MAKATI CITY, Philippines—Not even the COVID-19 pandemic can stop gay men from celebrating diversity and highlighting the plight for gender equality. The annual Mister Gay World pageant may have taken the sidelines last year because of the global health crisis, but it is coming back with a bang this year.
After Janjep Carlos bagged the country’s second victory in the global contest for gay men in 2019, the Philippines set out for a back-to-back berth with advertising professional Lenard Kodie Macayan.
Crowned in February 2020, Macayan was all set for the international tilt in South Africa in May. But the COVID-19 pandemic put the world to a halt, and this dashed his dream of a global crown.
But just recently, former Mister Gay World Philippines and the international pageant’s current national franchise holder for the Philippines Wilbert Tolentino announced the search for the 2021 Mister Gay World Philippines through the Mister Fahrenheit competition.
On his social media post, Tolentino made a call for “proud gay or bisexual men” with a gorgeous face and exceptional body physique to try out for the national search.
The contest is open to Filipinos 24 to 45 years old, not shorter than 5 feet and 5 inches in height, and can speak either English or Filipino.
Tolentino also encouraged applicants “with a unique platform the share.”
The winner will take home P100,000 in cash, and will represent the Philippines in the 2021 Mister Gay World pageant.
But this does not mean that Macayan’s quest for a global crown should be kept inside the closet. The reigning king will still see action on the international arena even if he is set to relinquish his national crown to a new winner.
Pageant director Rodgil Flores told the Inquirer in an online interview that the international organizers of the Mister Gay World pageant will stage two competitions in September.
“Kodie will still compete for the 2020 edition, which will be held from Sept. 4 to 11. The new winner will join the 2021 contest to be held from Sept. 18 to 25,” Flores shared.
Both competitions will be conducted virtually, he added.
Interested applicants may send their entry form, together with their close-up photo and full-body picture in either swim wear or board shorts, via e-mail at fahrenheitphilippines2021@gmail.com.
The deadline for submission of applications is on June 20.