Candidates for the Amazing Philippines Beauties contest for transvestites and transsexuals wave after they were presented to the media at a hotel in Manila October 7, 2008. Some 25 contestants are vying for the annual crown which will be handed out on October 24.

Hotel employees look on as candidates for the Amazing Philippines Beauties contest for transvestites and transsexuals walk past backstage before they are presented to the media at a hotel in Manila October 7, 2008. Some 25 contestants are vying for the annual crown which will be handed out on October 24.

Candidates for the Amazing Philippines Beauties contest for transvestites and transsexuals apply makeup backstage before they are presented to the media at a hotel in Manila October 7, 2008. Some 25 contestants are vying for the annual crown which will be handed out on October 24.

A candidate for the Amazing Philippines Beauties contest for transvestites and transsexuals looks into a mirror as she prepares backstage before being presented to the media at a hotel in Manila October 7, 2008. Some 25 contestants are vying for the annual crown which will be handed out on October 24.

A candidate for the Amazing Philippines Beauties contest for transvestites and transsexuals puts on a false eyelash backstage before being presented to the media at a hotel in Manila October 7, 2008. Some 25 contestants are vying for the annual crown which will be handed out on October 24.

（China Daily）