Married individuals and those who have children may compete in The Miss Philippines and Mister Pilipinas Worldwide pageants.

The organizers of the two pageants highlighted in their application announcement that anyone can advocate for Philippine culture and heritage and that their marital status should not be a hindrance to this goal.

“You don’t have to give up your dreams of joining a pageant yet because we believe that mothers and married women can be as effective as single women at being influencers and advocates of Philippine Culture and Heritage,” the organizers of The Miss Philippines said.

Meanwhile, Mister Pilipinas Worldwide’s organizers said, “If you meet the qualifications, be a part of this incredible journey. Don’t hold back and let your pageant dreams soar.”

Applicants will be screened from September 2 to 9 at Enderun Coworking Estancia in Estancia Mall in Ortigas, Pasig City.

Miss Universe Philippines, The Miss Philippines’ sister pageant, previously allowed single mothers and married women to compete for the much-coveted crown.

This followed the new eligibility rules that the Miss Universe pageant adopted in 2022, which broke the organization’s decades-long tradition of allowing only single women, aged 18 to 28, who have never been married, annulled, or had a child to compete in the pageant.

Three mothers namely Clariele Dacanay of Parañaque City, Eileen Gonzales of Negros Occidental, and Joemay-an Leo of Benguet, became top contenders for the Miss Universe Philippines crown this year. 

More changes in the pageants

The Miss Philippines earlier announced big changes in the competition, including the scrapping of the swimsuit competition.

This move is “to shift the focus on things other than a woman’s vital statistics,” the organizers explained. 

The reinvented pageant will also have a Cannes-inspired red carpet for its formal wear segment and “Ted-Talks style” speeches. The organizers said that the pageant will also be a platform for the candidates to emphasize how they will promote the Philippines to the world.

The winner will succeed Miss Supranational 2023 first runner-up Pauline Amelinckx. 

Mister Pilipinas Worldwide also dropped its question-and-answer and swimwear segments in the competition, its organizer announced. Instead, it will have a fashion runway, which will put the spotlight on streetwear, athleisure, and formal wear.

The two inaugural competitions will be held in October.

Winners in The Miss Philippines pageant will have the opportunity to compete for the Miss Supranational and Miss Charm crowns, while winners in the Mister Pilipinas Worldwide pageant will represent the country at the Mister Supranational, Mister Global, and Manhunt Supermodel pageants.