Bohol crowns its 1st Sandugo Queen

Wake-uppers:

Vanessa Aumentado

Scene: The 4th Koja Festival at Caingget Beach in Barangay Booy  in Tagbilaran City on July 24. “Koja,” a seashell has made the coastal barangay a popular destination.

Seen:  Maria Vanessa Cadorna-Aumentado, the wife of Bohol 2^nd district Rep. Erico Aristotle Aumentado, made it to the Top 50 of GMA News Online SONA 2019’s most fashionable women. She ranked 19 out of 45. Her bronze Filipiniana designed by Boholano couturier EJ Relampagos. Her fabulous bag was customized by Boholana accessory designer Christine Virtucio.

Scene: A mass casualty involving a bomb explosion simulation exercise was held at the CPG Sports Complex, three days before  the Sandugo street-dancing competition. “The simulation exercise was to measure the readiness and capacity of local responders together with the responding agencies,” said Anthony Damalerio, head of PDRRMC.

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Mahdison Lucido of Clarin
 town was crowned Sandugo Queen 2019.
  Contributed Photo

The unicorn is out of the bag. Pride has covered Bohol in a sea of rainbows as a 24-year-old LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) was crowned first Sandugo Queen at a star-studded pageant that lasted more than three hours at the Bohol Cultural Center Friday night.

Mahdison Lucido from Clarin town beat 14 other hopefuls to win the most coveted crown of the Sandugo Queen.

Angel Lumalaban from Getafe town was crowned Sandugo Queen Tourism,  Jamia Aranuez from Alburquerque town was declared Sandugo Queen Youth Ambassadress 2019, Shay Farra Kawa II from Ubay town was adjudged 1st Princess and Redd Madrigal from Tagbilaran was crowned  2nd Princess.

Sandugo Queen is the first province-wide pageant for gay and transsexual members of the LGBTQAI+ community, a society of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, asexual, aromantic, agender, and intersex individuals, with a “+” for those who are in the process of self discovery, or have more complex identities.

Khim Ryan Laway Magtagad, Sandugo Queen 2019 pageant chairman, said the pageant aims to empower LGBTQAI+  by giving them a platform to express their thoughts and views on inclusion, diversity and equality. It is also a celebration of their unique beauty, wit and talent.

Mahdison said the pageant is a stepping stone towards equality. 

She promised that she will use her title to spread her message of love to those who discriminate LGBTQ’s as their new chief of LGBTQAI+ rights and welfare.

The winners of the first Sandugo Queen.  Contributed Photo

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Wake-upper:

Scene: Donald John Trump was elected the 45th president of the United States last Tuesday in a stunning culmination of an explosive, populist and polarizing campaign. On Election Night, however, Trump’s star became the site of a victory party. Supporters gathered at his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, chanting “U-S-A!” and wearing “Make America Great Again” hats. The star had been defaced several times over the course of the election.

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The story of hair and beauty guru Bebei Tagoctoc is a ‘hairy’ kind of success story at all.

Bebei Tagoctoc is known as the "Mother of All Hair 

and Make-up Artists in Bohol" who

 started as utility boy at a small beauty parlor 

and working his way to the top. Contributed Photo

Bebei, the "Mother of All Hair and Make-up Artists in Bohol," started as utility boy at a small beauty parlor (called Blue Petals) inside the old BQ Mall, working his way to the top.

"At 15, I dropped out at school," recalled Bebei.  “I am a firm believer of education, but I had to stop from my studies because of poverty.”

It was at the Blue Petals’ beauty parlor where Bebei’s talents was enhanced and developed.  He decided to apprentice in that Blue Petals where he started as a mere parlor sweeper, then eventually became a manicurista, a neophyte hairdresser and a make-up artist.

In 1987, Bebei opened his salon on CPG Avenue, consisting of a wall mirror, a shampoo chair, a bowl, and a dryer. It wasn’t much, but to Bebei it meant everything, as it was something he could call his own. It was Jun Quimpan, Bebei’s partner, who encouraged and helped him to establish his own salon.

Due to unavoidable circumstances, Bebei’s salon transferred to Lambert’s Building along Ma. Clara Street, then finally settled at K of C Drive.  However, his loyal clients continue to hire his services.

Twenty-nine years later, Bebei has become an institution in his own right, sought-after by the clients, mostly the who’s who in Tagbilaran, who submit themselves wholeheartedly to his "magic touch" which sometimes transforms them into completely new and different personalities, beautiful inside and out.

Name a who’s who and a star and Bebei has touched her:  Christine Hermosa, Piolo Pascual, Ruffa Mae Quinto, Jericho Rosales, Philippine top models, when they came to Bohol.  Bebei was tasked to touch their delicate faces.  In 2005, when Miss Earth candidates came to Bohol, Bebei was hired as the official make-up artist.

Bebei said he has never snubbed a client since he knew how to deal clients with tantrums.

“As possible, I please them,” he said.

Coming out

Bebei starts his day very early by praying. Then, he does prepare for the salon at K of C Drive.

Bebei Tagoctoc has become an institution in 

his own right that clients like couple Harold and 

Agnes Jesuro trust Couple Harold and Agnes Jesuro 

seeks Bebei’s Hair and Make-up and Rental Packages

 for their wedding last June. Contributed Photo

Everyday is a busy day. If he’s not at his salon, he’s somewhere else doing home service for a bride and her entourage. He also designs gowns.

Bebei was one of a handful few “bayots” in the city who came out in early ‘60s.  He said “coming out” in those years was a suicide.

Even as a kid, Bebei knew he was gay. He would draw faces, figures and fashion designs on his notebooks.  He liked dolls.

“It was something a near to death experience when you were coming out. It was a moment to see if society accepts my true identity or not,” he shared.

Bebei has experienced different layers of discrimination throughout his life- for his sexuality. Each time, he shrugs it off.

“I let them go,” he said, “I am not the one who is kawawa. I know myself.”

He said being a Marian devotee has helped him to conquer obstacles in life. He owns a Mater Dolorosa (Our Lady of Sorrow) statue after he was inspired during his many visits at the St. Joseph Cathedral. The statue of the Mater Dolorosa at the Cathedral was donated by the late Charing Dejaresco.

“I like the Dolorosa’s teary-eyed and I felt her love for me,” he said.

Bebei’s life story was featured on GMA’s Jessica Soho Reports. It was no less than multi-awarded journalist Jessica Soho called Bebei as “Ricky Reyes of Bohol.”

‘Mothering’

Bebei spends much of his time “mothering” to other “bayots” who asked his help. Even Lamok, who once dubbed the “Beautiful Boxer”, could testify Bebei’s good heart. It was Bebei who adopted him when he was down.

As of this year, Bebei has two adopted “badings”. He may not have completed his education but he is sending them to college.

President-elect Donald Trump’s star, which 

had been defaced several times over 

the course of the election, becomes

 the site of a victory party. 

Supporters gathered at his star on

 the Hollywood Walk of Fame, chanting 

“U-S-A!” and wearing “Make America Great Again”

 hats. Your VRS’s 2015 photo at the star 

of the 45^th president of USA. 

“I told them to finish school for a bright future,” he said.

Bebei said he has no plan to stop working, not yet.

“I don’t have any plans to stop working, or to stop helping,” he said.  “I love what I am doing with the love of the people.”

Come to think of it, if he were not a hair and make-up artist, what would he have been?

"A teacher," said Bebei. "I love to teach."

But with what he’s doing, Bebei has more than achieved that dream.

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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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