A Beautiful Nationalism: Pageants Unite the Nation

There are only few events that unite a rather diverse Filipino society. The list may include: (1) an impeachment trial, (2) Pacquiao's boxing match and, (3) an international beauty pageant. People from all walks of life, young and old, stop and watch beauty pageants wherever they are and whenever they can. Though, unlike any of Pacquiao's boxing matches that free highways from heavy traffic, beauty pageants shut beauty parlors to a holiday.

As the world progressed, beauty competitions faced issues of irrelevance and women exploitation., among others. Pageant organizers eventually reaffirm the pageants' relevance by pushing for advocacy like environmentalism, women empowerment, international cooperation and beauty with a purpose. This drastically changed the face of the pageants and it became tougher and tougher as countries do not only send beautiful women, they also send those with careers, intelligence and with genuine advocacies.

The success of a candidate is also considered as an achievement of her country. One can often hear a successful candidate saying that her crown is her gift to her people. It is also uncommon to see state flags waved by the audience as their candidate is called.

Here are some of the most beautiful Filipinas who conquered the world stage.