Diamond Pageants have been running in the UK since 2016 and have been growing in size and popularity ever since, expanding to Ireland and across Europe. They are committed to promoting body positivity and acceptance, with a goal of celebrating the beauty and diversity of every person.

Jason Cancino, a Filipino man living in East Belfast, was crowned Mr Diamond Ireland 2026 in March. Hoping to empower and inspire others after his win, he will go on to represent Ireland in the international finals hosted in the USA next year.

 

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Jason was eight years old when he immigrated from the Philippines to Northern Ireland. As a gay immigrant with a learning disability, he has praised pageantry for giving him a safe space where he could be himself and build up his confidence.

“I’m part of the LGBT community and there is so much discrimination and hate we face. Especially when I was young, and I wanted to show young LGBT people you can go out there and be yourself. Get on that stage and just be confident of who you are and forget what others have to say about you,” he said.

Working as a chef and freelance model, Jason won his first pageant in 2024—Mr Shining Light—using his platform to raise funds and awareness for local mental health charities. Winning Mr Shining Light was a huge moment for Jason, especially, he says, because he won the competition in an evening gown.

 

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In an interview with Belfast Live, Jason opened up about his own journey and why he felt inspired to get involved in modelling and pageantry.

“I began modelling in 2020 and started taking part in pageants in 2023. I just felt there was always something in me that wanted to get into modelling. I’ve always just liked to pose and be in front of the camera, so I thought why not challenge myself to do something different and take on pageants too.

“I’ve worked my way up to being a fashion model and going into different genres of modelling. I also wanted to increase my confidence through pageantry as well.

“I was inspired by RuPaul’s Drag Race and seeing the queens from different backgrounds just being themselves. It’s nice to see people from different cultures and hearing different stories through the pageants.”

After his first pageantry win, Jason took a year’s break and went off social media to focus on his mental health, as he had begun to struggle with anxiety.

After getting back into the pageantry scene, Jason had his mind set on a new goal; he wanted to represent his country internationally. This was a feat that he achieved this year with his Mr Diamond Ireland 2026 win.

“It means so much for me to be representing my country, as growing up wasn’t easy for me; I wasn’t accepted for who I was.”

Speaking to GCN, he added, “Winning Mr Diamond Ireland was the most amazing moment in my life; I was over the moon, and I couldn’t believe it because I’ll be able to represent Ireland, Northern Ireland, and the Philippines next year in America. It is something I have always wanted to do, and this is my chance to represent a whole nation that I am proud to call home for over 22 years.”

With his involvement in pageants, Jason has been able to fundraise for charities close to his heart. This year, he has chosen to raise funds for The Rainbow Project.

“When I won the title, I was able to choose my own charities to support. I’ve picked The Rainbow Project to be able to help my community, as we face so many struggles in life, especially right now with what’s happening in the world.”

He told GCN, “Pageantry in Northern Ireland is not about beauty; it’s about building confidence and raising awareness for charities so we can make a better place for those who need it the most.”

 

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For anyone looking to get into pageantry, Jason has this advice to give: “It’s really inspiring to hear stories from people with different backgrounds, what’s happened in the past for them and where they are now.

“The pageants are great for seeing how confident some people are, and how they empower people and raise awareness for others.”

He added, “For all the gay men out there who want to join pageants, my advice is to always be honest with those you meet, be kind and be professional. Also, always be your unique self, and if you’re going through mental health problems, take the time to take a break and look after your own mental health, as its ok not to be ok.”