Miss Universe steps into ‘wider’ stage; back to pre-pandemic glitz

THE RIGHT MOVE

In the heyday of Manny Pacquiao, a boxing match could lessen traffic anywhere in the country and get people off the roads because they were glued to their TV sets. Over the weekend, another event, the Miss Universe 2023 beauty pageant, proved itself worthy to be in the ranks of a Pacquiao fight as hundreds of thousands of Filipino pageant fans cheered for Ms. Philippines in her quest to take home the crown. When Celeste Cortesi did not make it to the Top 16, some major media outfits reported that she broke the streak of the Philippines candidates in the past 12 years.

This was where we saw the passion of Pinoy pageant fans who came to Celeste’s defense, reprimanding the media outlets that they were inconsiderate to blame her. After all, if pageant fans can feel as passionate as they do, what more the candidates themselves who trained for years in the hope of bringing pride home?

But why do Filipinos have such an ardent interest in beauty pageants?

Talking to pageant expert, Concon Siñel who has been a pageant director, trainor, and producer, he said: “It’s crazy how beauty pageants are deeply ingrained in Pinoy culture! Because of the prestige assoc