MANILA - Baguio City's John Raspado will be representing the Philippines in next year's Mr. Gay World competition.

Raspado was named Mr. Gay World Philippines 2016 at the University of the Philippines Theater in Quezon City.

Zamboanga del Sur's Khalil Vera Cruz was named second runner-up, while Pangasinan's John Bench Ortiz was named first runner-up.

Raspado also won other special awards, including Best in National Costume, Best in Casual Wear, and Mr. Gay World Philippines Popularity.

Back in May 2014, Raspado won the title of the first-ever "I Am PoGay."

Raspado will be replacing his first runner-up in "I am Pogay," Christian Lacsamana, who won second runner-up in Mr. Gay World 2016 last April.

Mr. Gay World is a global competition that aims to inspire and empower gay men by giving hopefuls a venue to "demonstrate that both inward beauty and physical appearance are equally important as is leadership and confidence."

The following are the candidates who made it to the Top 15, the Top 10, and the Top 5:

TOP 15

- John Jeffrey Carlos
- John Raspado
- Ronald Lamson
- Jesse Regin Nacilla
- Jessie Quitevis

- Frankie Chiu
- Ronaldo Ramos
- John Bench Ortiz
- Sycris Brown
- Jerome Lacsa

- Ian Roy Paderanga
- Godofredo Dela Cruz Jr.
- Leo Andrew Ponce
- Khalil Vera Cruz
- Raffy Gavina

TOP 10

- Jesse Regin Nacilla
- Khalil Vera Cruz
- Godofredo Dela Cruz Jr.
- Raffy Gavina
- John Bench Ortiz

- Leo Andrew Ponce
- Sycris Brown
- John Raspado
- Ronaldo Ramos
- John Jeffrey Carlos

TOP 5

- Leo Andrew Ponce
- John Bench Ortiz
- John Jeffrey Carlos
- John Raspado
- Khalil Vera Cruz