THE stage of pageantry still casts its lights on Filipinas nationwide to search for the country’s next bet for the Miss Universe crown. This year, Davao Region will be sending a diverse set of delegates to compete for the most beautiful event of the year.
This author got to know what else lies behind the good looks of each candidate and found the girls to be equipped with eloquence and humility. We know that a good balance of both will make for a perfect charm that will surely catch the admiration of the public.
A series of questions were given to the ladies so we can get a glimpse on their perspectives and opinions on matters that are commonly discussed these days.
Krizzaleen Mae Valencia, 27 years old
Davao Occidental
With her towering height and elegant charisma, it is no shocker to know that Krizzaleen, or Tsim to her friends and family, has already graced several editorial pages to model for Mindanaoan designers that are recognized worldwide such as Kathryn Fanlo whose crafts were worn by Miss Universe 2016 delegates.
From being a mass-communication graduate in one of the premier universities in Mindanao, Tsim took the path of medicine and is now on her sixth year as a Dental Medicine student in Davao City where she was also elected as an editor-in-chief in the school’s publication.
What for you is the purpose of joining a beauty pageant in the middle of a global health crisis?
There is a need to provide an avenue for people to cope with stress induced by isolation due to the Covid-19 situation. I think people need to know that Covid-19 is not the only crisis we are fighting against. We need to acknowledge that the mental health crisis has spread as widely as the virus and just like Covid-19, it also needs to be addressed.
We are in the modern age where people have strong views on standards of beauty. Pageants would depict that there is such a high measure to be celebrated as a woman and it affects others' confidence. What do you think about this?
I think pageants used to be centered on physicality but it has evolved now. It should be seen now as a movement to showcase that women are celebrated not just for their beauty but also for their talent and intelligence. We need to stop thinking that it tampers with others' confidence and instead consider that it is a great platform to celebrate women who can be game changers and may inspire other women to improve themselves as well.
Pamela Framil, 26 years old
Davao del Norte
Growing up in the city, this 26-year old morena beauty has ventured from islands to highlands around the Philippines as she reached her more mature years. She says it is a form of self-exploration as she is aiming to live simply by the beach.
For Pamela, this lifestyle makes her develop a deeper connection with the universe and network with like-minded people as well. She also models for various local bikini brands that promote body positivity and self-love.
What for you is the purpose of joining a beauty pageant in the middle of a global health crisis?
It is an experience of normalcy, a glimpse of hope. Since 2011, my year wouldn't be complete without me competing for a crown, until 2020 when it feels like everything was put in a halt. For me, joining a beauty pageant in the middle of a pandemic is just me chasing my dream of competing on a national stage. But more importantly, I hope that it will inspire people that we don't have to change our dreams. That it can be put on hold and still continue when you feel like the timing is right. That we can make this time a time for improving ourselves so that when everything comes back to normal, we are more than ready to achieve our aspirations.
We are in the modern age where people have strong views on standards of beauty. Pageants would depict that there is such high measure to be celebrated as a woman and it affects others' confidence. What do you think about this?
Sometimes beauty pageants are seen in a more negative context that we cannot avoid, especially that we now have the power to voice out our thoughts more. But what I see in beauty pageants are women who are confident enough to show what they have. And if we can only see this positive aspect in beauty pageants and teach women to be more confident and to really love their own skin, I think we can throw out our standards of beauty and just be more loving with ourselves.
Bai Dela Cerna, 25 years old
Davao de Oro
She may be a neophyte in pageantry but she exudes an aura that’s hard to be ignored especially for enthusiasts and critics. This lively 25-year old iskolar ng bayan banners the newly-renamed province of Davao de Oro, formerly Compostela Valley, in the Miss Universe Philippines (MUP) stage as she advocates for sustainability in agriculture.
Her father owns a coconut plantation in the province and in the future, she hopes that she can help him along with other farmers keep up with the pace of neighboring countries in the same industry to make their lives convenient and efficient.
What for you is the purpose of joining a beauty pageant in the middle of a global health crisis?
I always wanted to join a national pageant. But it kept on being pushed aside as I prioritized my studies. When I graduated last 2020 and thought that I would finally have the time to join, Covid-19 took a hit on our lives. But even if we are struggling, we still try to do our best to continue our businesses and career plans. For me, the pandemic shouldn’t be a hindrance in pursuing our passion and dreams.
