Ang Philippine representative na si Bench Ortiz ang nanalo ng Best National Costume Award sa Mr. Gay World 2024.
Kasalukuyang nagaganap ang informal outdoor coronation ng Mr. Gay World 2024 sa Alnwick Gardens, Alnwick, United Kingdom, ngayong Lunes ng gabi, August 26 (Philippine time).
Read: Will Bench Ortiz be the fifth Pinoy Mr. Gay World titlist?
"Arimaonga" ang tawag ni Bench sa kanyang winning national costume na halaw umano sa higanteng lion dragon mythical creature ng mga Maranao.
Nilikha ito ng fashion designer na si Axel Que.
THE ARIMAONGA
Paliwanag ni Bench sa kanyang national costume: “This monster seeks to devour the moon during an eclipse. Based from the myth, if people want to stop it, they must tub their fingernails furiously against each other or make loud noise as to deafen Arimoanga.
“The Arimaonga in its playful nature thinks the moon is something to be played with so it swallows the moon, making an eclipse.
“Like the myth, this costume symbolizes the Filipino resilience. We have the ability to fight and recover from any obstacle that comes our way. Monsters, Man-made or natural forces, Filipinos will emerge victorious and triumphant!”
Labindalawa ang opisyal na kandidato sa Mr. Gay World 2024.
Nangangarap si Bench na siya ang maging ikalimang Pilipino na mag-uuwi sa ating bansa ng naturang titulo.
Nagmula sa Pangasinan si Bench na isang fitness professional, licensed nutrionist, at part-time actor.
Read: Mr. Gay World 2021 winner nagbitiw sa puwesto; Joel Rey Carcasona ng Pilipinas, posibleng pumalit