For 13 years, Miss Tourism Philippines has stood as a prestigious beacon for aspiring beauty queens, offering them a legitimate stage to showcase their grace, charm, and cultural heritage.

This esteemed platform not only nurtures their dreams but also empowers young women to embrace their individuality and shine brightly in the world of pageantry.

Amy Sunio-Abarquez, the CEO and President of the Miss Tourism Philippines beauty pageant, emphasized the resources and transparency that have maintained the pageant's credibility over the years.

"I am so lucky that we have some resources that are helping me. We have had a thriving business in the US for 28 years. That's where we get our finances. We have other companies in the Philippines," said Amy when asked about how she managed the pageant alive during an interview in Quezon City.

Amy added, "I am so grateful to my hubby, Tony, who always supports me. We had ups and downs. We faced challenges, but we came out victorious. The more I am challenged. So hopefully in the future, my prayer is that Miss Tourism Philippines will continue to thrive. We are not a cooking show. It hurts when I hear that. I have my own way of choosing who will be Miss Tourism Philippines."

She also said the pageant has always been transparent about its scoring for the candidates. "We have pre-pageant activities that also reveal their scores."

Amy also explained that beauty contests are a business in which owners have the prerogative to choose the winners.

"I've been there. I've attended beauty contests, and I also have my international business. It's the prerogative of owners (to choose the winners). You cannot do away with that. We are human," she said.

Amy believes that some pageants are still relevant, like the Miss Tourism Philippines. However, she proposed that a bill regulating beauty pageants in the Philippines should be endorsed.

"Some pageants are still relevant. But I think there should be a bill regulating the creation of beauty pageants because kung ano-ano na lang at sinu-sino na lang ang humahawak sa mga pageants. They should check the organizers because some of the girls are exposed to exploitation.

"But you know, other girls join pageants for different purposes. We don't know. In the Philippines, it still shows that pageants are relevant. But we need to regulate the pageantry business.

"Minsan may pageant sila ngayon pero next time wala na. So ano na ang nangyari sa kanilang mga prize? (Sometimes they have a pageant now, but next time there's none. So what happened to their prizes?) Sometimes, if they don't adhere to my contract, I let them go," she added.

Aside from promoting tourism, the pageant focuses on charity work.

"It has always been charity work for Miss Tourism Philippines. There are schedules abroad, but some don't have their passports," Amy said.

Amy said her pageant helps girls who want to join pageants but do not have enough resources.

"That's what I've been telling them. Even though it's hard for me to connect with the right people, I still have to do it right just for the sake of our candidates who are dreaming of being a beauty queen.

"One of my advocacies is to help them. Actually, some candidates cannot afford it. I tell them to join, and I will help you with the other requirements," Amy added.

The Miss Tourism Philippines has successfully become a springboard for young girls to pursue bigger pageants. And Amy doesn't mind it.

"They are so young. A 24-year-old candidate is too much for Miss Tourism Philippines. Some of them have to climb to other pageants. I don't mind that," she said.

On her advice to girls who want to pursue beauty pageants, Amy said, "When you are in pageants, keep going. Don't be too competitive. Just join and enjoy. Then allow your beauty to radiate on stage."