Japanese bet wins Miss Asia 2012 in NYC

MANILA, Philippines - Nicky Despi of Japan was crowned Miss Asia 2012 last Dec. 19 at the Triad Theater in Manhattan, New York, reported Felix Manuel (with Nicky in photo), one of Funfare’s ‘beauty experts.’

According to Felix, 12 lovely ladies competed in the alternative pageant for transgender Asian women. They paraded in traditional costume, fantasy swimsuit and stunning evening gowns.

First runners-up were Nijshanaaj Sudlarphaar of Thailand and Christina Son of Nepal, and second runner-up was Reigne Jennifer Tiglao of Vietnam.

Chelle Lhuillier of the Philippines won the special awards for Miss Photogenic, Miss Popularity and Darling of the Crowd.

The pageant’s founder/producer, TOFA NY awardee Michelle Manangan, announced that the Miss Trans Universe Pageant to be held in Las Vegas in August next year will serve as the biggest search for the most beautiful transgender woman.