Congratulations #MrPhilippinnes!!! You are #MRGayWorld2017 #MGW2017 pic.twitter.com/74RjjIrlgU
— Mr.GayWorld™ (@mgworg) May 10, 2017
The Philippines’ bet John Raspado won the title of Mr. Gay World 2017 held in Spain on Thursday morning, the first victory for the country in the pageant’s history.
Aside from clinching the title, Mr. Gay World Philippines organizer Wilbert Tolentino said Raspado also bagged special awards such as Mr. Interview, Best in Swimwear, Best in Formal Wear, Mr. Online Vote, and Mr. Social Media in the finals show held at the Yumbo Centrum Square in Maspalomas.
In 2014, Raspado won the “I Am Pogay” contest of ABS-CBN noontime show “It’s Showtime.”
Joining Raspado in the roster of winners were Candido Arteaga of Spain (1st runner-up), Raf Van Puymbroeck of Belgium (2nd runner-up), Marco Tornese of Switzerland (3rd runner-up), and Alexander Steyn of South Africa (4th runner-up).
Raspado took to the Mr. Gay World Philippines Facebook page to thank the people behind his victory.
“Maraming salamat sa mga bumubuo ng MGWPO (Mister Gay World Philippines), lalong lalo na kay Wilbert Tolentino, sa laging paggabay sa aking paglalakbay sa tagumpay at sa mga tumulong sa akin sa backstage at mga kapwa kong kalahok. Lalong-lalo na kay Belgium at Venezuela na aking naging kasama sa kuwarto,” Raspado said.
(Thank you so much to the people who make up the MGWPO, especially to Wilbert Tolentino, for his guidance in my journey to victory and to those who helped me backstage and to the other contestants. Especially to Belgium and Venezuela, my roommates.)
“Sa mga kuminidad ng mga Pilipino sa Espanya, sa loveyourself.org, sa Kagandahang Flores. Itong pagkapanalo ko ay hindi lamang sa aking pamilya ngunit para sa mga baklang katulad ko na may prinsipyo at layunin sa pinaglalaban. Maraming salamat sa Dios Ama!” he added.
(To the Filipino community in Spain, to loveyourself.org, to Kagandahang Flores. This win is not only for my family but also to gays like me who have principles and goals. Thank you, God!) YG/JE
