ERIMAR ORTIGAS VIES FOR MR. GAY WORLD 2013 IN ANTWERP, BELGIUM
ERIMAR Sayo Ortigas, a communications manager for a business process outsourcing office, will represent the Philippines at the 5th Mr. Gay World international finals to be held in Antwerp, Belgium on August 4.
Ortigas, 29, a graduate of Business Administration (major in Management) at the Lyceum of the Philippines University-Manila, was chosen to be the country’s official delegate to the international tilt that gathers gay men from all over the world to foster friendship and equal rights for the LGBT (lesbian gay bisexual transgender) community.
Ortigas was singled out by Mr. Gay World Regional Director for Asia Noemi B. Alberto and Winnstruck Productions President Mac Bordallo as the rightful Philippine delegate for the 5th annual Mr. Gay World Pageant in Antwerp. Erimar, having worked in the call center industry for many years, was singled out for his excellent communication skills as well as for his good looks.
Erimar has prepared long and hard for the forthcoming Mr. Gay World pageant and is extremely grateful to his mentor and first Mr. Gay World Philippines Wilbert Tolentino , President of F Philippines (formerly Fahrenheit Café and Fitness Centre) for all the financial as well as emotional support.
“My trip to Belgium would not have been totally possible had it not been for Mr. Wilbert Tolentino, who has helped me in every way in preparing for this campaign to champion gay rights all over the world,” Erimar said during his send-off luncheon party at F Philippines in Quezon City last Thursday, July 25.
Tolentino conceptualized and sponsored his national costume which is made of recycled (old) plastic model cars assembled together to form a cascading cape. Interestingly, Tolentino also conceptualized his own costume at the international tilt in Canada in 2009 as well as that of Carlito Rosadiño Jr. in South Africa last year, both bagging the National Costume award.
Erimar has rigorously trained physically by way of regular workouts at the gym and sessions with pageant mentor Rodgil Flores and his team to enhance his skills in posing, projection, walking and Q & A.
Currently working as the operations leader/communications manager of Werrcomm Solutions Inc. in Sta. Mesa, Manila, Erimar has also been actively participating in several LGBT organizations as well as charity projects both here and abroad. He is a spokesperson for HIV/AIDS awareness and has actually been helping several patients in their regular check-ups and medications. Erimar is also an active spokesperson for “Love Yourself”, his chosen charity for the People’s Choice online competition of Mr. Gay World 2013.
Erimar also witnessed the wedding of 12 gay couples by Rev. Ceejay Agbayani at the Quezon City Hall. “Although the rites have no legal bearing, this is a good head start for the LGBT community in the Philippines,” Erimar noted.
At a recent trip to Singapore, Erimar spared no time to visit the Children’s Charity Association of Singapore and participated in a donation draw for the benefit of children with special needs at St. Andrew’s Mission Hospital in the island-state.
Erimar also had the wonderful opportunity to talk to US Ambassador Harry K. Thomas Jr. during a recent party for the LGBT community hosted by the US diplomat and his Filipina wife. Erimar also participated in a fun run for a cause at the Quezon Memorial Circle last July 20 where he actively campaigned for a cleaner, more peaceful and brighter Earth.
A total of 30 delegates from all over the world will gather at the Elckerlijc Theater in Antwerp, making this year’s international delegation as the biggest since the inaugural competition in Whistler, Canada in 2009. Oslo, Norway hosted the second world finale in 2010 while Manila hosted the 2011 pageant (held at the Club Mwah! in Mandaluyong City). Last year’s pageant was held in Johannesburg, South Africa; the reigning Mr. Gay World is Andreas Derleth of New Zealand.
“I will do my best to make not only the LGBT community but the entire Philippines proud in Belgium. A million thanks to all my supporters and please continue to do so. Mabuhay ang LGBT! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!” Erimar finally said before his departure for Belgium on Tuesday