailand, USA and Japan. Three other Filipinos joined the pageant. One of them was Stefania Cruz, who won Miss Ripley’s Popular Vote.

:)) Congratulations Kevin!

Other Special Awards Winners:
Best Evening Gown – Sunny Dee-Lite (United States)
Miss Congeniality – Noah Herrera (Venezuela)
Miss National Costume – Yuki Tachibana (Japan)
The Angel Talent Competition – Beni Tukishima (Japan)
Miss Perfect Skin By Asoke Skin Hospital – Matricia Mae Centino (Guam)

(Photos courtesy from Tiffany Show/Piton Communications)

Comments

The Filipino Diaspora Abroad: One Foot in Motherland

I was privileged to give a reaction during the book launch of DIASPORA JOURNEY: PHILIPPINE MIGRATION AND DIASPORA NARRATIVES last October 30. The authors are Filipinos from various parts of the world. A majority of them have lived most of their lives in the US. In light of the recent elections in the US where migration was one of the most pressing issues, and unfortunately the rightwing campaign of the Republicans has demonised certain migrant groups as criminals and opportunists, I am publishing the reaction I gave during the launch. Magandang hapon po, good afternoon to all of you! To Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya, Consuls Jari, Nomer, Kay, friends at the embassy and the Filipino community, and the authors who are here – AVE RODRIGUEZ-BAXA, MYRLA DANAO, RUBY LANGEVELD-CUMBA, MALU PADILLA, JEFFREY MORALES, MAYA, AND CARLO BUTALID. It is my honor and pleasure to briefly react to this book, DIASPORA JOURNEY: PHILIPPINE MIGRATION AND DIASPORA NARRATIVES. When we propose a man...

Wonderful Poland

Why Poland? A question we often got when we told friends that we were going to Poland for our summer vacation this year. The plan was to go by train from Amsterdam, via Berlin, to the first city in the east and move from one city to another. As fans of the slow TV program Rail Away, our family of three did not mind hopping on a train for our 24-day adventure. We had done this in 2023 when we went to Prague, Cesky Krumlov, Vienna, Bratislava and back on a sleeper train to Amsterdam. We enjoyed long train rides while reading, observing how views change as the train moves, and chatting about what to eat when we arrive. It also saved us from traffic if we chose to drive, or from airport summer chaos if we flew. We were born to take the train! It turned out to be so much fun - 24 days, 8 cities, 20,000 or more steps a day and a few train hours between cities - and an enriching experience especially for our son. It required a bit of planning though. First, we studied the map of Po...

Oh Osaka!

Osaka is a vibrant metropolis that pulsates with a unique blend of ancient tradition and modern dynamism. Often regarded as the culinary capital of Japan, this city is a gastronomic paradise, renowned for its delicious street food delights like takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes). Beyond its culinary prowess, Osaka's skyline is a testament to its futuristic ambitions, with dazzling skyscrapers standing tall against the backdrop of historical landmarks such as Osaka Castle, a remnant of Japan’s feudal past. Osaka's neighborhoods each tell their own story, from the bustling shopping streets of Shinsaibashi and the neon-lit entertainment district of Dotonbori, to the tranquil, cherry blossom-lined pathways of Osaka Castle Park. The city thrives on its unwavering energy, embodied in its residents, known for their warmth and distinctive Kansai dialect, which adds a colorful charm to everyday interactions. Culturally rich, it is home to an array of museums, the...

Stories & Photographs by Jofelle Tesorio

Search This Blog