•
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!”
***
Thanks for your
letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow
leoudtohan at Twitter /Facebook.
