Trixie Maristela from the Philippines was crowned the winner at this year’s Miss International Queen transgender beauty pageant in Pattaya.
The 29-year-old University of Philippines graduate received a gem-studded crown from 2014 winner Isabella Santiago of Venezuela, 400,000 baht prize money and numerous other prizes.
The prize package included a gift voucher from Pratunam Polyclinic, two AirAsia international flight tickets worth 50,000 baht, a gift set from Mistine Cosmetic, a gift voucher from V Plast Clinic, a gift set from Snail White, one-year complimentary accommodations at the Woodlands Hotel and Resort Pattaya, as well as lifetime access to the Tiffany Show Pattaya.
(L to R) 1st runner-up Valesca Dominik Ferraz of Brazil, Miss International Queen 2015 Trixie Maristela from the Philippines, and 2nd runner-up Sopida Siriwattananukoon from Thailand smile for the cameras.
Valesca Dominik Ferraz of Brazil placed second and Miss Tiffany Universe winner Sopida Siriwattananukoon of Thailand placed third. They won cash prizes, respectively, of 100,000 and 75,000 baht, plus similar prize packages.
Twenty-seven contestants from 17 countries vied for the title at the Tiffany Theatre Nov. 7 after a week of preliminary contests and tour stops around the country.
Miss International Queen 2014 Isabella Santiago from Venezuela (left) congratulates Miss International Queen 2015 Trixie Maristela from the Philippines.
The win was the second by a Filipino in the past three years. In 2012, Kevin Balot became the first person from the islands nation to win the crown. Other past winners have come from Thailand, the United States, Mexico, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, and Venezuela.
Other awards included Outstanding Outfit to Nicole Fontanelli from Italy, who won 40,000 baht; Best National Costume to Sofiya Iya from Australia, who also won 40,000 baht; Miss Photogenic to Satsuki from Japan for 20,000 baht; AirAsia Friendly Award to Dayana Valenzuela from Peru for 20,000 baht; and Most Popular Introductory Video Francine Garcia from the Philippines for 20,000 baht.
The ‘Air Asia Friendly’ prize went to contestant No. 27, Miss Dayana Valenzuela from Peru.
Earlier in the week, Taliah from Australia won 30,000 baht in the talent competition for belly dancing, along with a prize package. Iya won the 15,000-baht second-place trophy, and Ninlamon Phimpa from Laos won 15,000 baht for third place.
The ‘Miss Photogenic’ prize went to contestant No. 11, Miss Satsuki from Japan.
Trixie Maristela from Philippines was congratulated by Alisa Phanthusak, Managing Director of Tiffany’s Show Pattaya, after winning the Miss International Queen 2015’s crown.
The final 10 contestants begin the semi-final round.
The ‘Best Nationality Outfit’ prize went to contestant No. 9, Miss Sofiya Iya from Australia.
Sponsors, judges, and contestants come out for a final curtain call at the end of the night.
