Mr. Gay World Philippines Organization

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Sunday Specials: A Chief Like No Other in Wilbert Tolentino

Posted by Norman on December 17, 2017
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , .

A couple of months after John Raspado (left photo) was named as the country’s very first winner of Mr. Gay World, the President of Mr. Gay World Philippines Organization – Wilbert Tolentino – dropped a bombshell when he resigned from the post citing personal reasons that will prevent him from fulfilling the demanding duties and responsibilities of the job. Ever since, the position has remained vacant.

Rumors floated that he will be succeeded by some familiar individuals soon after. But to no avail. Even the President of Mr. Gay World himself – Eric Butter – has not yet found a suitable replacement for Wilbert and continues to woo the latter to reconsider his decision.

Wilbert remains non-committal, but extremely grateful of the trust that the bigger group has given him. After all, he is like a Boss Chief like no other as people look up to him with such trust and admiration. He is truly one tough act to follow.

In the meantime, let us see where the wind blows right after the busy Holiday Season. Who knows, things might just work out according to everyone’s expectations by 2018.

Credits for the “White Indian” pictorial in this post:
THE TRADITIONAL NATIVE CANADIAN COSTUME I WORE IN THIS PHOTO WAS INSPIRED FROM THE COUNTRY I COMPETED IN WHISTLER CANADA AS THE FIRST FILIPINO MR. GAY WORLD 2009.

I DEDICATE THIS PHOTO TO THE CREATIVE PEOPLE WHO TIRELESSLY SUPPORTED THE MR. GAY PHILIPPINES THROUGH THE YEARS.

TO Gio Lazaro Flores FOR MY MAKE UP TRANSFORMATION, Jay Patao FOR 30 MINS GEOGRAPHY MODULE TRAINING. TO Jojo Mangalino & Georgette Garrido FOR MY CATWALK TRAINING, STAGE PRESENCE & POISE.TO DENNIS ARCERO FOR 1 HOUR PHOTOSHOOT TRAINING, David Isaac Buenaventura FOR Q&A KEYWORD, Francis D. Calubaquib FOR HIV/AIDS ADVOCACY TRAINING MODULE. Karen Ostrea FOR PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT & PAGEANT POINTERS & STRATEGIES. Nap Brandon FOR 1 WEEK NATIONAL COSTUME AND SPECIALLY TO THE ONE AND ONLY BEAUTY KING AND BEAUTY QUEEN MAKER OF THE COUNTRY DIREK RODGIL FLORES.

IN LESS THAN 45 DAYS AFTER MY APPOINTMENT BY OUR BELOVED NATIONAL DIRECTOR NOEMI ALBERTO, YOU HAVE TRANSFORMED ME INTO A MORE CONFIDENT AND DRIVEN CANDIDATE, YOUR TEAM HAS OPENED MANY DOORS WITH IFINITE POSSIBILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR MY PERSONAL GOAL AND PROFESSIONAL ASPIRATIONS. MY HEART IS GRATEFUL. THANK U DIREK RODGIL. I HAVE BEEN A PROUD KFamila MEMBER FOR A DECADE NOW.

AND DESPITE OF MY FATE IN THAT PAGEANT YEAR, I AM STILL HONORED TO BE AWARDED WITH NUMEROUS ACCOLADES. BEST IN NATIONAL COSTUME, MR. GAY WORLD POPULARITY & BEST IN FORMAL WEAR FOR INTERNATIONAL PAGEANT AND 5 AWARDS FOR NATIONAL PAGEANT AND LANDED 2ND RUNNER-UP.

THANKS TO YOU CANADA FOR THE EXPERIENCE. I DEDICATE THIS MASTERPIECE TO THE NATION THAT HAS STOMPED FOREVER IN MY HEART AND IN MY MEMORIES.

TO Eric G Butter, MR. GAY WORLD OWNER/CEO, THANK YOU FOR ENTRUSTING ME TO CONTINUE THE LEGACY OF FULFILLING THIS CAUSE IN SUPPORTING THE LGBT + COMMUNITY. I AM PROUD PHILIPPINES NATIONAL DIRECTOR FOR MR. GAY WORLD PHILIPPINES 2016 & 2017.

