In search for a queen
QUEZON City continues in its effort to spread Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) awareness and understanding staging the second edition of the Queen of Quezon City (QQC).
The pageant offers a platform for the LGBT community to empower themselves in stopping discrimination, focusing on virtues of respect, equality, pride, and empowerment.
Through the pageant Quezon City aims to emphasize the city’s role as a pioneer in the promotion and advocacy of gender fairness and equality among its residents and all Filipinos.
The 24 candidates officially chosen to take part in this year’s pageant and compete for the title are: Erwina Tirambulo from Talayan Village; Redj Daria Espinosa from Brgy. Tagumpay; Ehm-jay Buena Tuazon from Brgy. Loyola Heights; Terresa Caranzo and Samantha Garcia from Brgy. Bagong Silangan; Louise Manalo from Brgy. San Roque, Cubao; Avah Torres Pineda from Brgy. Pag-ibigsa Nayon; Angel Artita from Brgy. Bagbag, Novaliches; Shine Rodriguez and Jhade Ellorin Soberano from Brgy. Bagong Pag-asa; Naomi Fontanos from Brgy. U.P. Village; Denine Palacio from Brgy. Mariblo; Keith Legara from Brgy. Talipapa, Novaliches; Casey Banes Paculan from Brgy. Piñahan; Scarlet Alcaraz and Yanyan Idalia from Brgy. Commonwealth; Andrea Justine Aliman from Brgy. Sacred Heart; Nica Kate Sapinoso Brgy. San Roque, Cubao; Jhonna Castro from Brgy. Holy Spirit, Maria General from Brgy. Nagkaisang Nayon; Summer Lariosa from Brgy. Dioquino Zobel; Rami Hannash from Brgy. Sta. Lucia, Novaliches; Ghen Antolin from Brgy. Sta. Monica, Novaliches; and Pamcee Vera Perez from Brgy. Gulod, Novaliches.
The candidates were screened by a community led by Teresa Mariano, the QC Chief of Staff for Administration; Police Senior Inspector Rene Balmaceda, the first openly transgender cop in the Philippine National Police (PNP); and Andrew de Real, TV director and writer.
From these candidates, the city will choose a new Queen of Quezon City, who will receive ₱300,000 cash prize. It will also choose the Queen’s court, which will include “Lady Equality,” “Lady Respect,” and “Lady Pride,” who will each receive ₱100,000.
The candidates will be judged according to beauty, intelligence, and personality as with the readiness to embody the ideals of the LGBT community.
The pre-pageant will be held today while the Grand Coronation Night is on Nov. 10, at the University Theatre, Diliman, Quezon City.