MANILA, Philippines—What better way to ease a broken heart than by winning a beauty title?

David Bosley was proclaimed Mister Gay World-Philippines at the Metro Bar in Quezon City on Oct. 25, just a week after breaking up with his boyfriend.

The 37-year-old SM department store merchandiser will represent the country in the Mister Gay World pageant in Oslo, Norway, this February.

Bosley looked surprised when his name was called as winner. He bested 18 other hopefuls; among the Top 5 were crowd favorites Jethro Cuenca and Venn Macadangdang. Cuenca bagged the Joel Cruz Signatures Award and was proclaimed Best in Ramp Modeling; Macadangdang was voted Mr. Betty’s Body Form and Mr. Bellisimo Awards, Best in Swimwear and Best in Talent.

Bosley earned the judges’ nod in the crucial question-and-answer round. Via a video clip, actor Derek Ramsey asked whom Bosley, if so-equipped, would like to bear a child for. Bosley said he would pick “the person I am in love with at that time.”

First runner-up Herbert Chavez drew wild applause from the mostly gay crowd with his answer to TV star John Lapuz’s question. Via another video clip, Lapuz asked what Chavez would tell Piolo Pascual if they met. Chavez replied that, in light of rumors about the actor’s sexuality, he would say, “Come out now. Nothing is wrong with being gay.”

Veteran actress Gloria Romero, also via a video clip, asked Nomer Yuzon, 38, how he felt about the Bible’s position that being gay is a sin. The 5’10” tall United Airlines flight attendant protested, “Sin is committed by people who do bad things.” Yuzon placed third and was named Darling of the Press and Best in Formal Wear.

Mister Gay World founder and president Eric Butter witnessed the proclamation of the Philippine titleholder. The tilt seeks a strong spokesperson for gay rights and equality, Butter said.