#MRGAYWORLDPHILIPPINES

PHOTOGRAPHY l Erich Caparas
STYLING l Domz Ramos
GROOMING l Mary Letim Ponce
HAIR l Jp Parcero
DESIGNER l HITOMI BY Richard Barretto
ASSISTANTS l Royal Kalel & Jeffray Abadiano
PHOTO ASSISTANTS l Ronald Garcia & Randy Formaran Jr.
MODEL l Wilbert Tolentino, Wilbert Tolentino II, Wilbert Tolentino III, Wilbert Tolentino IV, Wilbert Tolentino V

#whiteindiancostume

Wilbert Tolentino resigns as National Director of Mr. Gay World Philippines Organization 

Posted by Norman on July 24, 2017
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , .


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?

Sunday Specials: John Raspado and his successful conquest of the Gay World

Posted by Norman on May 14, 2017
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , .

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

John Raspado wins Mr. Gay World 2017!

Posted by Norman on May 11, 2017
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , .


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!

A Message from Mr. Gay World Philippines John Raspado

Posted by Norman on April 19, 2017
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , .

John’s send-off to Mr. Gay World 2017 is coming up soon!


The dates of the big mission of Mr. Gay World Philippines John Raspado are closing in. And in less than a week’s time, he will be given his formal send-off to Madrid and Maspalomas in Spain to compete for the title of Mr. Gay World 2017 from May 5-10 and, hopefully, bring home the country’s very first victory in the competition among gay men from different parts of the globe. Your blogger is strongly encouraging everyone to support his bid in the online voting segment. Here is his message:

MR. GAY WORLD 2017 VOTING PAGE IS ALREADY OPEN!!!

Dear friends, relatives, supporters and fans all over the world…

Pls support me in my running towards the coveted title of Mr. Gay World 2017 in Madrid and Maspalomas, Spain in May 5-10, 2017

YOU CAN VOTE EVERY 24 hours
Pls Do VOTE, SHARE and also TAG your friends on this post…

Dios ti Agngina… Agyamannak

John is in high spirits. He is getting all the love from the Mr. Gay World Philippines Organization courtesy of Wilbert Tolentino, as well as the Kagandahang Flores camp and all his good-intentioned fans and followers.

Let us unite in bringing him closer to the crown!

John Raspado and the Red Carnation

Posted by Norman on March 20, 2017
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , .

Mr Gay World Philippines 2016 John Raspado in his latest photoshoot with Ahleks Fusilero


Kudos to the Mr Gay World Philippines Organization for collaborating with ace photographer Ahleks Fusilero in coming up with the theme for the latest photoshoot of Mr Gay World Philippines 2016 John Raspado with that very red carnation (national flower of Spain) covering his lower body. This is to start drumming up support for the upcoming Mr Gay World 2017 finals which will be held in Madrid and Maspalomas from May 5-10.

John is eyeing the big prize. And he wants nothing more than to bring home the Mr Gay World crown and be the first Filipino (and Asian) to actually win the honor. Kagandahang Flores is in-charge of his pageant training and preparations no less.

For more updates on the annual contest and to be on the loop for information as to how to support John in Mr Gay World 2017, keep on checking the FB page of Mr Gay World Philippines Organization.

Let us support John Raspado in his mission of becoming the country’s first Mr Gay World

LoveYourself & MGWP | Partnering to end the reign of HIV in the Philippines

Posted by Norman on November 7, 2016
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , .

Bench Ortiz, John Raspado and Khalil Vera Cruz for LoveYourself

LoveYourself, Inc. has partnered with the Mr. Gay World Philippines Organization to help spread the word in erasing the social stigma on the disease. Mr. Gay World Philippines John Raspado and runners-up Bench Ortiz and Khalil Vera Cruz have stepped up to help in the campaign. In line with this, there will be LoveYourself will offer once again its free anonymous HIV screening (the country’s biggest testing day event ever) in Victoria Court Malate on November 27.

Here’s the Press Release:

LoveYourself to Dethrone Reigning HIV with the PHL’s Biggest Testing Day Event

On its way to dethrone HIV, LoveYourself, Inc. has sought a partnership with Mister Gay World Philippines Organization (MGWPO) to eradicate the social stigma on the disease and its relevant interventions.

Advocating for timely testing and treatment, the LoveYourself-MGWPO partnership entails the promotion of the LoveYourself Incognito 2.0, which is the country’s largest community-based HIV screening that is free, anonymous and fast, set to happen on 27 November at Victoria Court Malate in Manila.

