Fifteen candidates from 11 barangays are vying for the crown of “Binibining Seksi 2020” in Puerto Princesa – an event under the celebration of 148th founding anniversary of the city and its 16th Balayong Festival.
Geofred Gabo, the creative director of the pageant for four consecutive years, told Palawan Daily News (PDN) this is aimed at boosting the confidence of women in the plus size category.
He said the pageant is the idea of Ms. Judith Raine Bayron, the daughter of the City Mayor, to give this group of women a platform wherein they can showcase their talents.
“We invite everyone dito sa Puerto Princesa na panoorin at saksihan ‘yong patimpalak ng kagandahan para doon sa mga medyo chubby, ‘yong sinasabi nga natin na mga plus size ng Puerto Princesa na ipakita ‘yong talento nila at ‘yong personalidad nila. Iyong kanilang confidence na kahit medyo matataba sila ay mayroon din silang maipakikita katulad ng mga beauty pageant na usually ‘yong katawan ay 36-24-36,” said Gabo.
Gabo said the candidates will appear on different city events for contest promotions, but the pageant’s coronation night will be on March 2, at 7 p.m. in Puerto Princesa Baywalk.
He said categories for the pageant is the same as that of the usual beauty contests.
However, he also added that the pageant does not promote unhealthy lifestyle, but only aims to boost the self-confidence of those women with plus-size-body built.
Reconciling healthy lifestyle and confidence in being plus-size women
Palawan Daily News (PDN) asked Gabo to choose three random candidates from the 15, who can be interviewed.
Three candidates volunteered from Barangays Maunlad, Masikap, and Sicsican.
Mary Carina Cervantes, one of the candidates, 30-year-old and single.
Cervantes said she values physical activities and also watches her nutrition intake.
“Basta ikaw ay may activities everyday hindi lang office hours, katulad dito sa City Hall, sabihin natin maglakad ka sa stairs ay malaking bagay na ‘yan instead of using the elevator. And ‘yong mga simple walks na pagpa-park mo ng sasakyan mo mas malayo sa driveway mo sa opisina, malaking bagay ‘yan. Pagdating naman sa diet, ang diet ay food intake, dadagdagan lang natin ang ‘diet’ ng ‘healthy’ diet. Nandodoon tayo sabihin nating ‘yong go, grow, and glow foods. Kumpleto dapat ‘yan,” said Cervantes.
She also reiterated that their body-built are unlike those women with slim figures, which she had finally learn to embrace.
Plus-size moms ensuring good health to fulfil their responsibilities at home
Annafe Sanchez, an employee of Palawan State University (PSU), 45 and a full-time mom of five children, said good health is necessary for a mother like her that she may faithfully perform her responsibilities at home.
Sanchez said drinking a lot of water and eating food in moderation is important.
She also added that it was her dream to be a beauty queen before, yet her body-built did not allow her to join competitions that were mostly represented by petite ladies.
“Wala naman sigurong payat o mataba sa pagiging sexy. Para mapakita ko rin na as a mom, kahit sa edad ko na ito na 45 at may limang anak, kaya ko pa ring ipakita na lumaban ng rampahan at sayawan,” said Sanchez.
Kristine Armojela, 37 and a mom to three physically-active kids, prevented her from having a sedentary lifestyle.
She stated further that her work for a living also involves delivering items to her customers, which then added to her physical activities.
“Stage mom ako sa kanila. Kapag saan ang parade doon ako sa kanila. Kung ilang oras maglalakad ang mga anak ko nandoon ako kasi tatlo ‘yan sila. Iyong lalaki drummer, ‘yong dalawa majorettes. Online seller din ako, delivery ng mga paninda ko. So kumbaga very hectic ‘yong schedule ko,” said Armojela.
Armojela added she plants and grows vegetables on their backyard for her family’s consumption to ensure the good health of her household.