We are in the modern age where people have strong views on standards of beauty. Pageants would depict that there is such a high measure to be celebrated as a woman and it affects others' confidence. What do you think about this?
Beauty is becoming more diverse and inclusive. People are now open to different sorts of beauty, body types, gender identities/expressions, and color. For example, Angela Ponce became the first-ever transgender to participate in Miss Universe. In this year’s Miss Universe Philippines, the height requirement was also lifted. These are indicators that beauty pageants are now breaking barriers.
Ybonne Ortega, 23 years old
Davao City
Just one glance from this young Dabawenya will surely captivate anyone who dares to look as she carries herself elegantly and when she starts talking, anyone will be in a trance.
She is currently an online English teacher while reviewing for the upcoming board exam for Physical Therapists. Also, she is an active member of the Junior Chamber International Davao, an organization composed of the city’s finest speakers.
What for you is the purpose of joining a beauty pageant in the middle of a global health crisis?
My purpose for taking part in Miss Universe Philippines is to share the beauty, hope, and strength of a Dabawenya on a national stage. The world is already filled with negativity so hopefully I can show to the Philippines and eventually the Universe that a Dabawenya like me who came from a humble beginning, has beauty which resonates from within that can give hope to those who are uncertain and strengthen their belief in themselves that if someone as simple as me can pursue my dream even with a pandemic, then so can everybody else. There will always be obstacles or delays but these make success all the more worthwhile.
We are in the modern age where people have strong views on standards of beauty. Pageants would depict that there is such high measure to be celebrated as a woman and it affects others' confidence. What do you think about this?
I do agree with the fact that throughout the years, our standards and opinions about beauty have progressed to the point that we scrutinize every aspect of an individual but I want to emphasize that pageants have been huge platforms to embrace one’s self -- the good and the bad. More often than not, people will only see the good parts especially on stage but what they don’t see are the bad or challenging days. If there’s anything that affects others’ confidence in terms of pageants, then it should be something positive in nature. Knowing all those criticisms, training, or pressure beauty queens go through could create so much inspiration and impact on stage and in real life.
Jedidah Hefervez Korinihona, 24
Davao del Sur
This mix of Filipino and Solomon Islander beauty is a girl on a mission to strengthen family values by nurturing children. Through God Is All We Have Ministries and Metro World Child Organization, she dedicates most of her time helping children who were not born from the most stable of families to earn self-respect by teaching them the importance of character. Jedidah believes children will become useful members of the society as grown-ups if they get the proper attention and guidance.
In the interview, she pointed out that her goal will be one thing only and that is to win.
What for you is the purpose of joining a beauty pageant in the middle of a global health crisis?
I believe we are living in a time where beauty pageants are more than just a source entertainment but a platform to fulfill a purpose or advocacy. And as a beauty queen, I already agreed to put myself in a situation to be judged, but I know myself that I am beautiful and that is enough. I have a cause to fight for and that’s why I’m here.
We are in the modern age where people have strong views on standards of beauty. Pageants would depict that there is such high measure to be celebrated as a woman and it affects others' confidence. What do you think on this?
We have only seen the girls get attention immediately upon joining the contest, but it takes years and sacrifices for them to look like that. Beauty pageants may appear largely as a physical challenge, but it is also in another sense, a mental battle. My parents taught me to never dwell on the negative emotions and comments that the public has thrown at me but use it as an opportunity to be the better version of myself. I learned to take things constructively. and for me, this is one of many important attributes that a beauty queen should possess.
All of the Davao bets got in the Top 75 of the Miss Universe Philippines from the initial 100 hopefuls.
These 75 women were determined by both "cumulative votes" from the first two challenges and votes from the Miss Universe Philippines organization.
They will be further trimmed down to 50 delegates who will undergo face-to-face interviews in Metro Manila. From the list, only 30 women will be chosen to participate in the in-person, live coronation night scheduled on September 25.
From this interview, we can tell that these girls deserve our support for the grand competition. With a strong back-up from local folks, the chances of having a Dabawenya compete internationally as the next Miss Universe Philippines will surely soar high.