Philippines’ bet, Trixie Maristela, has been crowned Miss International Queen 2015 held on November 6’ 2015 at Pattaya City, Thailand. She battled out 26 other contestants to clinch the crown and prize, which is a huge honor in the trans community.

The Miss International Queen is the most prestigious contest for the trans community. It is open to transgender women, which can be pre or post gender reassignment surgery, between the ages of 18 and 36.

Trixie Maristela busted into tears as she was crowned the 2015 winner, while Valesca Dominik Ferraz of Brazil was adjudged the first runner-up, and Sopida Siriwattananukoon of Thailand was titled second runner-up.

“The reason why I want to join Miss International Queen 2015 is I believe in its vision of uplifting the trans community by staging an international beauty pageant and I want to be part of it”,  Trixie stated in a video during the competition.

Trixie is the second Filipino to win the Miss International Queen, which began in 2004. Kevin Balot took home the crown in 2012.

The Filipino, who also won the Philippines pageant - Miss Gay Manila this year, graduated from the University of the Philippines with a degree in European languages, and also plays the violin.

Adorning a striking red sequin gown and blood red lipstick, Trixie beamed as she wore the glistening tiara and held the gold trophy.

The cash prize of the last year’s pageant was $12,500 along with a free cosmetic surgery.

Like other international pageants, the competition includes a swimsuit, talent, evening gown segment, and a round in which contestants also wear traditional costume from their country.

During the swimsuit round, each beauty queen demonstrated their toned body in yellow bikinis and purple sarong.