Wildcard finalist John Raspado of Baguio City was hailed as the first-ever grand winner of “It’s Showtime’s” beauty pageant for gay men, “I Am PoGay,” beating 22 other finalists during its grand finals on “It’s Showtime” Saturday (May 10).
John Raspado won P300,000 and also won the “Brusko ‘Day” award for being the most manly-looking finalist. He made a mark on the judges during the question-and-answer portion, where all the Top 5 finalists were asked what a blank white photo meant to them.
“It means rebirth. Life is like a white canvas, and we get to paint it with different colors,” he said.
Tian Lacsamana was hailed as the first runner-up and won P200,000, while Oreo Gajasan was named as the second runner-up with P100,000.
Completing the Top 5 were runners-up Sycris Brown and Ton Villaruel, who both won P50,000 each. Sycris and Ton were also awarded the “Kumu-Couture” or the Best in Formal Wear Award and the “Beksfriend” or Friendship Award, respectively.
Finalist Bench Tinao, who didn’t make it to the Top 10, bagged the “Pamintalent” or Best in Talent Award, based on the week-long talent competition leading to the finale.
Host Jhong Hilario, Lani Misalucha, Richard Gomez, Dra. Vicki Belo, and Miss Universe Philippines 2014 Mary Jean Lastimosa served as judges for the grand finals.
“I Am PoGay” was launched in January this year to put the spotlight on gay men, following the tremendously successful “That’s My Tomboy” pageant that showcased charming and talented lesbians.