A 21-year-old Filipina became the first from her country to win the Miss International Queen transvestite beauty pageant in Pattaya.
Kevin Balot, who previously competed in three transgender pageants in the Philippines, won $10,000, a diamond tiara from World Gems and other prizes at the internationally broadcast contest at the Tiffany Show Theater Nov. 2.
Jessika Simoes of Brazil took the $2,000 first runner-up prize while Miss Tiffany Universe winner Panvilas Mongkol of Thailand finished third.
“I am very proud to be the first winner from the Philippines here,” said Balot, one of four Filipinos to compete in this year’s “Gallery of Glamour.” “I hope my dad will accept me. Because in the family, I am the only boy, and my dad has high expectations of me. I think my dad is going to accept me as not only his son but also as his daughter.”
First runner-up Jessika Simoes of Brazil (left) and second runner-up Panvilas Mongkol of Thailand (right) congratulate Miss International Queen 2012 Kevin Balot from the Philippines.
The judges panel, which included Tiffany Show executives, representatives from sponsors Pratunam Polyclinic, Pattaya Mail, Asoke Skin Hospital and TC Natural Co., Marriott Royal Garden Riverside, and the Woodlands Hotel & Resort, told the media afterward Balot most impressed them with responses during the question-and-answer period.
Last year’s champion Sripassorn Attayakorn performs a special routine for the audience.
Balot beat out 21 contestants from 15 countries. Ten were selected as finalists after a performance from Thai pop star Tata Young.
Balot also won the prize for Miss Photogenic. The best national costume award went to Yuki Tachibana of Japan. The best evening gown prize was awarded to Sunny Dee-Lite of the United States, and Most Talented went to Tukishima Beni of Japan. Miss Personality was awarded to Noa Herrera of Venezuela.
The Miss Ripley’s Believe It or Not! popular choice contestant was Stefania Cruz of the Philippines and Miss Perfect Skin was awarded to Matrica Mae Centino of Guam.
Part of the proceeds from the event will be presented to the Chaipattana Foundation under the royal patronage of HM the King.
Miss International Queen 2011 Sripassorn Attayakorn (left), crowns Miss International Queen 2012 Kevin Balot.
Senator Sutham Phanthusak, MD of the Tiffany Show Pattaya, presents the championship trophy to Kevin Balot, Miss International Queen 2012.
Pop star Tata Young entertains the audiences before announcements of the final 10 contestants in Miss International Queen 2012.
First runner-up Jessika Simoes of Brazil (right) applauds Kevin Balot after the later was announced winner of the Miss International Queen 2012 contest.
Alisa Phanthusak (right), assistant MD of the Tiffany Show Pattaya, congratulates Sunny Dee-Lite (left) from the USA for winning the Best Evening Gown title.
Miss International Queen 2012 Kevin Balot (left) leads a procession of bikini clad contestants during the swimsuit competition.
Miss International Queen 2011 Sripassorn Attayakorn bids a final farewell before surrendering the crown to Miss International Queen 2012.
Second runner-up Panvilas Mongkol wears an exquisite contemporary Thai national costume.
A magnificent costume from Brazil.
