Philippine
representative John Fernandez Raspado bested over 40
delegates from around the world to win the 9th edition of Mr. Gay World pageant
during the finals held at the legendary Yumbo Centrum Square in Gran Canaria
Island, Maspalomas, Spain on Thursday morning. The Grand Finale Gala
was part of Maspaloma’s Gay Pride and in collaboration with Freedom, the
organizer of the pageant, the official event of the World Pride-Madrid
2017.
Raspado,
a 36-year-old, Marketing graduate of St. Louis University, working as
online marketing entrepreneur, was the grand winner of It’s Showtime’s “I Am
Pogay 2014,” a contest exclusive for good-looking gay Filipinos. Raspado
succeeded last year’s title-holder Roger Gosalbez, from Murcia, Spain, first
Spanish to win Mr. Gay World.
The
good-looking native of Baguio City also won special awards as Best in Swimwear,
Best in Formal Wear, Mr Gay World Closed Door Interview, Mr. Online Vote and Mr
Social Media . Raspado, who was provided formal wear by Leo Almodal and
national costume by international celebrity designer Rocky Gathercole, is a
strong advocate of HIV awareness. He believes that he can be a genuine voice
for the gay community in the Philippines and more broadly around the world. He
has counseled some HIV patients in the past and would also like to focus on
other health issues.
Spain’s
Candido Arteaga and Belgium’s Raf Van Puymbroeck finished as first and
second runner up, respectively. Marco Tornese of Switzerland and Alexander
Steyn of South Africa were named third and fourth runner up,
respectively. Others in the Top 10 were Australia, Ecuador, India and
Austria.
“Thank
you to the people behind Mr Gay World Philippines, especially, Wilbert
Tolentino (Mr. Gay World Philippines Organization director) for guiding me on
my journey to success and to my fellow candidates, especially, my roommates Mr
Belgium and Mr Venezuela. To the Filipino community in Spain, to
loveyourself.org, and to Kagandahang Flores. This win is not only for my family
but also for all the gay men who have principles and a purpose to fight for,”
John posted on the Mr Gay World Philippines Facebook page after his victory.
The
Mr. Gay World 2017 was supported by the City Council of San Bartolomé de Tirajana,
the Grand Canaria Tourist Board, Madrid WorldPride 2017 and other Spanish
institutions. “It is a social event with a huge international exposure and we
want Spain to be an example of coexistence, equality and respect of LGTBI
rights for the whole world,” said event organizers Juan Martin Boll and Nano
García.
Since
2009, Mr. Gay World has become the most important international contest
worldwide, within its category. It aims to look for ambassadors for human
rights, more specifically LGBTI rights. It seeks to identify leaders that will
assume the responsibility of being spokespersons for visibility, equality and
diversity beyond their own countries.
In
his facebook account, Raspado posted this:
I’d
like to express my overwhelming gratitude to Mr. Gay World Organization headed
by Eric G Butter,Dieter Sapper,Emanuel Wiehl, Igor Scheurkogel,Juan
Martín Boll, Nano Garcia, Santiago Tovar, @jose and @patricia.
A
million thanks to Wilbert Tolentino - National director of MGWP my
mentor, to Ryan Soto, Raoul Barbosa, Melanie Cabalida, Chad
Jonas, Rico Campo and the rest of the Mr. Gay World Philippines
Organization.
To my
new found brothers in Cándido Arteaga, Raf Van Puymbroeck, Charlie
Tredway, Alberto, Juan Pedro, Jorge, Flavio, David, AleXander, Marco, Vitor,
Andrej, Darshan, Budi, Touya, Joonas, Ton, Michael, Jaromir and Franitsek you
gyys have been wonderful... i look forward to seeing you again... keep in touch J
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 LoveYourself Inc, Inyaki
Yuson, Gerry Peralta, Ulysses King, tito Rocky Gathercole, Leo
Almodal,Domz Ramos, Ahleks Fusilero, Mary Letim.
To Genesis
Gallios, Marites Ramos Birao,Lamberto Esperanza and the rest of Club
One 690.
To my
wemsap family headed by sir Zach Zion,Louie Catamora, Cori Racinomla, Frankendal
Fabroa, Gi Na, Sii Nads Ako, Popoy Mike, Ezio Auditore, Sir
Hanz, Rob Cruz, Carj Andi and the rest whom I failed to mention.
To
all Press, Media, Bloggers Richard Hinola, Tito Norman Tinio, Tito Jay Pata,
tito Lhar, Tito Mario, and all others...
To my
asawa Paolo de Silva, Mama, Daddy, Shey, Art, Cris, Mama Remy, Auntie mel,
Roj, Tiks Sarah, Melissa, Uncle Tony, Ate Jen, Tikong, Mike, Mlvi, Restie,
Zennet, Yeng, David, Rene, Cleofe, relatives, friends, supporters and the rest
of the LGBTQI community around the world...
Filipino
community and supporters in Madrid, Canada, Australia, USA, Hong Kong,
Thailand, Dubai, Saudi, Qatar, Taiwan, Singapore, New Zealand, Malta, London,
UAE and all parts of the world who have supported me specially thru prayers...
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... Words by Eton
B. Concepcion/Photos from John Raspado FB Account
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