LARS Pacheco of the Municipality of Jasaan was crowned as the Queen of Misamis Oriental 2020 on Saturday night, January 11, at the Provincial Capitol grounds.
January 11, at the Provincial Capitol grounds.
The crown were in awe as Pacheco, who admittedly said that she was not born nor raised in Misamis Oriental and was endorsed by the local government of Jasaan, gave a powerful answer to the question: “If you will win the title of Queen of MisOr 2020, how will you influence your fellow LGBTQ members in promoting Misamis Oriental?”
“If you were to ask me, I have lots to say and reason on how we should promote Misamis Oriental with my co-LGBT members,” Pacheco said.
“First on the list is the good governance. This event will not be possible, the gathering would not be possible, if it wasn’t because of the hard work and dedication of the governor. This wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for the efforts of all the people behind it. That is something we should be proud of, good governance.”
“Next on the list is the beauty. I am standing here in front of you because we are all celebrating beauty. We are all celebrating diversity. We are celebrating diversity that no matter who you are, no matter what you are, gay, lesbian, bisexual, you are welcome.”
“By the time that I have landed my feet on the gateway of the Laguindingan Airport, I feel welcomed. And always remember that if all the tourists that come here feel welcome, one thing is for sure, they will come back,” Pacheco confidently answered.
The crowd continued their cheers as Pacheco described the people of Misamis Oriental as “very, very hospitable” and showed off the different eco-tourism destinations of the province.
“There is this one thing that I would like to say to everyone, most especially to the LGBT that is watching right now. Before you promote Boracay, before you promote Palawan, before you promote Baguio, promote your own. Love your own,” Pacheco said.
“Always remember, ladies and gentlemen, that we should love our own because everyone, listen. Tangkilikin ang sariling atin. Wag tayo maging dayuhan sa sarili nating bayan. Daghang salamat,” she added.
The crowned first runner up was Ely Canillo of Naawan, who also received the Best in Introduction and Kuyamis-inspired Attire. Second runner up was Llanie Lagarbe of El Salvador City; third runner up was Kathy Fox of Salay; and the fourth runner up was Kirk Popiolek of Tagoloan who was awarded the Best in Swimsuit, Best in Evening Gown and Miss Photogenic.
Queen of Misamis Oriental or Miss Gay is a pageant participated by members of the gay and transgender community in the province.