Shamcey Supsup-Lee: ‘Being Miss Universe Philippines is a job’
Miss Universe Philippines National Director Shamcey Supsup-Lee with this year’s delegates/ARMIN P. ADINA
MANILA, Philippines — The Miss Universe Philippines pageant has rolled out a series of challenges showcasing the delegates’ beauty and highlighting the glamorous aspect of pageantry. But Shamcey Supsup-Lee, the organization’s national director, reminds the ladies and the contest’s followers that the title still comes with responsibilities.
“I told the girls this, the moment they were announced to be official candidates, that this is a job. ‘Okay, you’re applying for a job and we’re looking for the best person who will fit the job.’ And if it’s a job, it’s a responsibility,” Lee told the Inquirer at the sidelines of the candidates’ press presentation held at the Marquis Events Hall at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City on April 11.
She said if preparing for the pageant is hard for a lady, it will get even harder once she wins the crown. “We want to have somebody who is a hard worker, who will be able to handle the schedules, the stress. It’s going to be one year, but it’s gonna be worth it,” she continued.
Aside from the ladies’ individual efforts, the organization also made them undergo a series of trainings and seminars to prepare them not only for the competition, but also for the work that comes with the crown. Aside from the requisite runway training and makeup and hairstyle workshops, the organization also conducted roundtable discussions where the candidates engaged in conversations on a variety of topics.
The Miss Universe Philippines delegates also attended a financial literacy seminar and a media training session. They were also exposed to the pageant’s advocacy work with Save the Children Philippines and the Autism Society of the Philippines.
“They’re totally different girls now. I saw them and I thought, ‘who are they?’ It’s so exciting, and we’re happy, the organization, because we also want to know their journey here in Miss Universe Philippines to be fruitful,” Lee shared. “It’s not just the crown that’s going to be the end goal, but for you to become a transformational woman, for you to become a better version of yourself,” she added.
Miss Universe Philippines National Director Shamcey Supsup-Lee/ARMIN P. ADINA
The national director said the Miss Universe Philippines title is something one has to be ready for. “We’re looking for somebody who’s already mentally, emotionally strong to handle all the things that come with the crown. It’s really about the character,” Lee explained.
Celeste Cortesi will relinquish her title to her successor at the 2023 Miss Universe Philippines coronation show on May 13 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. Kapuso actors Alden Richards and Xian Lim will host the program, with the special participation of reigning Miss Universe R’Bonney Gabriel and 2019 queen Zozibini Tunzi, and performances from “American Idol” runner-up Jessica Sanchez and Nam Woo-Hyun from Kpop group Infinite. EDV
