Two of the most trusted names in local pageantry have banded together to create the newest beauty competition entitled "Miss Pearl of the Orient Philippines." 

The search is unique because it requires the contestants to speak in native Filipino language and the winners will have the chance to vie for three international beauty titles. These titles are Miss Cosmopolitan World, Miss Tourism Globe, and Miss Glamour Look International.

Behind Miss Pearl Of The Orient Philippines are director Makoy Manlapaz of Gouldian Training & Events and Miss JM Robles of JM Pageantry Innovations - a company known for making exquisite crowns and sashes. Together, they have formed Oriental Beauty Philippines Charities Inc., which will oversee the Miss POP contest.

Makoy said it is auspicious that they successfully formed "Miss Pearl of the Orient PH" just as he and JM celebrate 10 years of involvement in the pageant industry.

"We cannot guarantee that this is going to be the biggest and most prestigious pageant. But we can promise three things. One is that we will be true to our prizes and promptly pay our winners. Two: we are going to have a decent pageant, meaning: we will make sure that it's going to be a fair competition. Number three: our pageant will aim to highlight the authentic culture of the Philippines. And we really want to encourage local winners who cannot make it to the big national pageants. They are welcome to join us!," Makoy remarked during the pageant's recent launch at Wheatberry Cafe in Quezon City.

The Grand Coronation Night, he added, will have the program script fully written in Tagalog. "Sorry for saying this but there are pageant watchers who just look at the aesthetics, the stage and the beauty of the girls but they don't focus on the program because they don't understand a word of it. Kasi sobrang bongga ng English. So we thought: why not come up with a script in Tagalog? It's not super-deep Tagalog, there will also be Taglish."

Aside from emphasizing on the native language, the pageant will also make sure that the costumes and activities will be distinctly Filipino. He cited as an example the Pinoy martial arts called "sikaran" or foot fighting.

"Sikaran is an interesting local sport which originated in Rizal province. This will be one of the activities that our contestants can do, aside from the usual photo and video shoots. We really aim to showcase Filipino culture," Makoy revealed.

A grand cash prize of P100,000 awaits the title holder of "Miss Pearl of the Orient Philippines." There is no height requirement. The grand coronation night is scheduled sometime in July, and the pageant is calling for applications until May 20 for interested ladies who meet the following requirements:

- 18 to 28 years old

- with a pleasing personality

- single, natural-born woman who holds a Philippine passport

- good moral character

- has a deep passion for promoting Philippine culture, traditions, and values.

- can actively participate in numerous charity activities.