5 photos of John Raspado and other ‘I Am PoGay’ finalists


I AM POGAY grand winner John Raspado
I AM POGAY grand winner John Raspado

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 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.

Photo gallery: I Am Pogay finalists

I AM POGAY first runner-up Tian Lacsamana
I AM POGAY first runner-up Tian Lacsamana
I AM POGAY grand winner John Raspado
I AM POGAY grand winner John Raspado
I AM POGAY runner-up Ton Villaruel
I AM POGAY runner-up Ton Villaruel
I AM POGAY second runner-up Oreo Gajasan
I AM POGAY second runner-up Oreo Gajasan
I AM POGAY runner up Sycris Brown
I AM POGAY runner up Sycris Brown
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