THE Miss Baguio pageant will resume this year after a six year hiatus.
Councilor Elmer Datuin, chair of the City Council committee on tourism, said reviving the pageant is part of the marketing plans of promoting Baguio as a tourist destination.
Six years earlier, holding of the annual pageant was cancelled after pro-women's organizations complained that it exploits women.
Datuin said they decided to revive the practice but with "stringent rules".
During the selection of the "Darling of the Press" last Saturday at the poolside of the Hotel Supreme, Datuin said swimsuit competition is not part of the main pageant night.
Datuin also said only limited audience will be allowed to watch the swimsuit competition, adding that contestants are required to wear a "conservative" swimwear.
“Skimpy and provocative swimsuits are a no-no,” Datuin said.
Councilor Perlita Rondez, meanwhile, said nothing is wrong with the pageant's revival.
To be recalled, shortly after getting elected as councilor in 2004, Rondez was among those who called for a suspension of the pageants because the contestants were required to parade in their swimwear. Rondez, who was once a contestant of a beauty pageant, said the swimwear category has become a venue of exploitation of women.
"No indecent, skimpy swimsuits. No sponsors night where contestants are forced to entertain the sponsors," Rondez said.
She said the pageant should also be a venue for contestants to become knowledgeable of the city's history, culture, and people.
The coronation night for Miss Baguio is on August 30, 7 p.m. at the Baguio Convention Center. Admission is free, but on a first come, first seated basis. (Rimaliza Opiña)