Nicole Borromeo. Image: Instagram/@thejcsphotos via @nicole.borrome
Miss International 2023 third runner-up Nicole BorromeoNicole Borromeo’s pageant journey started very early, joining, and winning in contests since she was a teenager. But now, the multi-titled beauty is changing other women’s lives by helping choose who gets to earn a crown.
“I always get really excited when it comes to judging a pageant, because it serves as a reminder of what it’s like to be on the other side,” she told INQUIRER.net in an interview at the welcome dinner hosted by the Miss Iloilo organization at the Camiña Balay nga Bato in Iloilo City on Jan. 12. Borromeo was invited to judge the local pageant held on Jan. 13.
“That said, I know the fears, the anxiety that you’re feeling when you’re standing on that stage. And as a judge, I can really feel for the candidates. So, it brings a lot of pride,” continued the 23-year-old Cebuana model and interior design student.
Borromeo also shared that there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to choosing who deserves the crown. “You know, we always talk about ‘if it’s their night, it’s their night.’ And usually, it’s when that girl shines, right? And I think a girl that shines is really someone who, you can feel their heart when they answer, when they walk with a smile. It’s a full-body feeling of joy that you feel with them,” she explained.
She also reminded aspirants: “When you’re joining as a candidate, it’s easy to think, ‘oh, if I didn’t make it, then I’m not beautiful enough.’ That’s not the case. It’s really the judges. It’s subjective. What I find beautiful, might not be what the other judge finds beautiful. And it’s a very crucial thing that you don’t put your worth tied into a title.”
Borromeo also shared her thoughts about the way pageants are being judged, and said she would love for the candidates to spend more time with the selection committee members. “Like, for example, I’m so glad that (Miss Iloilo host) Nicole Cordoves was able to talk with the girls, so she got to meet them. But as a judge, I don’t know what they’re like. I don’t know who’s more deserving,” she said.
She said she would appreciate it if there were “more preliminary activities between the judges for them to really meet the girls, know their character. So that’s one thing I wish we could add.”
Borromeo said this is important, “because when you win a title, you’re gonna be with this organization for the rest of the year. It’s more than just how you look, it’s more than just one night. It’s the entirety of the reign.”
She was joined by a fellow beauty queen, 2022 Miss Philippines Earth Jenny Ramp, in the judging panel of the 2024 Miss Iloilo pageant, together with their respective mentors, Gerry Diaz from Aces and Queens and Rodgil Flores of Kagandahang Flores.