Fans can’t get over Mr. & Ms. Chinatown 2022; Here’s why

by: Athena Yap

MANILA — Mr and Ms Chinatown Philippines continues to be commended by Fil-Chi community for having different theme from its traditional stories.
Among the 20 candidates who competed last Sunday at Solaire Resort and Casino in Pasay, Vince Anothony Aseron (李伟) and Jersey Mae Kwan (关泽曦) gave the crowd goosebumps by their presence which embody the diversity of the new generation of the Chinoy Community.

Aseron is the first openly gay, while Kwan is the first woman joining who is standing below five feet.

More than the competition, MMCP stunned the audiences as candidates lead to what it means to be the modern chinoy (#Gen新).

As seen on social media, fans continuously react to the scenes happening even after the competition.

Kwan said in an interview with republicasia that she is a proud representative for petite girls while Aseron wants to champion the pageant for the LGBTQ Community.

“Being LGBTQ doesn’t make me less of a Chinoy and I’m still a proud Chinoy.” Aseron said.
“Parang it’s only like a dream na impossible sa’kin to join beauty pageants, but look at me, here I am in Mr and Ms Chinatown 2022 being the representative of someone who is short and I’m proud of it,” Kwan said.

Before joining the pageant, Kwan used to be so ashamed of answering questions about her height but as she stepped as the representative of short girls in this year’s MMCP, she has become confident about it.

“Before I was really like low self esteem… but now, girl I’m 4’10 and nothing can stop me,” she added.

Aseron and Kwan’s signal to audition for the pageant was when they saw that there is no more height requirement and MMCP is looking for a Chinoy that could break barriers.

“I’m so happy that Mr and Ms Chinatown is recaliberating their pageant style na before it was all about the looks, the height requirement.. something very different,” Aseron added.

“As Chinoys, we believe that the new generation will be the game changers for the succeeding generations to come” said the reigned Mr. Chinatown 2020 Justine Yap

On the other hand, Alvin Kingson Tan, president of ChinoyTV said on their press presentation that they want to show to the public that the ‘Chinoy’ community now is starting to be open.

The candidates took the stage with their Cultural Wear and Formal Wear competition. Afterward, the top 10 contestants were chosen to proceed to the final Q&A portion, judged by the esteemed circle of judges:

• Salome Uy (People Asia’s Women of Substance Awardee)
• Camille Co (Content Creator & Entrepreneur)
• Roselle Monteverde (COO, Regal Films)
• Eunice Apple de Belen (Senior Brand Manager, Silka)
• Richard Juan (Actor & CEO, 28 Squared Studios)
• Robert Chen (VP for Marketing and Business Development, OKbet)
• Atty. Dan Roleda (Founder & Adviser of PMAP)
• Ms. Martina Salimbangon (Business Development Manager, Organique)
• Mr. Charlie Dy (CEO, Virtual Playground)
• Gwendolyne (Fourniol Miss World Philippines 2022)
• Mr. Knoi Austria Esmane (Chief Creative Officer, Hoseki)

Kevin Lao, 29 year old businessman and Berjayneth Chee, 22 year old model were named as Mr. and Ms. Chinatown 2022.
First Runner-ups were Adrian See and Lovely Lim
Second Runner-ups were Vince Anthony Aseron and Lovely Lim