Baguio native wins Mr. Gay World 2017


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







Comments