MANILA – The Philippines continues to dominate the pageant scene with the victory of John Raspado in Mr. Gay World 2017.

Raspado is the first Filipino winner of the pageant, which was held in Spain on Thursday morning (Manila time).

Congratulations #MrPhilippinnes!!! You are #MRGayWorld2017 #MGW2017 pic.twitter.com/74RjjIrlgU

— Mr.GayWorld™ (@mgworg) May 10, 2017

He also received several special awards: Best in Swimwear, Mr. Online Vote, Mr. Interview, Best in Formal Wear and Mr. Social Media.

Spain won first runner-up, followed by Belgium, South Africa and Switzerland.

On the Facebook page of Mr. Gay World Philippines, Raspado took the opportunity to thank those who have supported him in his journey to the title.

“Itong pagkakapanalo ko ay hindi lamang sa aking pamilya ngunit para sa mga baklang katulad ko na may prinsipyo at layunin sa pinaglalaban,” he said.

Before representing the Philippines in the Mr. Gay World pageant, Raspado was named the first winner of the I Am Pogay contest on the ABS-CBN noontime program “It’s Showtime” in 2014.