With the aim to continuously implement HIV and AIDS early detection programs, both organizations together with the Department of Health-Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (DOH-RITM) and Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. are calling individuals to have themselves tested for HIV by signing up on go.loveyourself.ph/incognito.

LoveYourself Executive Director Ronivin G. Pagtakhan said “We are trying to build as many allies as possible towards the HIV cause to make our call to action within the community more resounding and sustainable.”

Pagtakhan emphasized that “the partnership with MGWPO would greatly help the advocacy in spreading the awareness and reach the unchartered waters that only pageant organizers have an expertise on.”

Sharing the same platform and passion of providing sexual health assistance and education in the community, MGWPO Board of Director Ryan D. Soto, said “that with LoveYourself, this partnership will save more lives and provide more assistance in the future.”

By erasing the stigma on the disease and relevant interventions, Soto said “[MGWPO] will use its influence to the immediate advancement of HIV and AIDS treatment and research, and will use its winners to be the voice of any medical breakthrough [on the disease].

Based on the latest advisory of the DOH-Epidemiology Bureau, there are 764 newly-diagnosed Filipinos living with HIV for the month of August alone. Meanwhile, only 611 persons living with HIV (PLHIV) from those diagnosed in August and earlier have subjected themselves to treatment.

Pagtakhan stressed that “only through testing that we can we detect if one has contracted HIV and we help newly diagnosed PLHIV through treatment, so these constitute the focus of our partnership.”

“Everyone must be responsible to his/her health and welfare and educate others about the importance of early detection of such diseases… By giving our candidates complete HIV and AIDS seminar through LoveYourself, they would be able to share [what they have learned] with others,” said Soto who also opened MGWPO’s doors for future programs with the advocacy group.

Apart from conducting an HIV101 Seminar with MGWP 2016 candidates, the partnership became even more inevitable after three LoveYourself advocates donned HIV awareness and advocacy as their platform during the MGWP 2016 competition which concluded last 02 October at the University of the Philippines Main Theater.

These advocates were Christian Khalil Vera Cruz representing Zamboanga del Sur who also landed as this year’s 2nd runner-up, Jesse Regin Nacilla of Cebu and Jerome Lacsa from Rizal who placed in the top 10 and top 15, respectively.


Moreover, this year’s MGWP winner John F. Raspado of Baguio City and his 1st runner-up John Bench T. Ortiz are LoveYourself Incognito 2.0’s ambassadors together with Vera Cruz.

Previous MGWP title holders, such as Mister Gay World 2015 2nd runner-up Christian R. Lacsamana, MGWP 2012 Carlito F. Rosadiño Jr. and MGWP 2013 Erimar S. Ortigas have used their voices to help the HIV cause by joining LoveYourself.

LoveYourself held the first-ever Incognito last May 29 which helped 300 individuals know their HIV status. This is the highest number of individuals tested for HIV in a mass screening event in the Philippines.

Back in July, LoveYourself also gained the support of the reigning Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach by providing financial assistance through the help of the Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. an umbrella organization of Filipino American associations in the U.S. The advocacy group takes pride in this as the Miss Universe is the most influential ambassador of HIV advocacy to date.

MGWPO is a non-profit organization supporting the fight against sexual prejudice, injustice and equality for the LGBT community across the world. The organization aims to modernize the image towards gays and break all stereotypes from the public perception. It also aims to continue the advocacy of HIV/AIDS awareness and treatment assistance for everyone.


LoveYourself is a non-profit organization conducting HIV testing, counseling and peer education founded on enriching an individual’s self-worth. LoveYourself can be reached through its official website at http://www.loveyourself.ph, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/loveyourself.ph/and on Twitter at @LoveYourselfPh and Instagram at @loveyourself.ph.

Mr. Gay World Philippines | The Likeliest Victors

Posted by Norman on September 30, 2016
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , .

