Dashing divas

WELL TONED, STRIKING BODIES, mixed emotions and lots of drama on and off stage were the ingredients at the Plantation Garden Theatre last Saturday night as seven contestants engaged in fierce competition in the Miss Galaxy 2010 pageant.The three Trinidadians and four Barbadians representing countries around the world in the five-segment competition, which was organised by the United Gays And Lesbians Against AIDS Barbados (UGLAAB), showed the depth of creativity and talent that exists in the gay community.But while they all put their best foot forward, Miss South Africa, Princess Neima Milwangwane, demonstrated to the judges that he was a cut above the rest as he walked away with the crown. An emotional Milwangwane, who shed tears of joy after he was announced the winner, also walked away with the prizes for the Best Swimwear, Best Couture and Best Talent.The contestants created an exceptional show and were encouraged by a packed audience, which included other “drag queens”. The audience encouraged and applauded the contestants every time they graced the stage. But before contestants faced the judges, deacon Sylvester Shepherd, UGLAB’s financial officer, blessed the evening’s proceedings with a word of prayer. The deacon prayed that God would watch over the event and withdraw any negative forces from within the area. David “Didi” Winston, who emceed the show in five different outfits, was one of the hits of the night. The “diva”, who drove the audience wild with flirtatious movements and a number of attention-grabbing singing performances, urged the audience to be “well-behaved”. According to Didi, “if you don’t like it, be quiet; if you like it, clap your hands; and if you don’t know what to say, shut up!.” And this advice was followed.One of the highlights of the night was the performance of gospel songs by all the guest performers, whom the crowd cheered on with enthusiastic hand-clapping.  First runner-up position went to Miss Mexico Krystal Conchita Alonzo, who also won the HIV & AIDS Award. Alonzo also shared the prize for Best Evening Gown with Miss Brazil, Christina Aguelera. Sarafina Zaza Bennet, who represented Cameroon, took third position and the prize for Best National Costume. (AH)