Unique ‘posture’ pageant attracts almost twice as many candidates for second edition
The 2023 Mister and Miss Posture Philippines pageant gathers 44 aspirants./ARMIN P. ADINA
MANILA, Philippines — The Mister and Miss Posture Philippines pageant gathered 13 men and 11 women to its inaugural staging last year. For its second installment this year, the competition that promotes health through spine care attracted a total of 44 candidates in both categories.
Mabuhay Health officer Jedaver Opingo, the first Filipino woman to bring home the Miss Progress International crown, introduced 23 contenders in the “Mister” category and 21 candidates more for the “Miss” category at the “sashing ceremony” held at the Antel Corporate Center in Makati City on March 5.
This year’s roster also includes representatives from the indigenous peoples community, Erlinda Maasab Starbright, and returning contestant Joeser Sinfuego who finished third in last year’s competition.
“It feels so great that a lot of girls want to win, not just the crown or the prize, but also to inspire others to learn about the Mabuhay Chiropractic Clinics, how a healthy lifestyle can change our life. Last edition we were just 12, and now we have like 21 candidates,” reigning Miss Posture Philippines Ma. Yzabelle Reonal told the Inquirer at the sidelines of the ceremony.
Reigning Mister Posture Philippines JP Riego, for his part, said, “I was amazed, and excited for them to experience the experience that I had in my pageant. I hope they do their best to get the title, and enjoy.”
Reigning Mister and Miss Posture Philippines Ma. Yzabelle Reonal (left) and JP Riego/ARMIN P. ADINA
The queen said the crown changed her life, “not only mentally, but also physically,” and said the health center helped address her mild scoliosis. Riego shared how the title opened opportunities for him. “I met a lot of people that would definitely help me to reach those things that I want to achieve,” he said.
Reonal said she is hoping to crown a successor with a passion. “There are a lot of women who want to become a beauty queen for just one year. I want a woman who is passionate, not just good for one year, but for a lifetime,” she said.
The reigning king, meanwhile, said he would want to relinquish his title to a humble successor. “A person’s humility is important to me. That’s what defines a person. No matter how good looking you may be on the outside, if you have bad behavior, that’s a big wrong,” he explained.
Members of the media who covered the ceremony also cast their votes for their favorite contenders. Hanna Michaela Amistad from San Mateo, Rizal, and John Paul Gundayao from the province of Tarlac topped the poll for the female and male categories, respectively, and were proclaimed “Darlings of the Press.”
Darlings’ of the Press Hanna Michaela Amistad (left) and John Paul Gundayao/ARMIN P. ADINA
The organizers did not disclose details of the coronation ceremonies for this year’s competition, but the winners will again be given the chance to take advantage of a scholarship program to a pioneering six-year chiropractic education program at the University of Makati.
Mabuhay Chiropractic Clinics founder Michael Tetrault, meanwhile, announced that a Mister and Miss Posture India pageant will be mounted for the first time in the South Asian country this year. EDV
