Miss International pageant promotes its new Filipino executive director

New Miss International Executive Director Stephen Diaz (center) with reigning queen Andrea Rubio (left) and 2018 queen Mariem Velazco/STEPHEN DIAZ X PHOTO

The Miss International beauty pageant has a new Executive Director, and he is Stephen Diaz, the Japan-based Filipino pageant officer who was previously the chief of staff and head director of the global tilt’s organizer, International Cultural Association (ICA).

In an online interview with INQUIRER.net, Diaz said that with his new role, “I will have more decision-making rights in terms of approving sponsors, negotiating for possible hosting of the pageant outside Japan, etc.”

He also shared: “Remember when I found the new crown sponsor in Vietnam? It was too much of a hassle [because] I needed the approval of this, and that. But with my new position, I can decide [already] on behalf of Miss International for as long as I properly communicate the specifics to Akemi [Shimomura, Miss Paris Group owner and CEO].”

Diaz said Shimomura initially offered him to become “President,” but he declined. “That title carries heavier responsibility, and it sounds too business-oriented for me. Akemi gave me one night to think of the right title for me,” he shared.

The moment he woke up the next day, he told Shimomura his preferred title. “Although my position is basically the same as the one vacated by Paula Shugart when she resigned from [Miss Universe Organization]. But Miss International is a non-stock, non-profit organization under the auspices of ICA, so we have different directions on how to run our pageant,” Diaz explained.

He said the offer came because Shimomura wanted to focus on her growing beauty and wellness university that opened last year. And citing the Miss International pageant’s growth under his supervision and limited role, despite a two-year absence, she did not have to look any further.

“I think she saw in me the sincerity, love and passion for [Miss International] and the brand itself. I am willing to fight tooth and nail for [Miss International],” Diaz declared.

He acknowledged how daunting the task before him is, but he trusts the entire Miss Paris Group will provide him with all the help to be able deliver a bigger and better Miss International pageant “without losing our essence,” Diaz said.

He also said he is aware of several sectors who look down on pageants, or “want to destroy pageantry in general.” And because of this, he has made it his mission “to preserve the very essence of pageantry, and make people see and appreciate the things that we do right in [Miss International].”

Diaz added: “We give wonderful opportunities for young women who join Miss International, without necessarily jeopardizing their mental health. And also, in the near future, I want other countries to host our pageant and experience what Miss International is really all about.”

In his capacity then as ICA head director, Diaz has traveled to different countries with then-reigning Miss International Jasmin Selberg from Germany, and current queen Andrea Rubio from Venezuela.

He is scheduled to return to the Philippines a year after accompanying Selberg in Manila to join Rubio who is a special guest at the Grand Coronation Night of the 60th Binibining Pilipinas pageant at the Smart Araneta Coliseum at the Araneta City in Quezon City on July 7.