Pangasinan native Tonie Ocasion was crowned grand winner of Tomboy Philippines 2025 during its finals night held Saturday at the SM North Skydome in Quezon City.
Ocasion bested 30 candidates in the pageant, which aims to promote inclusivity and provide visibility for the LGBTQ+ community. As grand champion, she received cash, a motorcycle, a food kiosk, aesthetic services, and a choice between a rhinoplasty or top surgery package.
“Being a tomboy ay hindi lang nababase sa panglabas na anyo,” Ocasion said during her speech. “Ang pagiging tomboy ay pagiging matapang ipakita kung sino ka, kahit iba ka pa.”
She said the win represents those who remain firm in their identity despite judgment.
“Naniniwala ako na ang pagiging tomboy ay hindi lang pagiging tomboy. Ito ay katapangan na kaya mong tumayo sa sarili mong paa,” she said. “Andito ako ngayon sa inyong harapan, patuloy lumalaban kahit palaging nasasaktan.”
Founder Chit Reyes said the pageant continues to provide space for representation, thanking supporters who believe that tomboys have a voice and a place in society. Co-founder Cowee Santos, on the other hand, said the event started as a small gathering in 2011 before growing into Tomboy Philippines, adding that it would not have been possible without the support of judges and attendees.
Khai Calma was named first runner-up, while Kurt Albeos, AE Ariesgado, and Siana Elorde joined the top five.
The judging panel included Mama Mari Fowler and Landon, Doc Yappy, RC Silvestre and Kristine Joan Hinanay, Matricamae Centino, Aian Lazaro and Apple Ole, fashion designer Dave Ocampo, Councilor Gellie Bulaong, Anne Patricia Lorenzo Diaz, and Cha and Denz.
Hosts Poca and Miss Deliciousness led the program, which featured performances from Adonis Binder Models, the Tomboy Philippines 2024 Top 5—Gellie Pablo, Phao Faraon, Armi De Leon, Keith Martin, and JC Lapitan—as well as Petite TV, Melvin Protacio and Band, LESQREW, Showboys, Lesqueen, Jester the Magician, Max de Borja, Ell Maniego, and drag performers Tyra, Budalyn, and Bombading.
