Congratulations are in order for Mr Gay World 2020 Leonard Kodie Macayan! He now becomes our 3rd titleholder in the competition after John Raspado and Janjep Carlos.
His runners-up include Marek Piekarczyk of Poland and Vicente Miron of Mexico.
Let us hope that our next bet – Joel Rey Carcasona – will do just as well in the 2021 Virtual Edition next week.
#mrgayworld2020
#kodiemacayan 🇵đź‡
Watch the Finale of the 2020 Virtual Edition below.
The Search for MR. FAHRENHEIT 2021 / MR. GAY WORLD PHILIPPINES 2021
Although F Club Philippines (also known as Fahrenheit Cafè and Fitness Center) has not resumed operations due to current restrictions brought about by the pandemic, it has nevertheless launched Mr. Fahrenheit 2021 – the National Search for Mr. Gay World Philippines 2021 (Virtual Edition).
Here are the Qualifications:
– 20 to 45 yrs. old
– At least 5’5” in height
– With engaging personality and leadership abilities
Download the Entry Form here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/147OEUTsmApiPqUc0CFLLZGjZ6pz990tf/view?usp=sharing
Email entry form with close-up and full body (in swimwear or board shorts) photos: fahrenheitphilippines2021@gmail.com
Deadline of submission of Entry Form is on June 20, 2021.
The winner will receive P100,000 cash prize and will be the official representative of the Philippines to Mr. Gay World 2021. The Mr. Gay World organization has recently announced that it will be conducting its 12th and 13th editions virtually. Mr. Fahrenheit 2020/ Mr. Gay World Philippines 2020 Kodie Macayan will be the representative for the Mr. Gay World 2020 from Sept 4 to 11, 2021. Mr. Gay World 2021, meanwhile, will be held from September 18 to 25, 2021. The owner of Fahrenheit, Mr. Wilbert Tolentino, who is also the first Mr. Gay World Philippines titleholder (2009) and national director of Mr. Gay World, has high hopes that the Philippines can score its second and third consecutive victories after Janjep Carlos’ win in 2019, in addition to John Raspado’s triumphant feat in 2017.
#fclubphilippines #mrfahrenheit2021 #mrgayworldphilippines2021 #wilberttolentino #KaFreshness #mgakafreshness #sirwilyoutubechannel #sirwil75 #wilberttolentinovlogs #SirWilOfficialFanpage
Happy 25th Anniversary, KF!
Cousins Rodgil and Gio Flores
A period of 25 years is a “generation” – the time from birth to someone having a child of their own and starting the next generation. For beauty camp Kagandahang Flores, 2020 marks the year of its Silver Jubilee. And Rodgil Flores must be beaming with pride, alongside his cousin Gio Flores, in what their initial efforts have transformed into the past two and a half decades.
It all started from humble beginnings. Back in the mid-90s, the group fielded a sole candidate – Sonia Santiago – for Bb. Pilipinas 1996. In between, more beautiful Filipinas started undergoing training and polish for bigger beauty competitions. And in the process, a good number of the ladies started winning national titles left and right, until their successes were justly rewarded when Precious Lara Quigaman was crowned Miss International 2005 – their very first claim to grand slam fame.
Precious on top, Bea Rose below.
Below is a rundown of the KF alumni who went on to win their international pageants, either here or abroad:
Miss International 2005 Precious Lara Quigaman
Miss International 2013 Bea Rose Santiago
Miss Earth 2008 Karla Henry
Miss Earth 2014 Jamie Herrell
Miss Earth 2015 Angelia Ong
Miss Earth 2017 Karen Ibasco
Miss Intercontinental 2018 Karen Gallman
Miss Asia Pacific International 2018 Sharifa Akeel
Miss Tourism International 2012/13 Rizzini Alexis Gomez
Miss Tourism International 2013/14 Angeli Dione Gomez
Mr Gay World 2017 John Raspado
Mr Gay World 2019 Janjep Carlos
Mister Tourism Ambassador World 2018 Kerr Cruz
I won’t make a separate list of their winners in Bb. Pilipinas, Miss World Philippines, Miss Philippines Earth, Mutya ng Pilipinas/Mutya Pilipinas and even in Mr World Philippines or Misters of Filipinas anymore because this entry will get very long.
