Baguio City native John Fernandez Raspado will aim to become the
first Filipino to win the illustrious title of Mr. Gay World when he competes
at the finals to be held in Madrid and Maspalomas, Canary Islands, Spain from 5
– 10 May 2017.
The 36 year old, Marketing graduate of St. Louis University, works
as entrepreneur engaged in online marketing. He won as grand winner of It’s
Showtime’s “I Am Pogay,” a contest exclusive for good-looking gay Filipinos in
2014. He went on to win as Mr. Gay World Philippines last year succeeding
Christian Lacsamana who finished as 2nd runner up in Mr. Gay
World 2016 held in Malta.
Raspado, who is into extreme sports and physical fitness, is an
advocate of HIV awareness, believes that he can be a genuine voice for the gay
community in the Philippines and more broadly around the world if he succeeds
in taking the title of Mr. Gay World 2017. He has counseled some HIV patients
in the past and would also like to focus on other health issues.
Raspado, who is taking care of his brother who suffered a stroke,
said that he would like to uphold the mission and vision of Mr. Gay World
Philippines. He also aims to eradicate stereotyping and create a more
positive image for Filipino gay men.
Mr. Gay World, held since 2009, is an internationally recognized
platform that encourages all its representatives to have their own voice in the
LGBTIQA+ community and fight for what they believe in on issues such as
acceptance, equality and respect. It aims to demonstrate that inward beauty and
physical appearance are equally important in the gay world as is the virtues of
leadership and confidence. The current Mr. Gay World titleholder is Roger
Gosalbez of Spain.
Mr. Gay World Philippines Organization (MGWPO) director Wilbert Tolentino
said he wishes John all the best and expressed confidence that he would make
all of the Philippines proud. The MGWPO is providing Raspado the necessary
wardrobe for the competition including a formal wear designed by Leo Almodal.
Raspado will also bring to Spain a $5,000 national costume, a
Spanish and pre-colonial Philippines inspired costume with a gold embellished
metallic head piece symbolizing the native mythical demigod ‘Sidapa,’ a great
warrior and patron deity of the homosexuals in the Philippines. It was made by
international celebrity designer Rocky Gathercole who’s creations were worn by
Hollywood stars such as JLo, Katty Perry, Nikki Minaj, Paris Hilton, Lady Gaga,
Britney Spears, Beyonce, Gloria Stefan, Toni Braxton, Carrie Understood and Mel
B. of the Spice Girls.
In his facebook account, Raspado posted this to thank those who
have helped him for this completion:
Me gustaria agradecerles por venir!!! I would like to thank you
all for coming...
Thank you for inspiring me to be the best person that i am
today... "a painting in progress" and for being one with me with my
advocacy #iHeartLGBTQI as we bring home the crown to our country a symbol of
Hope towards our ultimate dream of Equality...
I
am John Fernandez Raspado and i am your Voice for Equality and Change 
❤❤❤
❤❤❤
Id
like to express my overwhelming gratitude to Wilbert Tolentino - National director of MGWP my mentor
for making this Press Send off possible... to Ryan Soto, Raoul Barbosa, Melanie Cabalida, Chad Jonas, Rico Campo and the rest of the Mr. Gay World
Philippines Organization.
To
Direk Rodin Gilbert B.flores, Gio Lazaro Flores, Jay-jay Palao, Georgette Garrido, Gelbert Aplal (official videographer), Kristine Caballero Aplal and the rest of My KF family...
To
people who have contributed to this journey Inyaki Yuson, Gerry Peralta, Ulysses King, tito Rocky Gathercole, Leo Almodal, Domz Ramos, Ahleks Fusilero, Mary Letim, Marky Buenaobra...
To Genesis Gallios, Marites Ramos Birao, Lamberto Esperanza and the rest of Club One 690.
To
the members of the Press TV, Radio, Print and Bloggers tito Lhar Santiago, tito Mario
Dumaual, Jefferson Fernando, tito Norman Tinio, tito Jay
Patao, tito Morly Alinio, Richard Hinola, Eton Bonifacio Concepcion,
@celso caparas, @robert requintina, Jonas Virtudazo, Joy Arguil, Jonas Yu and the rest whom i failed to
mention...
To
my wemsap family headed by sir Zach Zion, Louie Catamora, Cori Racinomla, Frankendal Fabroa, Gi Na, Sii Nads Ako, Hanz Defensor and the rest whom i failed to
mention...
To my love one,
family, relatives, friends, supporters and the rest of the LGBTQI community
around the world... Words and Photos By Eton B. Concepcion
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