Hail to the new Queen (of the WORLD)!

CEBU, Philippines -Final Question: What is one misconception of gay people that you would like to correct and why?

Miss Portugal: If there is one misconception about gay and lesbians that I would like to correct then it will be promiscuity. It is not at all times that when people see us we are all after sex or pay for sex. We also have a heart and emotions. And just as any other human beings we deserve to be loved and respected in a descent relationship. I just want to be honest with my answer because I am a firm believer of the essence of having a relationship, even if not blessed by marriage but the true essence of love between two individuals.

A dream come true is a total understatement when Queen of Cebu: Pageant for the Alternatives finalist Jules Inoc a.k.a. Adrianna Veronica Palma de Mallorca, Miss Portugal, bagged the World crown last week at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel Grand Ballroom. A few days after that fateful evening, this writer caught up with the newly crowned beauty queen and sat down for an intimate conversation. Here, I got the opportunity to throw her some very intriguing questions and get to know the true beauty behind the crown.

As a special addition, I turned the spotlight on her one more time, reliving the pageant's always grueling final interview. Only this time these three questions came straight from fans. And if her quick and witty response that evening shielded her from the most coveted crown; after this interview, you will definitely conclude that this intelligent beauty and spirited lass certainly deserves the Universe!

Rycky Pilapil:      I understand this is your second try to screen for this very prestigious pageant. Did the first try prepare you well this year?

Jules Inoc:           Definitely, when I first tried out last year I had no idea how the screening process worked and also I thought that it would just be a walk in the park. I was totally wrong, seeing how prepared the girls were last year. Right then and there, I knew my chances were very slim and I was right I didn't make it but it never dismayed me so I tried again this year. It took me almost a year to prepare for Queen of Cebu. When I tried again this year, I knew I was physically, mentally and emotionally prepared. All of my friends were very supportive of me to an extent that they even provided the clothes that I wore during the screening round, as well as the accessories that I used.

RP:          According to my sources this is your very first time to enter a beauty contest. How did you prepare or condition yourself, in all aspects, for the pageant?

JI:            True enough, this is the first major beauty pageant I have joined. But if we are going to consider the intra-school beauty pageant organized by some of my university school mates nine years ago, then this would be the second beauty pageant I joined. As far as preparation is concerned, it is the same as preparing for any other competition. I sought assistance from cosmetic doctors to enhance my physical beauty. I have asked help from friends who were pageant experts to train me as far as walking and casual interviews are concern. I also did a little research about the country I was representing, to the extent of even doing a crash course in speaking Portuguese. To top it all, I prayed a lot.

RP:         You are currently holding a managerial position in a BPO Company. Is being who you are a challenge in the corporate world? How so?

 JI:           I have to say that I am lucky enough that my last two employers have viewed my gender preference as a non-issue. Senior managers see my skills and potential beyond the clothes I wear and the lifestyle I have chosen. I am proud to say that I am well respected by my colleagues and the people reporting under me. And let's not forget, respect is earned.

RP:         What were your hurdles growing up?

JI:            I come from a very conservative family, to date I am the only open gay in our family from both sides. If we speak of hurdles, my life is as much a reflection of the life and struggles of every gay you know in your telenovela or movie. I grew up fighting for acceptance within my family, like being very careful of what I do and to always think before I act, making sure that I am still within the boundaries of their expectations. It was not easy at all but I think the discipline that my parents have instilled in me has made me a person who desires for success in all aspects of my life.

RP:         How did your family, parents to be specific, take your joining such event? What was their reaction to your winning?

JI:            It was only my sister who knew that I screened for Queen of Cebu. When the 21 finalists were published in Facebook, that was the time everyone knew about it. Of course, surprise, surprise for all, most especially my father! His initial question was: what will I get out of joining this pageant? And above all, what talent would I be showcasing during the talents night when he knew, growing up, I had no special skills at all. Eventually I got the support of all of my relatives, most especially my mom who was very proud of my joining the said pageant. My parents were absent during the Coronation Night as they opted to stay home monitoring on TV than watching the actual show. Everyone was so happy when they learned about me winning the Queen World title and they waited for me until I arrived home.

RP:         Do you think society is ready to embrace the third sex?

JI:            I firmly believe that WE are ready to embrace the third sex. With all of the support groups sprouting and advocating for our rights, our acceptance is pretty evident.  And the world is gradually changing to our favor than 50 years ago. All forms of media paved the way for changing the mindset of every individual, the education and the widespread information of our existence have made this milestone possible. In fact, our numbers are increasing even if we are not propagating at all. I say we are a perfect example of asexual propagation.

RP:         What would be that single advice you can give  transgenders?

JI:            Keep on dreaming. Dreaming that someday we will live a life free of discrimination, a life free of conditions set by our society and most of all a life that we all personally want, may it be becoming famous, becoming a respected public figure, a beauty queen or simply having a sound and happy life. As the great Walter Disney said" All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them."

RP:         Finally, I know you never had the chance to thank your many supporters during the pageant. Therefore, I'm giving you this opportunity.

 JI:           I would like to thank Cary Santiago and the organizers of Queen of Cebu for putting up this wonderful show and giving us transgenders a chance to showcase our world class capabilities. I would also like to thank the designers assigned to me, Cherry Veric for my Filipiniana, Lane Sorya Dominguez for my Fun Wear, Hanz Conquilla for my National Costume, House of Sal Malto for the swimsuit, Shandar for our shoes and our accessories. Most of all I would like to thank Gari Son and Julia for doing my fabulous hair and make-up during the pageant night. I would also like to thank Mommy Dhebz, Brian, my supporters, colleagues and friends from my current and my last BPO companies that I worked with, also to all of my friends and classmates who never ceased from showing their support. Most of all, I would like to thank my family both the Inoc and the Penagunda clans who were the wind beneath my wings. Mama, Papa, Sis and Bro, my crown is your crown, as well. Molta Obrigada! Daghang salamat kaninyong tanan!

Fan questions:

1.  Candice Alinabo (BPO Account Manager): Given Queen of Cebu has as your platform, do you think people's perception on transgenderism will change?

Miss Portugal:  Definitely, Queen of Cebu elevated the status of a gay beauty pageant to a world class pageant comparable to high profile beauty pageants that we have here in the country. And as far as perception is concerned, I think beyond the show. It is the stand and the advocacies of the candidates that make it the best tool to change the views of an ordinary person about the lives of our transgendered brothers and sisters.

 2.  Oscar Sandiego (BPO Training Manager): In the current light of the evolving concept of family, do you think transgenders are fit to become parents?

Miss Portugal: Becoming a parent requires no gender, so as long you have the heart to raise your child, to love him like he is your blood, to give him good education, to provide him with his basic needs and most of all to give him a home he can live, then you are fit to be his parent.  No gender can dictate the true essence of being a parent.

 3.   Michael Landis Smith (BPO Quality Analyst): At this day and age, should transgendered women be welcome to use the female comfort room?

Miss Portugal:  If you dress and act like a woman, then it is more appropriate that you use the female comfort/rest room.  (FREEMAN)