Rodgil during one of his training sessions with Miss Universe Philippines 2019 Gazini Ganados
Some of the core members of Team KF
In essence, Team KF discovers and teaches potential women and men to become successful pageant titleholders. The series of training and level workshops are focused on Personality Development, Visual Poise, Fitness, Pageant Question and Answer, Pageant Hair & Make-Up styling and Pageant Catwalk and Projection – all tailored fit for the biggest national pageants for both genders in the Philippines.
KF is now established as one of two most prominent beauty camps as well as internationally sought-after pageant training groups in the country. It’s no secret that beauty queens from other countries have also given their trust to them. And I am not surprised at the progressive move. If at any, that is already expected. Just like the last two Miss Earth winners Phuong Khanh Nguyen of Vietnam and Nellys Pimentel of Puerto Rico. They were both prepared (or perfected, if you will) at KF before their respective competitions.
Rodgil and his 28 Binibinis for Bb. Pilipinas 2020
I can remember during one of his past interviews (watch below) for Assignment Asia of the China Global Television Network (CGTN) how Rodgil called beauty aspirants – “beauty athletes” – because all the learnings are continuously practiced in their individual lives outside the confines of the camp itself. I could not think of a more appropriate term that could better that.
Congratulations to your 25th Anniversary, Kagandahang Flores! Here’s a toast to the passion and unstinting efforts to train a generation of Beautiful Filipinas!
Now that the 2017 international pageant season is over, allow me to share you videos that look back to the significant #1 finishes of the Philippines this year. The country continues to ride the wave of successes in different beauty fronts. They may not be as uber thrilling as capturing our 3rd Miss Universe, 2nd Miss World or 7th Miss International. Nevertheless, these are still good reasons to celebrate our beauty and pulchritude in the global stage.
1) Karen Ibasco’s crowning as Miss Earth 2017 may have been met with a lot of bashings and controversies. But you’ve got to give to this 27 year-old from Manila because she was in her best elements all throughout the Finals night at the MOA Arena:
2) Teresita Ssen Marquez established a milestone of sorts after she was adjudged as Reina Hispanoamericana 2017 – the very first Asian and Filipina to do so in a competition dominated by Latin Americans. Indeed, she was sent to the right pageant as her showbiz background helped a lot in her overall performance in Bolivia:
3) Talk about sending the perfect girl to the most appropriate contest. Mutya ng Pilipinas Jannie Alipo-on was seen by many as the best fit for the contest in Malaysia even before she departed for Kuala Lumpur. She performed consistently in all pre-pageant events, was favored by the organizers to promote the finals and gained even stronger momentum during the Coronation Night held last December 6:
4) Now – on the male side – we are not totally left behind either. John Raspado went to Spain – armed with the heart and optimism – and set out to win the big prize. He was declared Mr. Gay World 2017 – the first ever Asian and Filipino to dominate the competition for gay men from different parts of the globe. His achievement was celebrated not only in our LGBTQi community but all over mainstream media.
And in the modeling world, Maureen Wroblewitz became the first Filipina to win Asia’s Next Top Model. She proved to all and sundry that height is not always might in a contest where statuesque wannabes prevail.
So as you can see, this has been a pretty good year for the Philippines still. If I may just add, we also took home relatively noteworthy wins from Miss Nature Intercontinental (Sarah Bona), Miss Progress International (Jedaver Opingo), Miss Teen International (Kathleen Paton), Grandma Universe (Agnes Jakosalem), Mrs. International (Jessica Eribal), Woman of the Year 2017 (Jennifer Helen Weigl), Mrs. Tourism International (Dr. Risa Caldoza), Mister Super Model Universe (Hadrian Kim Bueno), Miss Super Foto Model Universe (Thamara Pacursa), Miss Asia Global (Mary Eve Adeline Escoto), Miss Pacific World (Beatrice Andrada), Miss Culture World Heritage (Rizza Paula Lacson) and even the Miss Plus Size International (Michelle Villegas) and Miss Top of the World Plus Size (Jodel Mesina).
At the end of the day, we cannot win all the time. But hereon now, there will be no year that not even one among our representatives will come home without a crown to show everyone.
It’s not often that I get formally recognized for the work that I do in pageantry and media coverage. So last night’s awarding of the Philippine Empowered Men and Women of 2017 is something that I looked forward to ever since the organizers informed of my inclusion in the roster of honorees.
