MANILA – Mister Gay World Philippines John Respado is off to Madrid to represent the country in the 2017 Mister Gay World pageant.

Respado, the winner of the Pogay segment of “It's Showtime” in 2014, said he is grateful to ABS-CBN for helping him conquer his fears.

“Maraming salamat po kasi without ‘Showtime’ po, hindi ko naranasan rumampa sa stage at hindi ko na-conquer 'yung fear ko sa stage. Doon kasi ako lumabas so malaking malaki po talaga ang pasasalamat ko sa ‘Showtime,’” he said.

He also asked for the program’s avid viewers to support him in this journey.

“Gusto ko nga po sana pumunta sa ‘Showtime’ para mag-invite din. Sa lahat po ng madlang people, sana po suportahan niyo ako sa upcoming Mister Gay World sa Madrid, Spain,” he said.

Mr gayworld ph john respado @ send off mr gayworld2017 pageant Madrid may10, grateful 2 abscbn as it's showtime pogay2014 winner @abscbnnews pic.twitter.com/3RvDLlRbS0

— Mario Dumaual (@mariovdumaual) April 24, 2017

With the pageant fast approaching, Respado vowed to do his best and apply everything he learned from his rigorous trainings.

Asked what he thinks is his advantage over the other contestants, Respado said: “I think the greatest edge among other delegates is kapag Pilipino ka, 'yung support mo from the Filipino community, nandoon sila.”

The 2017 Mister Gay World pageant will happen from May 5 to 10.