Image: Facebook/@bbpilipinasofficial via Joy Dacoron
Binibining Pilipinas candidate Joy Dacoron of Cebu Province elicited mixed reactions from netizens after she donned vestments similar to Sto. Niño for the pageant’s national costume competition.
The candidates’ national costumes were unveiled through the pageant’s Instagram page on Tuesday, May 16, two days ahead of the presentation show on May 18. However, Dacoron’s photo, which was earlier seen on the page, appears to have been taken down as of this writing.
Dacoron then gave a closer look at her ensemble as well as her wavy and curly hair inspired by the religious icon through her Instagram page, noting how it “signifies faith and gratefulness.”
“My costume symbolizes unwavering faith and pays tribute to our province’s patron,” she said in the caption. “The Senor Sto. Nino de Cebu is a source of inspiration and strength of numerous Catholic faithful. I am one of those.”
“When I lost my father to an accident last year, I questioned God, ‘Ngano man, Lord? (Why, Lord?)’ The Sto. Nino paved the way for me to shed off my doubts and made me realize that everything happens for a reason,” she continued. “In gratitude, I am sharing this faith to the national stage. Thus, with pride and deep respect for our heritage, I wear this costume that signifies faith and gratefulness. Viva! Pit Senyor!”
Image: Instagram/@joydacoronbb34
She also thanked the church officials of the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu, who later clarified that they allowed Dacoron to do a photo shoot on the church grounds but that they were not informed of her costume.
Image: Instagram/@joydacoronbb34
Netizens then bombarded the comments section, with some pointing out that Dacoron’s choice of national costume was disrespectful to the Catholic community and devotees.
Image: Instagram/@joydacoronbb34
Image: Instagram/@joydacoronbb34
Image: Instagram/@joydacoronbb34
Image: Instagram/@joydacoronbb34
Meanwhile, some applauded Dacoron’s national costume concept and looked forward to seeing her journey in the beauty pageant.
Image: Instagram/@joydacoronbb34
Image: Instagram/@joydacoronbb34
Image: Instagram/@joydacoronbb34
Following the backlash, the Augustinian Friars of the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu released an official statement, noting that the public should practice “appropriateness of actions” in expressing faith and devotion toward the Sto. Niño.
“Let us approach and treat the Sto. Niño with reverence and respect in order to avoid conflict and misunderstanding. As one Catholic community, let the Sto. Niño be our source of peace in our walk of faith,” part of the statement read.
The Binibining Pilipinas organization has yet to comment on the matter as of this writing.
Dacoron is one of the 40 candidates who will compete at the Bb. Pilipinas Grand Coronation Night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on May 28. /ra