My journey to the pageant

Shining light Pageant helps you build your confidence and mental health wellbeing. It also makes you feel better about yourself. They help a lot of charities to do with mental health and also raise awareness for mental health. Shining Light is all about equality and diversity and anybody can join Shining Light as it’s open for everyone..

I came across the Shining Light Pageant when I was looking up Pageants in Northern Ireland. There were a few but shining Light Pageant is the one that stood out for me because shining Light only wants you to be yourself and to build your confidence. It also helps with your mental health and it’s a system that raises awareness for people that struggles with their mental health illness.

I have always watched pageants on tv like Miss universe, miss world and miss Supranational.. They have inspired and made a difference in people’s lives and I thought one day I would like to be able to help and save people’s lives. I want to encourage people to be able to tell their stories on their mental health illness and I wanted to use my voice to show people that raising awareness for others to understand that mental health illness is such an important issue. It’s ok not to be ok .

I started my journey as a finalist In shining Light Pageant Last year in June 2023. I was fundraising for Aware ni as my chosen charity and all around outside of Belfast stores the likes of fresh garbage, game, hmv and the body shop in Victoria Square where I have raised money, I gave out cupcakes, keyring and candles as a gift for every donation.

Last year I was going through my mental health problems, thinking I was not good enough and I should try harder and work harder because it wasn’t enough. I felt frustrated and disappointed in myself because I felt I could do better. This made me feel very upset and angry with myself.

Thankfully there were good people in my life to cheer me up and said that I was enough and the pageant itself has really helped me to be a better me and to be more confident.

When I was on the stage of Shining Light in April for the nationals, in the evening wear section I wore a dress because I felt that I was more myself and more happy to be different. The crowd went wild and cheered for me, they were all so supportive of me. I asked my director Jennifer a week before the pageant if I could wear a dress and she was the most supportive person ever and she said it shouldn’t be an issue if you do different things and you just keep breaking those boundaries.

Then I won my title as Mr Shining Light 2024. It was the most amazing moment and emotional thing that has ever happened. I almost cried on the day because I got to be who I was and represent myself for who I am.

I’m so excited for this year’s fundraising, I have a few ideas that will be revealed in due course. This year’s charity is Action Mental Health. I’m so excited to support and give them the platform they deserve.

I am also looking forward to going to the international’s in 2 years time where I’ll be taking to the stage again in Derry/ Londonderry and representing my country the Philippines as the Philippines has won many pageants across many countries, and they are a proud country.

My advice to all the gay men out there is be your unique self, be the person you want to be and if you’re going through mental health issues go get help and ask someone who has been through it - you’re not alone. Speaking out can be daunting but there are so many people who can help - doctors, gp, mental health service, family, friends and counseling.

I absolutely recommend Pageants to anyone who is struggling with their mental health, they help a lot of people and it’s an amazing system to get behind and support as it helps save people’s lives.

A man in a dress shouldn’t have a label and I hope one day I can help many people to be themselves.

Jason Cancino https://www.instagram. com/j.cancinomodeling/