Filipino hailed as Mr. Gay World 2019

“I would like to thank so many people behind my triumph, because not through them, I wouldn’t be here.” (Photo: @janjep/Instagram)

The Philippines, considered an international pageant powerhouse, has dominated the male realm of the industry as well with Janjep Carlos representing the male LGBTQ+ community and besting out 21 other candidates for Mr. Gay World 2019.

The 42-year-old was crowned in Cape Town, South Africa last Saturday, May 4 succeeding Jordan Bruno from Australia. He also received the awards for Best in National Costume and Best in Written Exam.

Working as the vice president of a business firm in Manila, Janjep also works closely with an organization called Mental Health Philippines. He advocates for mental health awareness during his introduction video, stating, “Depression is real, and it has caused the tragic loss of lives. Depression is a real illness that can be treated if properly diagnosed. With love and understanding of people undergoing depression, this illness can be transformed into wellness.”

The president of the pageant, Eric Butter, admired Janjep’s partner work with the local organization, stating, “This is not a pageant but a leadership programme where we educate the delegates and the delegates educate us, it’s about enabling each other. It is about removing stigmas, it’s about diversity, breaking barriers, inclusion and sensitisation.”

During the same coronation night, Francisco Alvarado of Spain and Oliver Pusztai of Hungary were hailed first and second runners-up respectively. They were followed by fourth placer Chayodhom Sambigat of Thailand and Nick Van Vooren of Belgium, placing fifth.

Janjep is the second Filipino to win the international crown, with John Raspado from the Philippines winning Mr. Gay World as well in 2017.

The pageant was supposed to originally take place in Hong Kong, but Chinese authorities clamped down LGBTQ+ events and campaigns. South Africa, being the only African country that recognizes same-sex marriage, then welcomed the event with the country’s president Cyril Ramaphosa expressing his support, saying, “On behalf of all South Africans, I wish to extend a warm welcome to delegates who have arrived in South Africa for the 2019 Mr. Gay World event. South Africa is pleased to host Mr. Gay World delegates during #FreedomMonth.”