The SM North EDSA Skydome was filled with cheers, pride, and celebration as Tonie Ocasion of Pangasinan was crowned the Grand Winner of Tomboy Philippines Year 2, an empowering pageant that celebrates confidence, authenticity, and representation within the LGBTQIA+ community.
Ocasion bested over 30 candidates from across the country, earning the admiration of judges and audiences with her charisma, intelligence, and heartfelt advocacy. She also took home several special awards, including Best in Swimwear, Best in Costume Attire, Best in Formal Wear, Adonis Choice Award, and Cynderella Choice Award — solidifying her dominance throughout the competition.
Joining her in the winners’ circle were Khai Calma of Bataan (1st Runner-Up), Kurt Albeos of Cebu City (2nd Runner-Up), Ae Arriesgado of Cebu City (3rd Runner-Up), and Siana Elorde of Bacoor City (4th Runner-Up).
In her emotional speech, Tonie reflected on what her victory means not only for herself but for the entire lesbian community.
“Being a tomboy ay hindi lang nababase sa panglabas na anyo,” she said. “Ang pagiging tomboy ay pagiging matapang ipakita kung sino ka, kahit iba ka pa.”
She added that her win is a symbol of courage and resilience.
“Naniniwala ako na ang pagiging tomboy ay hindi lang pagiging tomboy. Ito ay katapangan na kaya mong tumayo sa sarili mong paa. Andito ako ngayon sa inyong harapan, patuloy lumalaban kahit palaging nasasaktan.”
As the grand champion, Ocasion received cash prizes, a brand-new motorcycle, a choice between a rhinoplasty or top surgery package, a food kiosk, and thousands of pesos worth of aesthetic services.
Now on its second year, Tomboy Philippines continues to redefine pageantry as a space for inclusivity, equality, and empowerment — showcasing that lesbian women can be both strong and beautiful in their own right.
“Maraming salamat sa mga taong naniwala sa advocacy namin — na kahit tomboy kami, may boses kami, may espasyo kami, at kaya rin naming magbigay inspirasyon sa iba,” said founder Chit Reyes. “Ang sarap sa pakiramdam na tanggap ka, na may tahanan ka dito.”
Co-founder Cowee Santos added that the advocacy has been a long journey of acceptance and pride.
“As you can see, this has been happening since 2011. Dati simpleng event lang, hanggang sa naging Tomboy Philippines. Thank you sa mga judges at sa lahat ng pumunta. Wala ‘to kung wala kayo.”
Special Awards:
- Adonis Choice Award: Tonie Ocasion
- Cynderella Choice Award: Tonie Ocasion
- Congeniality Award: Loi Olofernes
- Photogenic Award: Lurs Roque
- Best in Casual Wear: Kervy Ompok
- Best in Talent: Ae Arriesgado
- Best in Swimwear: Tonie Ocasion
- Best in Costume Attire: Tonie Ocasion
- Best in Formal Wear: Tonie Ocasion
- Social Media Favorite: Loi Olofernes & Siana Elorde
- People’s Choice: Lurs Roque
- Organizer’s Choice: Titoi Libradilla Yu
- Best in Advocacy: Khai Calma
The event, produced by Chit Reyes and supported by Cowee Santos, reaffirmed Tomboy Philippines’ mission to champion acceptance and pride — proving that true beauty lies in courage, authenticity, and the power to inspire others.
