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Are beauty pageants still relevant? Binibining Pilipinas candidates respond

Published Apr 17, 2026 02:30 pm

At A Glance

  • Several of this year's Binibining Pilipinas beauties share their two cents about the issue amid ongoing challenges.
Binibining Pilipinas 2026 candidates visits the Manila Bulletin Head office in Intramuros (Facebook)
Binibining Pilipinas 2026 candidates visits the Manila Bulletin Head office in Intramuros (Facebook)

This year’s Binibining Pilipinas candidates shared their thoughts on why pageants remain relevant despite the challenges people are facing today, such as oil price hikes and transportation strikes.

During their courtesy visit to the Manila Bulletin main office in Intramuros on April 14, the candidates were welcomed warmly by Manila Bulletin employees. They toured the main office, admiring the paintings, sculptures, and various magazines on display.

Manila Bulletin public relations manager Badette Cunanan led the tour. The candidates later proceeded to the newsroom to meet editors, graphic artists, and news reporters.

After taking several selfies and enjoying afternoon snacks, a few Binibinis explained why beauty pageants remain relevant today.

Bb. 24 Kristeen Mia Lucero (Bulacan Province): “For me, it’s still relevant because it serves as a platform for us to speak about what is right and to encourage people to be more observant and informed. Especially now, it’s important for Filipinos to observe and be mindful in the upcoming elections, ensuring that what we hope for is done properly. It is also a space for us to serve as role models for our fellow countrymen.”

Bb. 31 Patricia Lynn Beerda (Iloilo): “Beauty pageants are still relevant despite everything that’s been going on because they go beyond beauty. They provide an opportunity to use your platform and voice to speak up and educate others, especially on important topics, as you are able to reach a wider audience.”

Bb. 6 Mary Adeline Ramirez (Malabon): “For me, as a doctor, I believe pageants are still relevant amid the ongoing crises we face. For example, I can conduct free consultations and medical missions, especially since many Filipinos are affected financially. I think I can use this platform to encourage other doctors to do the same.”

Bb. 9 Arah Josmin Reguyal (Occidental Mindoro) "As for me, I feel like pageantry is still relevant, especially since I share a lot of my stories online so that I can help. How are you coping with everything happening around us? Also, as a photojournalist, I am more empowered now on this platform; people will listen when I say something, and pageantry should not be overlooked because of our appearance and how we present. It is our story that can inspire other people."
Bb. 25 Jarina Sandhu (Cauayan) "For me, beauty pageants are still relevant because we are not just here to waste our time, to waste our money just to showcase our bodies and beauty. We are here for our voice. Imagine we are 36 candidates for Binibining Pilipinas. If ever one of us speaks about a certain topic, it can reach a larger audience, help people, and lessen some issues."
Bb. 15 Julia Mae Villanueva (Ilocos Sur) "Despite all the challenges, we are facing. I believe that beauty pageants are relevant because with this platform we can help a lot of people, inspire them to do something, and through beauty pageants we are being taught that we should enact our words and turn them into action."
Bb. 29 Julianne Raine Amigo Antonio (Dumaguete) "What's happening now is really sad, but I think this pageant is relevant because we can use this platform to help other people and stay updated."
Bb. 22 Gwyneth Jemimah Chan (Cagayan De Oro) "I also believe that pageantry is still relevant because a woman cannot solve every crisis alone, but a Binibini can make a change by uniting many people, by speaking up on the causes that we believe in and as a Binibini we can use this platform not just to inspire but to actually make a change."
Bb. 11 Ma. Kathrina Pauline Cudia (Jaen, Nueva Ecija) "I think pageantry is very pivotal in terms of helping out, especially with the current situation we have today. I was actually talking to other Binibinis, and some of them are experts in economics and doctors. And because of that, through their lens I get a glimpse of the actual integral problem and the specific angles to solve them, and overall the advocacies combining them with my Binibini sisters, I do think pageantry is the megaphone for all of us."

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