The Miss Philippines, Mister Pilipinas Worldwide open doors to parents, married applicants
Miss Universe Philippines-Parañaque Claire Dacanay, one of the first mothers to qualify for the national pageant; and Mister Pilipinas Worldwide National Director and Manhunt International first runner-up Joshua De Sequera, who is a proud dad. Image: Facebook/The Miss Philippines, Mister Pilipinas Worldwide
MANILA, Philippines—After announcing more groundbreaking departures to conventional pageantry, The Miss Philippines Culture and Heritage Celebration continues to shake the industry by accepting women who have borne children or have tied the knot, making it the most inclusive national competition in the country.
Taking its cue from its sister pageant, Miss Universe Philippines, The Miss Philippines has now also opened its doors to mothers and married women. But it has one-upped its affiliate competition by accepting applicants up to 32 years old. Both contests do not impose any minimum height limits.
“Single, married or a mother—you are a queen. And you are welcome to join The Miss Philippines! You don’t have to give up your dreams of joining a pageant yet, because we believe that mothers and married women can be as effective as single women at being influencers and advocates of Philippine culture and heritage,” organizers said in a social media post.
The Miss Universe Philippines pageant first opened its doors to mothers and married women for the 2023 competition, in line with the Miss Universe Organization’s directive. Three mothers made it to the official roster of candidates, with Parañaque City’s Claire Dacanay advancing to the semifinals.
Before its most recent announcement, The Miss Philippines had confirmed that it will not have a swimsuit portion during the final competition. Candidates may also choose their best formal wear, not necessarily a gown, for the “red carpet moment” at the coronation show. And instead of a conventional question-and-answer round, the delegates will speak in a forum similar to Ted Talks.
Miss Supranational first runner-up Pauline Amelinckx became the first titleholder of The Miss Philippines after Miss Universe Philippines National Director Shamcey Supsup-Lee bestowed the title on her last month. The queen will crown her successor in October, and the eventual winner will have the opportunity to choose between the 2024 Miss Supranational and the 2025 Miss Charm pageants as her international competition.
The sister pageants’ affiliate male competition, Mister Pilipinas Worldwide, has also taken its cue from the two national contests. “Are you single, married, or a father? You are welcome to join! We believe that every individual, regardless of their marital status, can be an influential icon to promote the culture and heritage of the Philippines,” organizers said in a separate social media post.
Mister Pilipinas Supranational Johannes Rissler will relinquish his national title to his successor also in October. The contest will also choose the Philippines’ representatives to some of the most prestigious international male competitions including Manhunt International Male Supermodel and Mister Global.
The contest will also focus on fashion and style, and will not have any formal interview, speech, or question-and-answer portion. “Mister Pilipinas Worldwide is looking for the next influencer or male top model. Whether you are new to the industry or a working model, you are welcome to join,” organizers said.
The Miss Philippines and Mister Pilipinas Worldwide will screen applicants on Sept. 2 and Sept. 9, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Enderun Coworking Estancia at the South Wing of Estancia Mall in Pasig City. For more information about the screenings and for other inquiries, visit the two competitions’ official social media accounts, or send an e-mail to [email protected].
The two national competitions will serve as back-to-back culminating events for the first-ever The Filipino Festival, a month-long celebration of the country’s culture and heritage through “The Filipino Food Fest,” “The Filipino Arts and Crafts Fest,” “The Filipino Music Fest,” “The Filipino Fashion Fest” and “The Filipino Film Fest.”
Fashion designers, filmmakers, musicians, culinary enthusiasts, and merchants of Filipino-made products who are interested in taking part in The Filipino Festival’s various activities may visit its official social media pages, or contact Empire Philippines by sending an e-mail at [email protected]. /ra
