First Queen winner reminds org: Respect each other’s ideas

CEBU, Philippines — The red carpet was rolled out for this year’s Queen Philippines staging with the arrival of the pageant’s candidates on August 3.

Dedicated to the members of the transgender community, Queen Philippines has become the country’s most sought-after platform for transgender women, with other regions eventually naming their own transgender competitions after the Cebu-based pageant (Queen Davao, for one) instead of calling it the traditional Miss Gay such and such.

Held every two years, Queen Philippines returns in what organizers describe as the biggest edition yet. The competition welcomed its 35 candidates, each of them representing cities and towns all over the country, during the Queen’s Welcome Dinner held on a gusty Saturday night at the Circa Dos of Circa 1900 Restaurant.

Though competitors, the candidates – all glammed up in their resort wear – shared an evening of friendship as they got acquainted with one another. They also received a swag bag containing their official shirts, shoes, swimwear, jewelry and a Cary Santiago LBD.

Santiago, founder of Queen Philippines, looked back on the humble beginnings of Queen (coined by Jude Bacalso), now an institution etched in the hearts of transgender women in the country.

“I never thought we would come this far. We have proven to them that this is a show. In this way, you ladies have become parallel to natural-born women. I am so joyous tonight. When I see you, so dressed up, and all of you have spent so much effort, emotions, and financially just to come here. It’s such a joy having you here and my friends gathered here tonight,” Cebu’s master couturier began. “We will promise you that we’ll make it big. This is the grandest so far.”

Joining the coronation night on Saturday at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino are two of the hottest TV stars at the moment, thanks to their hit afternoon teleserye, “Kadenang Ginto.” ABS-CBN actresses Beauty Gonzalez and Dimples Romana will be seated at the judge’s panel, alongside Bea Zobel de Ayala and other high-profile names.

“Beauty and I go way back. We were introduced and we became instant friends. I got close to her, I begged her to come, and said that maybe she didn’t have to be alone. Maybe she could pair up with someone and she obliged. She will be bringing Dimples Romana to join the coronation night,” said Santiago.

Previous Queen Philippines winners also graced the affair, in solidarity and support of the cause. Bee Urgello, who won the top crown in 2011, reassured the ladies that this is a fair competition, saying that she and past winners can attest to the life-changing experience that is Queen Philippines.

Queen Philippines Universe 2009 Rain Marie Madrigal, the very first Queen Philippines grand titlist, also reminded everyone of the reason why the pageant was built, beyond the fame and glamour, in light of recent commotion and disagreement within the organization.

“What makes the organization productive is when there is diversity and inclusion. There is always that push to respect each other’s ideas. Once we are diverse, all the brilliant ideas will just really come flowing. This is the 10th year from the first staging, and it will always get better each year. We hope that in your little way, you enjoy the festiv ities and glamour of the pageant, and right after the pageant, you bring with you the cause and message of love, peace, and camaraderie into every member of he LGBTQ community,” said Madrigal.

First held in 2009 and back then still called Queen of Cebu, Queen Philippines was last seen in 2017, where it crowned Samantha Dodson of Leyte as Queen Philippines Universe.

Five winners will be crowned this Saturday with the titles of Queen Philippines Universe, Queen Philippines World, Queen Philippines International, Queen Philippines Earth, and Queen Philippines Tourism.