Two Philippine Representatives to World Pageants Crowned

​​Two outstanding individuals who will represent the Philippines in two world pageants were both proclaimed in two separate national pageants held last October 2, 2016.
Twenty-two year-old Catriona Gray, an Australian-Filipina model representing Albay Province, won the 2016 Miss World Philippines title in the pageant finals held at the Manila Hotel Tent. A clear winner from day one of the pageant, Catriona also got the lion’s share of corporate and special awards that include Best in Swimsuit, Best in Long Gown and Fashion Runway Award.

Other winners are Arienne Louise Braga Calingo, 1st Princess; Ivanna Kamil Suficiencia Pacis, 2nd Princess; Marah Munoz, 3rd Princess; and Sandra Raymundo Lemonon, 4th Princess. Sarah Margarette Joson of Manila and Ralph Lauren Asuncion of Batangas were among the top 12 finalists. Catriona will compete at the 2016 Miss World Pageant to be held on December 18 at Washington DC, USA.
Meanwhile, John Fernandez Raspado, a thirty-three year-old entrepreneur from Baguio City won the prestigious Mr. Gay World Philippines (MGWP) 2016 title at the finals held also last October 2 at the UP Theater in Diliman, Quezon City. Very much like Catriona, John had also been considered by most pageant experts as a shoo-in for the title and also took home most of the sponsor’s awards that includes Mr. New Placenta by Psalmstre.
As Mr. Gay World Philippines 2016, John will receive three hundred thousand pesos cash and two hundred thousand pesos worth of prizes in kind and will be the official Philippine representative at the 2017 Mr. Gay World Pageant. First runner-up honor went to Mr. Bench Ortiz of Pangasinan. 
An illustrious line-up of personalities such as award winning actress Lorna Tolentino, Miss World 2nd Princess, Ruffa Gutierrez, comedian host, John Lapuz and Bb. Pilipinas beauties, Janicel Lubina and Rogelie Catacutan, to name just a few, comprised the panel of distinguished judges. Mr. Paolo Bediones and Miss Earth 2008 Karla Henry served as the main hosts and Mutya ng Pilipinas, Kristine Caballero-Aplal as anchor.
“I’m still at awe with the massive support we received and the huge success of the 2016 Mr. Gay World Philippines, thank you for the never-ending love and support given to me from my friends, family, sponsors and event partners and congratulations to all winners and candidates whom I now consider as family,” said Mr. Wilbert Tolentino, national director and producer of MGWP, at the conclusion of the finals night. 
Promoting gender equality most especially among LGBT and HIV/AIDS Education and Prevention are some of the key advocacies of Mr. Gay World Philippines Pageant.  New Placenta for Men by Psalmstre is one of the corporate sponsors of MGWP 2016.
With Reports from Francis D. Calubaquib and Noli Berioso