Reigning Mister and Miss Chinatown Justin Yap and Cassandra Chan/ARMIN P. ADINA
MANILA, Philippines — Since winning the Mister and Miss Chinatown Philippines pageant in a virtual competition in 2020, Justin Yap and Cassandra Chan have been holding on to their crowns for two years, there being no 2021 edition. But finally, they will be able to relinquish their titles to their successors on Sunday night.
The annual search for young Filipino-Chinese men and women is finally back on stage, and will hold its final competition and coronation ceremonies at a hotel in Parañaque City, at 7 p.m.
“I’ve always wanted to be Miss Chinatown, way back in 2015. And I took a chance in 2020. It changed my life completely because it helped me realize how lucky I am to be a ‘Chinoy,’ a Filipino-Chinese here in the Philippines,” Chan told the Inquirer at the sidelines of the presentation of candidates last Oct. 16.
Yap said he was not really a “pageant person” or a “show biz person” when he bagged the title. But opportunities came his way after winning the pageant that made him a different person.
“I’m looking forward to whoever will replace us as the new Mister and Miss Chinatown,” he shared.
While reigning, Chan also participated in the 2022 Miss World Philippines pageant where she was proclaimed Miss World Philippines Charity, making her the second Miss Chinatown queen to win in a bigger national pageant, the first being 2016 Binibining Pilipinas Nicole Cordoves who also finished second in the Miss Grand International pageant staged in the United States.
For his part, Yap revealed that opportunities in the entertainment industry have always been there for him. “Every day is a learning process, and that’s what I like to do. I love learning every single day, and honing my skills, whatever skills I have possessed already,” he shared.
Ten ladies and 10 men are vying for their titles. Pageant producer Alvin Tan of ChinoyTV said the competition is looking for winners who can represent the modern Filipino-Chinese community. EDV