It all comes down to this. Tomorrow night is when Mr Gay World Philippines will be chosen.


courtesy of Pageant TV

First off, below is a video of my Top 5 Predictions:

​​

Now here are the Top 15 on my list in photos:


Truthfully, I have assessed the Official Candidates over and over again for the past two weeks (moreso when I sat on the panel of Pre-Pageant judges last September 18) and I could really see the competition among the 34 remaining gay men being dominated by five of them:

1) John Raspado of Baguio City – the tall and very good-looking Igorot who has the Mr. Gay World profile all over his features and qualifications. He can also speak his mind well, and needs to just steady his nerves during crunch time. The title is his to lose, in my opinion. If he fumbles in the most important part of the competition, the next likeliest winner would be…

2) Janjep Carlos of Cavite – the adorable chinito who never hides the fact that he went under the knife to achieve the look he now proudly displays to all and sundry. This guy can be a real scene stealer once you give him the chance to express his innermost self. He can have a way with words, and in a brief and concise manner at that. He is definitely the biggest opponent of the #1 on my list, but would not yet discount the plan of attack being readied by…

3) Bench Ortiz of Pangasinan – cleary the most familiar face in the competition, owing to his widespread popularity among fans and followers of KF Beauty Queens and the camp’s pageant contenders as a Fitness Coach. He definitely exudes a tempered flamboyance that will never go unnoticed. And I have always seen him as the Best in Swimwear among all comers. But how far will he go considering that there could be a silent killer in…

4) Khalil Vera Cruz of Zamboanga del Sur – this corporate yuppie who earned his latest business acumen from the Asian Institute of Management blends his very Pinoy facial charm with a generous dash of wit and a very articulate self. And boy, he is the most dashing when it comes to suits, tux and smart casual wear. Did I also mention that he is an active voice for HIV/AIDS Awareness #LoveYourSelf? But wait, there could be one more spoiler in the ranks and he is…

5) Leo Andrew Ponce of Batangas – the former business trader turned professional hair and make-up artist can also be a force to reckon with. He may not have the look that grabs you outright. But he definitely overflows in character. His appeal grows on you and stays firmly rooted. He is a vocal LGBTQi advocate who will will always fight for equality and give a whiplash to gay men who discriminate their fellow gay men.

These five are my strongest bets for the title, and I bet one of them will be our representative in Mr. Gay World 2017.

As for the remaining ten on my list, I would pick two (2) special competitors who may also pull a hat trick and surprise everyone come October 2. Sycris Brown of General Santos City and Ron Ramos of Palawan could be real spoilers if the breaks come their way. We’ll just have to wait and see if any cookie will crumble and give way to their entry to the big spotlight.

So for now, my top pick for Mr. Gay World Philippines is John Fernandez Raspado of Baguio City. He’d better deliver because I have a lot of faith in him. He is definitely in it to win it.

My top pick for Mr Gay World Philippines


Allow me now to give a huge thanks to the Head and Founder of Mr. Gay World Philippines Organization Wilbert Tolentino who has transformed the usually non-mainstream search to the national level with his brave and daring. He has the maverick personality that will pull out all the stops to make this competition a big success. Kudos as well to his senior team made up of Raoul Barbosa, Ryan Soto, Rodgil Flores and others for providing solid support from beginning to end.

To the successor of Christian Lacsamana, may you inspire even more.

Wilbert Tolentino (middle) with the Pre-Pageant judges (including yours truly) and some of the candidates


See you at the UP Theater this Sunday. It’s going to be one hell of a show that could approximate Miss Universe proportions. 🙂

Let us support Mr. Gay World Philippines 2016 Christian Lacsamana

Posted by Norman on March 31, 2016
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , .

 

Mr. Gay World Philippines 2016 Christian Lacsamana

 
courtesy of Wilbert Tolentino
In just a few weeks from now, Mr. Gay World Philippines 2016 Christian Lacsamana will be departing for Valleta, Malta to embark on what could possibly be his biggest mission and challenge in life – to win the country’s first-ever Mr. Gay World title, bring honor to the country and be an inspiration to people everywhere with his platform on HIV Awareness and HIV Stigma.

With the generous backing of Mr. Gay World Philippines Organization headed by Wilbert Tolentino, the guy is dead serious in doing well in the finals come late April. More than anything else, he wants to create a big impact in the host city once the actual competition goes underway. I personally believe he can.

Here is an inspiring message from Christian himself.

“We are just as important and we all play pivotal roles in making this planet a better place to live in. This leads me to believing that Mr. Gay World is not by principle just a pageant of pomp and grandeur. I believe that it seeks to serve a noble purpose and as i begin with myself, I trust the MGW organization may be pleased to make me his agent of change to influence others to be responsible.” #mrgayworld2016 #mrgayworldPhilippines #labanPilipinasMGw2016

 

Vote for Christian by clicking on the link below

 
Please keep on supporting our bet, Christian, by voting for him in the online poll of Mr. Gay World 2016. Click HERE!