Predictions: Who will be Mr. Gay World Philippines 2017?

Note: The story below first appeared on pageant writer Norman Tinio’s blog. It is republished here, with his permission.

Rappler live streams Mr Gay World Philippines finals night! Bookmark this page to watch.

Truthfully, I have assessed the official candidates over and over again for the past two weeks (more so when I sat on the panel of judges for the pre-pageant segment last September 18) and I could really see the competition among the 34 remaining gay men.

These 5 stood out among the rest:

John Raspado of Baguio City

This tall and very good-looking candidate has the Mr. Gay World profile written all over his features and qualifications. He can also speak his mind well, and just needs to steady his nerves during crunch time. The title is his to lose, in my opinion. If he fumbles in the most important part of the competition, the next likeliest winner would be…

Janjep Carlos of Cavite

This adorable chinito never hides the fact that he went under the knife to achieve the look he now proudly displays to all and sundry. This guy can be a real scene-stealer once you give him the chance to express his innermost self. He can have a way with words, and in a brief and concise manner at that. He is definitely the biggest opponent of the number one on my list, but I wouldn’t discount the plan of attack of…

Bench Ortiz of Pangasinan

Bench is cleary the most familiar face in the competition, owing to his widespread popularity as a Fitness Coach among fans and followers of KF Beauty Queens and the camp’s pageant contenders. He definitely exudes a tempered flamboyance that would never go unnoticed. I have always seen him as the Best in Swimwear among all the others. But how far will he go, considering that there could be a silent killer in…

Khalil Vera Cruz of Zamboanga del Sur

This corporate yuppie who got his business acumen from the Asian Institute of Management blends his very Pinoy charm with a generous dash of wit and eloquence. And boy, is the most dashing when it comes to suits, tuxes, and smart casual wear. Did I also mention that he is an active voice for the HIV/AIDS awareness campaign, #LoveYourSelf? But wait, there could be one more possible winner in the ranks, and he is…

Leo Andrew Ponce of Batangas

Leo is a former business trader turned professional hair and make-up artist, and he can also be a force to be reckoned with. He may not have a look that grabs your attention outright, but he definitely makes up for it in character. His appeal grows on you and stays firmly rooted. He is a vocal LGBTQi [lebian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, and intersex] advocate who will always fight for equality and give gay men who discriminate their fellow gay men whiplash.

These 5 are my strongest bets for the title and one of them will be our representative to Mr. Gay World 2017.

As for the remaining 10 on my list, I would pick two special competitors who may pull a hat trick and surprise everyone come October 2. Sycris Brown of General Santos City and Ron Ramos of Palawan could be real contenders if the right breaks come their way. We’ll just have to wait and see if the cookie will crumble and give way to them entering the spotlight.

So for now, my top pick for Mr. Gay World Philippines is John Fernandez Raspado of Baguio City. He’d better deliver because I have a lot of faith in him. He is definitely in it to win it.

Allow me now to give a huge thanks to the head and founder of the Mr. Gay World Philippines Organization, Wilbert Tolentino, who has raised the search to the national level with his bravery and daring. He has a maverick personality and he’ll pull out all the stops to make this competition a big success. Kudos as well to his senior team, made up of Raoul Barbosa, Ryan Soto, Rodgil Flores and others for providing solid support from beginning to end.

To the successor of Mister Gay World Philippines 2016 Christian Lacsamana, may you inspire even more.

See you at the UP Theater this Sunday, October 2. It’s going to be one hell of a show that could approximate Miss Universe proportions. – Rappler.com

Norman Tinio started pageant-blogging back in 2009 but has already been an avid pageant enthusiast since the early 70s. Apart from that, he is an Industrial Psychologist by profession, movie addict by nocturnal choice and an ex-Seminarian who can pray in Ancient Latin. You can always find him and his daily musings at normannorman.com.