Music selection at Miss Grand PH coronation criticized for ‘objectifying’ women

While many will agree that the Miss Grand Philippines 2024 crowned its best candidate in CJ Opiaza to be its representative to the Thailand-based Miss Grand International, there’s something else that caught the attention of pageant watchers that night — the show’s music selection.

The five-hour long national tilt, held at the Newport Performing Arts Theater on Sunday, Sept. 29, crowned Opiaza of Castillejos, Zambales as the country’s representative for the Miss Grand International 2024 pageant in Bangkok, Thailand. Meanwhile, Pampanga’s Sophia Bianca Santos was named Universal Woman Philippines, while Anna Margaret Mercado from Quirino bagged the Miss Eco Teen Philippines title.

Pageant organizer and franchise holder ALV Group of Companies, led by president Arnold Vegafria, chose as the Filipiniana theme that would allow the candidates to honor their respective regions in their national costumes. To complement this focus, organizers decided to go with OPM classics that give the show its 1970s to 80s disco fever vibes.

This was especially evident during the special portions of the competition, such as the national costume and swimsuit competitions, and also during the intervals.

The national costume competition used the song “Bonggahan” by Sampaguita,” which garnered mixed reactions from pageant fans. Others noted that the choice of music was “cute,” while some compared it to a “barangay pageant” or “bar.” Others were not amused, saying they tend to objectify the women with the choice of song.

Meanwhile, the swimsuit portion featured songs from male group Hagibis such as “Katawan,” “Nanggigigil,” “Babae,” and “Legs,” which did not sit well with many. One commenter said the selection of songs does not inspire women empowerment.

Other songs used throughout the national tilt’s run were Sampaguita’s “Nosi Ba Lasi,” Regine Velasquez’s “Urong Sulong,” Hotdog’s “Manila,” VST & Company’s “Awitin Mo, Isasayaw Ko” and “Swing,” Gino Padilla’s “Closer You And I,” Jaime Garchitorena’s “Just A Smile Away,” and Louie Heredia’s “Can Find a Reason,” among many others.

Technical errors

There were also moments when the livestream of the pageant was cut off due to “policy violations,” although the pageant has yet to address how it arrived to the particular case.

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LOOK: The live stream of the Miss Grand Philippines 2024 was unavailable at around 12:20 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 30, due to allegedly violating YouTube’s “policies.”

The national pageant has yet to address this mishap, as of press time. @inquirerdotnet pic.twitter.com/CMHqHclmR4

— Hannah Mallorca (@HMallorcaINQ) September 29, 2024

The stream was also cut-off during the performance of P-pop boy group Press Hit Play, which led to the pageant migrating to a different video.

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Always deserving to be heard by many. Sadly, the microphone weren’t that good and even the live stream was cut-off. But, @PressHitPlay give their BEST as they always does! Yey!🥳💐🤗

PHP WITH MISS GRAND PH#PHPatMGPh2024#MissGrandPhilippines #MGP2024 #GrandPhTV #PRESS_HIT_PLAY pic.twitter.com/mrT19dsER5

— Ae (@baliwnapasyente) September 30, 2024

During the stream, other netizens also noted the faulty audio during the national costume competition, the sound being cut off during the Top 10 announcement, and the stage’s set design.

The pageant’s national organization has not addressed the comments, as of press time.

Meanwhile Opiaza is set to leave for Thailand soon for the international tilt which will begin on October 5.