You see, the daily blogs that I come up every single day is just a significant one-third of the work that I have decided to do on a full-time basis. Aside from covering pageants and other events outside of the industry, I also went full blast with training/coaching/mentoring of young women and men who wish to enter beauty competitions. It may not be the kind of profession that will make me the richest in terms of monetary rewards. But the fulfillment/happiness I get is immense. This despite the intrigues, controversies and small talks that come with it. I have learned to dodge the slings and bullets from individuals who are just waiting for my next wrong move even with the slightest of mistakes. And I have also mastered (sort of) the art of choosing my battles and ignoring the hits that are either envy-induced or non-bearing. I am no Chanel Olive Thomas who will pick up a Miss Friendship vote left and right. But one thing is for sure. I always have good intentions in all projects and commitments entrusted by individuals who believe in my ability to make noise and spread awareness, as well as impart my hard-earned knowledge on how to improve the varying personalities of those who want to aspire for their slice of fame and fortune in pageantry.
Once more, I want to thank Richard Hinola of RDH Entertainment Network and the different media outlets who find me deserving of the recognition. This will push me to step up the game more than ever.
Well this news caught me by surprise. Just when the Philippines finally won its first Mr. Gay World title (courtesy of John Raspado) in Spain earlier this year, the resignation of Wilbert Tolentino as National Director of Mr. Gay World Philippines Organization is starting to spread like wildfire online. And to think that many individuals are expecting that the country will host Mr. Gay World 2018.
Why the resignation? Read Wilbert’s post in his FB account:
As one of the pioneer candidates for Mr. Gay Philippines 2007, it has been a decade since a door of liberty and opportunities has opened. Thanks to Noemi Alberto for selecting me and believing in my capacity to be the first Filipino representative for Mr. Gay World 2009 in Whistler, Canada; it became clear to me what I had to do. I will never stop supporting other succeeding delegates to win the title for our country. This was my ultimate goal, and my calling.
That’s why she never reluctantly chose me to be the next national director for Mr. Gay World last 2015. She entrusted me this responsibility that many people thought it was an easy job.
Since my supervision, for the past two years, Mr. Gay World Philippines marked in history of making it to the finals. Don Christian Lopez as second runner up in 2016; and of course John John Fernandez Raspado / John Raspado as Mr. Gay World 2017. We have proven that the Philippines is a beauty powerhouse to be reckoned with, in all types of pageants.
Including Mr. Gay World, which is a very ‘Caucasian’ dominated pageant. However, we managed to slipped through our shot as an ‘Oriental Asian’ representative. This is a game changer for all of us. Our dream of a crown has came true.
However, personal priorities have becoming more important. That’s why I am resigning as NATIONAL DIRECTOR for Mr. Gay World Philippines Organization.
Coming from a very conservative Filipino-Chinese upbringing, this is the only time I could spend quality time with my parents, especially to my aging father; whom I haven’t spoken in decades, ever since I came out in the community. And to focus on my newly born son and provide him the greatest fatherhood and time he deserves.
This is a very heartbreaking decision. However I must choose what is best for everyone. Now that my family complete again. I don’t want to waste this memorable moments with them. Giving full time for my family is the only reason of my farewell.
Thank you for all the support of the following people who made this happened, especially to my Mr. Gay World Philippines team, Raoul Barbosa, Ryan Soto, Gio Lazaro Flores, Gelbert Aplal, Kristine Caballero Aplal, Karla Henry, Chad Jonas, Melanie Cabalida, Genesis Gallios, Richard Hinola, Patrick Isorena, Rocky Gathercole, Inyaki Yuson, Ahleks Fusilero, Mary Letim, Domz Ramos, Gerry Peralta, @yuan yazon, Norman Tinio, Noli Berioso, Kate Leyritana for providing HIV awareness module, LoveYourself Anglo headed by Ronnievinn Garcia Pagtakhan, MAQ PRODUCTIONS headed by Marie Santos Aquilizan & the rest of the team. To Kagandahang Flores headed by Direk Rodin Gilbert B.flores who always brought out the full potential for both Christian and John during their journey.
And also would like to acknowledge the courage of 36 gorgeous and talented gay men across the country who fearlessly represented their regions for 2016 Mr. Gay World Philippines. You have set the standard of what a modern Filipino gay man should be – attractive, healthy, professional, career driven and goal oriented.
I will always continuously support all LGBTQIA local activities and participate in their advocacy.
To the Mr. Gay World team who has been my constant supporter of our cause, especially to The President & Founder Mr. Eric Eric G Butterr and the great people behind this wonderful organization.
As Mr. Gay World celebrates its 10th year anniversary in 2018. I wish all of them a success and more 10 years to come. Keep lifting the image of gay men across the world and fight for its cause. I may not be witnessing this important celebration, but my heart always support your organization.
