NOONTIME variety program "Eat, Bulaga!" will crown its first Miss Millennial Philippines winner on Saturday, September 30.
Happening live at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, the event is a culmination of a two-month tourism campaign spearheaded by young Pinays from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Among those who will compete for the title are Cebuana Sarah Madrigal, Kapampangan beauty Jasmine Bungay, Davao native Molly Teodoro.
The three entrants and 35 others have produced creative and eye-catching television and online content which promoted the beauty and charm of their respective provinces.
Bungay shared that joining Miss Millennial is a new experience for all the contestants as it is not the typical beauty pageant. She said instead of practicing their walks, they were asked to lead the tourism campaign of their provinces.
"It's a big adjustment for us because 'Miss Millennial' is very different from what we are used to. The good thing though is that we are not pressured or expected to act all ladylike. We are encouraged to just be ourselves in front of the camera and be natural in our social media posts," she said.
Teodoro added that the pageant is a good platform to show everyone that millennials can be technologically savvy while having that care for the country.
"Millennials are known for their love of selfies and the use of social media. Because of 'Miss Millennial Philippines,' people will see us from a different angle – that more than the photos, tweets, and blogs that we post, we are capable of promoting tourism through social media and to contribute in nation building,” she said.
As for Madrigal, she said there are many things to explore in each province -- from must-see places, local delicacies, and the world-renowned Filipino hospitality.
Madrigal added, "Being a millennial is not just about the age. We are also sensible, aware of the environment and of what's happening around us and we do participate. We have a voice and we choose to use it to influence and inspire others. ‘Miss Millennial’ is our small way of doing that."
The Miss Millennial Philippines winner will not only received a condominium unit from Bria Homes, a Mitsubishi Montero Sport and cash prize, but also a commissioned crown designed and created by Micki Olaguer and Arnel Papa, respectively.
A patriotic ode to Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, the crown design represents the hope, pride and ambition of the millennials who dream big and strive to become the best version of themselves. It will also feature “38” swirl patterns inspired by the initials and anniversary year of "Eat, Bulaga” and is made up of Philippine gems and mother of pearl.
Olaguer, a young jewelry designer, said it was an honor for her design to be part of the anniversary celebration of the longest-running noontime variety program in the country.
"I'm very happy that they are celebrating our generation and giving them opportunities to help their hometowns. It makes me proud because it's not just all frills, it's not shallow. It's a concrete way of really helping the province through tourism. I'm honored to play a small role in the design," the designer said.
Papa, a well-established jewelry and crown designer, hopes that the crown will not only serve as a symbol of beauty but also a reminder of one's love for the country.
"The ‘Miss Millennial’ winner is one very lucky lady because this is no ordinary headpiece. There’s a lot of thinking behind its design and it took us weeks and a couple of hands to create it," he ended. (SunStar Philippines)