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Mr. and Ms. Chinatown Philippines (and the woman behind the crown)
Mr. and Ms. Chinatown Philippines (and the woman behind the crown)
This coming Oct. 26, the 2025 edition of Mr. and Ms. Chinatown Philippines (MMCP) will have its much-awaited Finals at the New Frontier Theater in Araneta City.
An annual project of Miss Chinatown Foundation, Inc. since 2013, it will be a fitting climax aimed at celebrating the Filipino-Chinese youth and their continuous impact on the evolution of the country’s Filipino-Chinese community.
Twenty-eight candidates are vying for top honors - 15 ladies and 13 gentlemen. For the past two months, they have been immersed in a flurry of pre-pageant activities that include preliminary competition events, personality development training, charity fashion show, business orientations, and sponsor visits.
It is hoped that they have been gradually tested and transformed into becoming well-rounded representations of the organization’s tagline, “rooted in culture, elevated by elegance”.
Behind all the preparations for this year’s pageant is a leader who took the responsibility of continuing the tradition started by MMCP Chairman Wilson Agbayani. Who better to assume the role of President than his charming and amiable daughter, Vanessa Agbayani-Lo? And she is proving to be an ideal match for the task at hand. While too young-looking to be a mother figure to the candidates, Vanessa committed herself to the job and has actually become a dependable ‘Achi’ (阿姊) - a respectful term for an elder sister - to everyone.
She relishes each day spent nurturing the minds of the 28 aspirants and leading the way in managing all aspects of the program— from marketing and promotions to public relations, logistics, and everything in between.
This writer sat down for an intimate one-on-one with Vanessa, who gamely answered the questions as follows:
1. What do you hope to accomplish as President of MMCP, and what positive changes do you want to implement in this year’s edition and the future ones?
“As President, my goal is to redefine what pageantry means in our community. I want MMCP to be more than just a beauty competition; it should be a movement that empowers the youth, amplifies their voices, and uses influence to serve others. This year, we’ve focused on reshaping the narrative of MMCP by introducing programs like #MMCPCares, which highlights advocacy and community service. Moving forward, I want each edition to carry a deeper sense of purpose, one that celebrates our ChineseFilipino identity, promotes inclusivity, and continuously uplifts our community through meaningful action.”
2. How do you see yourself as President of MMCP after following the footsteps of your father?
“It’s truly an honor to continue something that my father built with so much passion and dedication. But I also see this as an opportunity to bring in new energy, a new era that resonates with today’s generation. While I admire his achievements and the foundation he laid, I want to evolve MMCP into something that reflects the modern Fil-Chinese youth: dynamic, purpose-driven, and socially aware. I want to create my own legacy, guided by my father, the Chairman of Mr. and Ms. Chinatown Philippines Organization and Miss Chinatown Foundation Philippines, Inc. Together, we aim to lead by example for the next generation, to show compassion not just to the Filipino-Chinese community in need of assistance, but to the broader Filipino community as well. To serve with a purpose, that is what I hope to carry forward. My role is to honor the legacy while steering MMCP toward a more progressive and community-centered future.”
3. What is your vision for this year’s winners of MMCP, and how do you plan to maximize their role in the Filipino-Chinese community?
“I envision our winners as ambassadors of culture, compassion, voice, and change. Beyond their titles, I want them to embody the spirit of the Filipino-Chinese youth who stand by their values and lead with authenticity. Through #MMCPCares and our various partnerships, we’ll provide platforms for them to engage with real communities, from outreach programs to cultural initiatives to mainstream media. My goal is to help them grow into leaders who don’t just wear a crown, but carry a purpose that extends far beyond the stage.”
4. This year’s candidates are a dominant mix of Gen Z Fil-Chinese youth who grew up fully immersed in digital technology. How will you connect their social media savvy and heavy smartphone dependence to the old school values and traditions of the Fil-Chinese community?
“I believe social media can be a powerful bridge between the old and the new. Our Gen Z candidates are creative, outspoken, and incredibly influential online. With the diversity we have this year, I hope they serve as an example that not all influencers and artists are driven by fame alone, and that many Fil-Chinese youth today use their platforms for greater causes, and that’s something we should celebrate. Through MMCP, we encourage them to use their influence not just for self-expression but also for storytelling and cultural preservation, to share the beauty of our traditions in a way that feels genuine and relatable to their generation. Being modern doesn’t mean forgetting where you came from, it means carrying your heritage forward with pride in new and meaningful ways.”
5. What is your message for everyone about the future of MMCP?
“The future of MMCP is bright because it’s built on passion, purpose, and people. We are entering a new era where beauty and advocacy walk hand in hand. My message is simple. MMCP is more than a pageant; it’s a family, a community, and a movement. We are here to celebrate our shared heritage, empower our youth, and create a lasting impact together.”
Truly, Mr. and Ms. Chinatown Philippines is shaping up to be one of the most significant national pageants. And in only her second year at the helm, Vanessa AgbayaniLo can elevate the organization and keep up with the fast-changing landscape of pageantry in the country. (Contributed by Norman Tinio)