International transgender modeling competition Slay Model Search Asia 2023 crowned Filipino model Tracey Dela Cruz a “Bigo Fan Favorite,” knocking out 24 finalists from Southeast Asia in the talent scout. Tracey, from Paranaque, was also hailed as a crowd favourite, winning the ‘Top Ballot Box’ with the most votes in the competition via the Bigo Live app.
Tracey De La Cruz, Receiving a gift check and trophy for 100,000 Bigo Beans, she said, “I am so excited to represent the Philippines in this historic event and lucky to share these memories and experiences with different girls from Asia. I am amazed Found out I was a Bigo fan favorite with the most votes from supporters in the region. I had a great and fun time and am excited to get a platform to inspire others and promote transgender beauty on a global stage.”
Slay Model Search Asia 2023 is hosted by Slay Model Management, an international model management agency, and launched in cooperation with global live streaming platform Bigo Live Philippines and world-renowned cosmetics brand MAC Cosmetics. During the finale event on April 27th, 24 model contestants strutted down the runway, showcasing their beauty, confidence, grace and creativity in various challenges and competition rounds.
The brand new talent scout made history as it featured trans women from across Asia and aired on ABS-CBN and Bigo Live, attracting thousands of viewers and supporters in the Philippines and around the world. Of the 24 entrants from the region, 13 were from the Philippines and drew entrants from across Southeast Asia, including Thailand, India, Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia.
In the semi-finals, only the top 12 contestants were shortlisted, of which 6 were from the Philippines, namely Tracey Dela Cruz, KC Cusi, Louell Celis, Durian Bautista, Abby Ecalnir and Lauren Sanz (in order of priority).
The runner-up was Sauce Chulalakkul from Thailand, and the second runner-up was Abby Ecalnir from the Philippines. Nana Jantarat from Thailand is the winner of Slay Model Search Asia 2023. As the winning model, Nana brought back millions worth of prizes, including a modeling contract and Bigo Live’s one million bean gift certificate.
The event also featured an esteemed panel of judges that included well-known personalities and personalities such as “It’s Showtime” hosts Vice Ganda and Karylle, magazine editor and stylist Carole Cuasay Tagle, and award-winning author and Josh Yugen, owner of the magazine, and national director of the three franchises of the Miss Universe Organization.
“We would like to congratulate all the talented finalists and winners of Slay Model Search Asia 2023. Bigo Live is proud to be the main sponsor of the inaugural modeling contest, celebrating and uplifting trans women in Asia. At Bigo Live, we remain committed to Create a safe and respectful space for our transgender and LGBTQ+ communities to connect, listen and support each other,” said Chancy Chen, Country Manager of Bigo Live Philippines.