Mr. Gay World Philippines is open for my replacement who has the same passion as mine and the capacity to provide travel and training assistance to future Filipino delegates that will compete in an international stage. I am willing to pass the torch to continue the legacy that has been passed on through the years, which I started.
My name is Wilbert Ting Tolentino, first Mr. Gay World Philippines, and the current National Director for Mr. Gay World Philippines Organization, saying thank you and goodbye.
Your thoughts, dear readers?
When newly-titled Mr. Gay World 2017 John Raspado of the Philippines returned to the country yesterday afternoon, he was met with cheers and applause from everyone who covered the arrival at NAIA Terminal 1. Along with proud mentors Wilbert Tolentino (Mr Gay World Philippines Organization President) and Rodgil Flores of Kagandahang Flores, he thanked everyone who supported his journey each step of the way and offered the victory to his countrymen. This is such a glorious moment for the Baguio native who has come a long way to reach the status he is enjoying now.
Watch the video below which plays parts of the competition.
courtesy of Mr Gay World
Once more, congratulations to you John! Amd may you have a most meaningful reign ahead. Continue to spread your #I♥️LGBTQI campaign and use the platform to gain more awareness of your causes.
All photos courtesy of JR Noses for normannorman.com
Just as everyone predicted, John Fernandez Raspado of the Philippines conquered Madrid and Maspalomas in Spain and walked away with the country’s very first Mr. Gay World title in the process. He defeated 20 other candidates on the way to victory. This is a momentous event for the Philippines as it will further the dominance of the country in international pageants. His runners-up are Spain (1st), Belgium (2nd), South Africa (3rd) and Switzerland (4th).
Along the road to the title during the finals, John also received 5 special awards for the Philippines, with the complete list detailed as follows:
Sports Challenge Winner – Chile
Social Campaign Winner – South Africa
Best in Swimwear – PHILIPPINES
Mr. Congeniality – New Zealand
Mr. Fashion Show – Chile
Mr. Online Vote – PHILIPPINES
Mr. Interview – PHILIPPINES
Mr. Photogenic – Spain
Mr. Written Test – Indonesia
Best in Formal Wear – PHILIPPINES
Best in National Costume – Spain
Mr. Social Media – PHILIPPINES
With John’s win, this could signal the possible hosting of Mr. Gay World 2018 in the country. And Mr. Gay World Philippines Organization President Wilbert Tolentino should be more than happy to do that.
Once again, our warmest congratulations to you, John!
John will be leaving for Spain on Wednesday, April 26
John (right) with MGWP Head Wilbert Tolentino
“I promise to do my best to bring home the country’s first Mr. Gay World title. Once more, consistency will be the key in getting the victory.” said John. He will promote his #I❤️LGBTQI Advocacy while in the host city.
​​
You might want to know what National Costume he will wear in Spain. Here it is.
Mr. Gay World Philippines Organization Head Wilbert Tolentino models the National Costume that John Raspado will wear in Spain for Mr. Gay World 2017.The Rocky Gathercole ensemble is inspired by a combination of the Spanish and Pre-Colonial influences of the Philippines. The gold-embellished head piece was designed to symbolize the indigenous mythical demigod “Sipada”, a great warrior and patron deity of homosexuals in the Philippines. Since Mr. Gay World 2017 will be held with the symbol of the Spanish matador, it coincides with the month in which the pageant month will fall – Taurus – the Zodiac sign of May. This creation costs a total of US$5,000.00.
From all of us here at normannorman.com, we wish you all the best, John! We know that you are capable of bringing honor to the Philippines. Do us proud in Spain!
John’s sendoff to Mr Gay World 2017 will take place this afternoon
This afternoon at Club 690 in Quezon City, the invitational Send-Off Presscon of Mr. Gay World Philippines John Raspado to Mr. Gay World 2017 will take place with the attendance of pageant and showbiz media guaranteed to make the proceedings more colorful.
MGWP Organization Head Wilbert Tolentino is making sure that all bases are covered in the preparations of John before leeaving for Madrid, Spain next week. Popularity voting-wise, we are in the lead. But that’s no excuse to rest easy in throwing in our support. Keep the votes coming in for our bet. Click HERE to do just that.
In the meantime, please watch, like and share the video of John who is also gunning for Best in Social Media.
Watch out for the normannorman.com coverage of the Send-Off! 🙂
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