The Beauties and the Celebration

By: Joe Mauricio

 

Do you often wonder why is it that every time we have a celebration, such as town fiestas, Philippine independence, and some kind of regional festivities in the Philippines and here abroad, some kind of beauty contests highlight or the focus of the celebration?

For those who are not in the know, beauty contests have made them laugh as well-gowned women with crowns neatly placed on their heads walk past them. Some of them even think that beauty contests are the epitome of superficiality in our community.

Miss, Mrs. Philippines, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, or some other outstanding beauty titles that go with the celebration, will be honorably given among women who are proud of their Filipino heritage. The contest is a way for the Filipino women to represent not only their beauty but also their cultural heritage.

As May is the celebratory month of Asian American Heritage and Pacific Islanders and this coming June is the celebration of the annual Philippine Independence, there will be a showcase of pride in our heritage and culture, not only as Filipinos or Asians but also as part of the noteworthy Asian group in this adopted country of ours.

From our traditional displays of native food and dances and art, it is easy to relate to everything that the beauties are saying as they take their places on the stage, glance at one another, not as competitors, but as sisters or friends.

Every year, the unique concept of women representing their heritage attracts a significant amount of world-recognized names, from fashion, media and entertainment industries, as well as some government figures. Parades of beauty together with professionalism, and smarts go hand in hand.

As we look at the parading beautiful women, we realize that there is nothing wrong with wanting to look beautiful in front of ogling eyes of people. Yet, the only thing we see is a group of women proudly embracing their cultural heritage and having fun in the process.

And, the most entertaining part? They don’t take themselves too seriously, as it’s just a way for them to get together and remind themselves where they come from and where their parents, even grandparents come from, with the traditions they grew up with. Of course, it gives them an excuse to dress up and be a well-attired and groomed queen even for one night, walking around with a crown, trophy or scepter, and a bouquet of flowers.

In this particular event, we need to enjoy our beauties in our own way, and we don’t ever lose our cultural heritage in the process, the whole reason that our beauty queens will look the way they do.

Happy celebrations of Asian American Heritage Month and the Philippine Independence on June 12th!!!