Queens for a day

From left: OFW pageant organizer Leo Selomenio; director Babyruth Villarama; OFW beauty queen Mylyn Jacobo; Mae Paner (aka Juana Change); OFW beauty queen Hazel Perdido

For Mylyn “MJ” Jacobo, a former domestic helper in Hong Kong, riding a float in full beauty queen regalia at the recent Parade of Stars of the Metro Manila Film Festival is “one of the best Christmas gifts ever.”

MJ is one of the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) featured in Baby Ruth Villarama’s “Sunday Beauty Queen,” the first documentary to make it as one of the eight entries in the MMFF.

Last Dec. 23, MJ, along with fellow OFWs Leo Selomenio and Hazel Perdido, joined the annual parade that was previously the exclusive domain of Vic “Enteng” Sotto and Vice Ganda.

This year, real heroes took centerstage at the parade.

The docu celebrates the quiet dignity and, yes, resilient beauty of Filipino domestic helpers who participate in pageants mounted for the migrant community in Hong Kong.

“It is an honor for an OFW like me to be part of the parade,” recounted MJ, an AB English graduate from General Santos City.

Leo, an Iloilo-born OFW who organizes beauty contests in Hong Kong, agreed: “Attending the MMFF is a dream come true. It went beyond my expectations. It was overwhelming … the happiest day of my life. It’s the best Christmas ever!”

Hazel, a computer science graduate from Ilocos Norte, told the Inquirer: “It is a big privilege and opportunity to be part of the parade … it gives us a rare chance to present our life stories as workers abroad.”

MJ, Leo and Hazel got to watch the docu in local cinemas, too.

“After four years of waiting, we finally got to see it on the big screen,” Leo quipped.

Hazel has very personal reasons for catching the film in the country. “It was very special for me because I got to watch it with my two sons. I also got to see other MMFF entries with my family for the first time in years.”

“It is important to share this story to the world because it shows reality,” MJ explained. “Also, it’s a story that touches people’s lives. My hope is that it will inspire the next generation.”

The stars of “Sunday Beauty Queen” onstage in Plaza Miranda after the parade.

Leo concurred: “The docu is not just about me. It is about the struggles of every Filipino who is working abroad. It shows the painful experiences we encounter and the sacrifices we make, while being away from our family. I want the world to know that you don’t have to be rich to help others.”

“It’s vital for the world to know our stories,” Hazel asserted. “I also hope to make our children understand … how much we love them, that we can endure anything just to give them a good life.”

MJ insisted that she joined beauty contests to “inspire fellow OFWs.” “I want to entertain them and give them courage even if we are away from home.”

Hazel recalled that she used to be heavy before joining beauty tilts. “I was 65 kgs! I never imagined I could sashay down the ramp. Pageants helped boost my self-confidence … teaching me that positive thinking will push me to attain my dreams.”

Hazel is glad that a documentary made history as part of the MMFF. “Hopefully, it will make viewers more aware of other kinds of movies they can watch. It’s a step forward. My wish is that [these reforms] will continue in future festivals.”

MJ pointed out: “It’s part of the many changes occurring in our country. It’s time for docus to shine.”

“This docu was made possible because our director possesses a big heart for OFWs,” Leo enthused. “People from all walks of life can relate to the film. Although there are no famous actors, the characters themselves are fabulous stars!”