Vanity Salinana: Queen of Cebu 2012

• She makes history as the first transgender from Bohol to win the crown

• Gender issues are important, but she also wants to represent all people
• Transgenders should not join pageants for natural born women

It took a while before I could reconcile the dainty and young ladyboy I met a few years ago in a campus pageant to the girl so sexy and sophisticated in the poster of the official candidates of Queen of Cebu 21012, a pageant for alternatives.

She was then simply VanVan Kintanar Salinana, who lived with her parents and two siblings at Baclayon town. She was hired to choreograph the Mr and Miss University of Bohol Personality in 2003. She had a unique style of executing her ideas that made the pageant as one of the most unforgettable campus pageants in Bohol. Then, she invited us to attend the town fiesta, my last encounter with her.

The moment of glory: Vanity Kintanar Salinana reacts with disbelief as she is crowned Queen of Cebu 2012. Courtesy: Queen of Cebu on Facebook

Years later, I heard through friends that VanVan became Vanity Kintanar Salinana who won the Carnival Queen of Mandaue 2010 and Bb. Gay Pilipinas Region VII in 2011.

And now, here she is Queen of Cebu 2012, in full bloom at 30--- with a flourishing career to boot (a call center agent team leader in Cebu City where she can express herself without borders) and made history for her province, after becoming the very first Boholana transgender to be crowned Queen of Cebu.

                                                       

An early favorite, Vanity who was also voted as Best in National Costume award, Best in Costume and Best in Long Gown, dashed the dreams of 20 other candidates as she dazzled the panel of judges (chaired by Mariquita Salimbangon-Yeung, Miss Universe 2010 fourth runner-up Venus Raj, pageant co-chair Tessa Prieto Valdez, Marguerite Lhuillier, Mark MacMahon, Michael Carandang, Ferdie Salvador, Alice Galang Eduardo, Marissa “Small” Laude and Tim Yap) with both her beauty and brains.

During the Q&A portion, Vanity expressed her gratitude and appreciation for the non-discriminatory culture towards LGBTs (Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Transgenders) in her workplace for the last eight years.

The pageant also served as a reunion of her former classmates and friends.

“Vanity is an achiever. We were classmates and barkada since high school. Until now, she has blossomed into a unique combination of beauty, brains and breeding,” said fashion icon EJ Relampagos who watched the pageant along with make-up artist and hairstylist Tracy Remolador Torres, Epeh Relampagos, Ryan Sines, Keith Cantoneros, Dandie Josol and Agua Monteclaro.

Former Tubigon’s Queen of All Media Raymund Delgado, Vanity’s fellow Carolinian said, “She’s such a vision in her Dino Lloren gown. A well deserved win.”

A Capricorn (January 1, 1982), Vanity stands 5'5", weighs 135 lbs., and measures 37-26-42. She finished Business Administration at University of San Carlos.

Here is Vanity:

When did you realize that you are Queen of Cebu 2012? During the coronation night or the morning after?

“To be honest, it hasn't fully sunk in yet! Up until now, I still could not believe I won the prestigious title!”

Do you have secrets sustaining your poise, your grace under pressure, especially during the crucial points in any contest?

“Just be yourself but maintain your focus on the choreography and blocking if you do not want the choreographer beating you up! (Laughs) Smile a lot and think of happy thoughts or any thoughts that empower you...if you think that way, it will show on stage.”

What are your preparations for the pageant?

“Diet! And hit the gym at least three times a day! Read newspapers and articles to update yourself with current events. Do not indulge into stressful activities, be worry-free as much as possible.”

What is your best asset and why?

“Physically, it is my eyes- they are so expressive! My wit and intelligence also play a vital part.”

How do you maintain your beautiful body and flawless skin?

“Gym and diet. I do facials and diamond peel twice a month. I moisturize my skin with a lotion.”

Would you rather be smart but not too beautiful, or beautiful but not too smart?

“Intelligence will get you to places. Being smart attracts people of the same kind. Physical beauty fades over time, so I’d rather be smart. Besides, if you really are so smart, you will find ways and means to make yourself beautiful!”

What do you think is the biggest decision that you’ve made in your life?

“It is accepting what I am- a transwoman. I remember my mom telling me the first she saw me when I was transitioning from m to f way back 15 yrs ago. She said," Is this what you really wanted? People will ridicule you for it." I just told her that this is me and I cannot deny myself for being what I am. I just have to be brave enough to face everything that life throws at me, be strong enough to endure the challenges and struggles. That decision was the greatest decision I have ever made, no regrets!”

A winning combination: Miss Paraguay Vanity Kintanar Salinana shines in her national costume, evening wear and swimsuit as well as her intelligent answer to promote acceptance for transgenders. Courtesy: Queen of Cebu on Facebook

Who’s your role model?

“My mother. I am inspired by her selflessness and unconditional love.”

How's your love life?

“Let us just say I am in a relationship with myself at present.”

                        

If, that is a big if, you have a boyfriend now… you were to choose between your boyfriend and Queen of Cebu 2012 title, which would you choose?

“Queen of Cebu. I don’t understand why I have to choose. If my bf loves me and wants me to be happy, then he would not mind the crown in my head for a year. Being Queen of Cebu inspires transwomen out there, I somehow influence their lives and I want to be that positive influence to the younger generations.”

What advocacy experience do you have? Maybe you have an important message to share ... and Queen of Cebu 2012 would be the venue or forum to start your advocacies.

“Queen of Cebu has three beneficiaries- home for the aged, missionaries of the poor (kids suffering from cerebral palsy) and COLORS, a TS organization formed to help out transwomen in Cebu live better lives. I would support all three all the way!!”

Young people today are liberated and adventurous, willing to try everything. What's your stand on pre-marital sex?

“It all boils down to being responsible to oneself. Before you do something, take time to think what are the possible consequences of your actions.”

What’s your take on the transgender issue, should transgender be allowed to compete in beauty contests for women?

“Transwomen are special women, there is no need to compete with genetic women for whatever reason. This isn’t about equality. Transwomen will never be 100% the same as genetic women, you cannot compare. We do not have to join beauty pageants for genetic women just to prove that we are equal.”

If you were to change something in yourself, what would it be?

(Laughs) “My legs, I want Barbie legs!”

What is your favorite quote?

“You are worth not for what you have, not even for who you are but for what others have become because of you.”

Describe yourself in three words:

(Thinks for a while then smiles) “I am real!”

What do you find sexy in a man?

“His maturity.”

And what turns you off?

“His arrogance!”

What is the essence of Queen of Cebu 2012?

“It is to inspire transwomen out there and to positively influence them to reach for their goals and never ever give up!”

                                                                                             

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