Miss Gay Philippines-Germany 2005

Miss Gay Philippines-Germany 2005
Originally uploaded by karampot.

On 14 May 2005, the Mabuhay-Sampaguita e.V. was formally launched with a big disco night party and the first ever Miss Gay Philippines-Germany 2005. It was held in the Bruckenforum in Bonn, one of the most prestigious venues the city has.

With 8 candidates hailing from the different parts of Germany as well as a representative from the Netherlands and Italy, it was a night to remember.

I was very lucky indeed to experience this event first-hand because it is the first time that my husband and I assisted in organising one. The preparations started already months before and they first contacted my husband to do the choreography. I came into the picture as assistant to him and to eventually organise the programme together with the members to make sure that there would be a flow in it. It sure was fun to explore one's creativeness on the possibilities of showcasing each category and see how one can make the evening a success. It is a tough job because of all the details that one needs to think about and thankfully, everybody in the group worked together and all just fell into place the day before the event.

I must admit, my husband just have the talent to create a production number because if it was me, I would never think of something that quickly nor that nice. I tell you it is plain talent. He also has a huge reserve of patience which is really essential when teaching dance steps and dealing with tensions and nervousness of the candidates. I have to admit with shame that I am never the patient type. But he can go on, even if tired, patiently teaching the dance step and soothing the tired nerves of everyone.

The production is a re-mix of "I'm every woman" of Whitney Houston, "Lose my Breath" of Destiny's child and a song of Nina Sky. It was very upbeat and the dance steps were full of "kembot" or swaying hips. The steps were so "gay" it was really amazing. I for one felt at home because I feel officially affiliated to these "girls" coz I just love their style. We were very lucky though that all of the candidates were fun and patient and friendly. Of course one would always find those who put themselves on a pedestal but not this group and I was really glad. Let me introduce them to you a bit just so you get a glimpse of their personality.

Bobby or Katy Suzane was a whiz in dancing. Can you imagine someone learning all of the steps and formation in an hour? And his performance during the evening? Wow! Like a real professional. He just had the bad luck of falling costumes and popping buttons but his uptake was really awesome. I salute you girl! Hahaha!

Mara who comes from Bologna, Italy was a real lady. He moves like a lady and have eyes to die for. He can do a flicker of an eye or a toss of his hair or just being a demure lady and be so seductive, I just feel like a man. Honestly, he looked more feminine than me on several occasions. I definitely liked his poses during the production number.

Victor or Sarah Jane was all conscious and "worried" I guess because of nervousness and "first-time" syndrome. But my, did he glow when he did his talent number. Marionnette stint like in Miss Congeniality without the fire though. It is really amazing to find somebody doing something you'd never expect and what a transformation too! Hats off!

Tonette or Gloria Cristina was the comedian turned beauty-queen. She was the winner of them all and she did it through her humorous and confident presentation on the stage. As most of the judges had their own favorites, he was able to maintain a constant high grade which made him the winner. Just a good thing he didn't give birth during his talent *wink* coz he might have been disqualified. Great humor Tony!

Via was the sweetest of them all and somehow the most delicate probably because he was the youngest and the most inexperienced. But underneath that façade is a girl who knows who he is and is confident enough to show his true self to people and be happy with it. I specially liked his talent where he was wearing white and with blacklights effect was able to combine ribbon gymnastics and a nice exotic music to a great presentation. He was the second-runner-up.

Chito or La Vita Ross coming from Breda, Netherlands can be described in one word: Cool. He was such an easy-going guy but really can showcase himself into a taller Diana Ross. What a transformation!!! He was all elegance during his evening gown presentation maintaining this aloof aura. And man! You should have seen how he rolled that piece of tool and made it look so elegant. Aye! He has class!

Joy, the first-runner up, was who we fondly call Jane Fonda. I can see he was into classical jazz because no one can stretch their leg that far, I tell you! He was also one of the fastest who was able to master the steps and reeking with professionality. But then he's a choreographer so nothing to be surprised about. He was so happy that night it really shone on his face and really girl! You deserve it after all your hardwork!

The last candidate was Nes or Vanessa Fox who was not able to join the production because he didn't have time. He didn't even have time to bring a costume and thank goodness for the kind-hearted Bobby who lent him one. Of all the candidates, he was the one with real "Boobies" and he played that advantage to the max.

I had one of the difficult tasks that night because I was in charge of the scoring. There were times when I was sweating and getting paranoid coz I know that if I make a mistake, the whole show will collapse but thank goodness nothing happened. Each category: Personality, Filipiniana, Ethnic, Talent and Evening Gown weighs 20% and summed up into 100%. Tonette, the winner, had an average of 91.65 and Joy and Via had the same score, 89.25. Chito came next with 89.15, Mara with 88.90, Bobby with 88.35, Victor with 87.25 and finally Nes with 86.45. The scoring went really smoothly although the results surprised a lot of people. It must be said that the jury had their respective favorites but Tonette consistently had "good grades" due probably to his antics and the fact that he was very relaxed on the stage.

On the final round of the top 3 candidates, the total score was 80% and the Question and Answer was 20%. There was only one question for all of them and while the first one hears it, the other two have headphones in their ears with music playing so they won't hear it. The question was "What does the title Miss Gay Philippines-Germany 2005 mean to you?" Joy scored high at this point but he was not able to catch up with Tony on his score.

All throughout the evening, the programme was a mixture of the presentations of the "girls" and the great live band Music @cha making it a fun-filled night. The people were able to dance till they drop and enjoyed the whole show with our "Showgirls". For me, it was a great feeling to see something I plan come to life and that people appreciate it. It was also a great experience to meet all these talented candidates and be touched by their colorful personalities much like their wonderful costumes. Some people have come up to me and told me that they are already looking-forward to the next one. Who knows! But meanwhile, we have Little Miss Philippines to organise in August! See you there!