Cris Manuel is Queen of the World 2015

Despite the Queen of the World being held at the same time as the Liberation Day festivities, it still managed to draw a huge crowd that witnessed the eventual crowning of Cris Manuel as the gay pageant’s inaugural winner.

Tickets were sold out and about 800 people watched and had fun at last Saturday’s event held at the Royal Taga Hall of Saipan World Resort.

“We had a very wonderful crowd tonight. This was unexpected,” said Mario Mayuga, president of the Bayani Association, which hosted the competition. “Even though there is Liberation Day, many still came.”

“We’re very thankful. I was positive that this will be a crowd drawer because this is what the people has been asking for,” event director Ernie Molina said.

In his welcoming remarks, Mayuga explained why they chose to hold such an event for their 14th anniversary.

“Some of you might ask, why gay? Why not? We all know how creative, artistic, and talented they are. It is not about gender or status, it is about being equal, taking part in the community, and their contributions cannot be ignored,” he said.

Fourteen contestants vied for the crown and entertained the crowd with their talent and wit. They are Jolly Maido as Miss Mexico, Anne Arafol as Miss Puerto Rico, Berta Tarrobal as Miss Egypt, Cris Manuel as Miss Philppines, Shake Espela as Miss CNMI, Tammy Torres as Miss Venezuela, Laura Martinez as Miss Trinidad & Tobago, Macy Chavez as Miss Colombia, Rica Lozarito as Miss Jamaica, Sunshine Geles as Miss Panama, Nestea Villegas as Miss Malaysia, Babes Asinero as Miss USA, Joan Olivero as Miss Bahamas, and Georgia Tadtad as Miss China.

Of the 14, Manuel stood out and was hailed queen, taking home the crown and $600 prize. She also won the Best in National Costume and Best in Evening Gown.

This was Manuel’s first pageant on Saipan after being here for only a year. Back in the Philippines, he used to join pageants as well and won titles such as Miss Gay Cabanatuan.

Manuel said he is actually shy and the hardest part for him was the lingerie segment.

“I didn’t expect to win,” he said. “I am happy.”

Arafol was named first runner up and was also awarded the Best in Lingerie and Miss Talent trophies after performing a comedic version of the pop song, Frozen.

Second runner-up was Torres, while Espela won third runner-up and was also awarded the Spirit Award. Asinero placed fourth.

Other special awards were Miss Congeniality, which was won by Villegas, Miss Photogenic was given to Geles and the Charity Award went to Chavez.

Judges for this event were Noby Crisostomo, Megan Calderwood, Rob Harrel, Esther Kanayjorn, and Sonya Pangelinan Dancoe.

Guest performers were Saipan Ballroom Dance Team, Saipan Music and Dance, Gio Sagana, Lesly Ibarra, and Ramhae Andrea Adaza Awit. Event coordinator Annamae Adaza was the mistress of ceremonies.

Members of the audience include Miss Marianas Teen Gianna Camacho, Miss Marianas Jian Joyner, Philippine Honorary Consul Eli Arago, and Tan Holdings president Jerry Tan.

“I am very, very happy with the turnout of the event. Even the judges had fun and I had a lot of positive feedbacks,” Molina said.

The event’s major sponsor was IT&E. Donors included the TSL Foundation, PHI Pharmacy, JC Marketing Inc. KWAW 100.3 FM, Philippine Consulate General-Guam, Island Touch by Philip, Kanoa Resort, Fiesta Resort & Spa, Mariana Resort & Spa, Happy Market As Lito, Joeten Enterprises, St. Trading Company, MGA Business, HBR International Inc., National Office Supply, D’ Elegance Café, Shirley Wilson Catering Services, Tinian Dynasty Hotel & Casino, and Numbers International Corp.