MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine pageant season is on a roll!

Various national organizations are now preparing for their respective national searches. Each of them are looking out for the country’s representative to the forthcoming international competitions.

The Miss World Philippines (MWP) Organization, in a social media post, wrote, “Attention to all aspiring beauty queens! We have exciting news! The application deadline for MWP 2024 has been extended until April 22, 2024.

“There is your chance to step into the spotlight and showcase your beauty, intelligence, and to grace the prestigious stage of MWP. Screening is scheduled at the end of this month. Don’t miss out on this opportunity. Submit your application now and be part of the journey towards the crown.”

Pageant aficionados are hoping that the national organization will be earnest in selecting our next representative. The dismal results of the latest Miss World pageant where the Philippines was unplaced, was such a blow to the pageant community, which honestly believed Gwendolyn Furniol had a fighting chance.

Perhaps, the national organization would take into consideration several factors that have been consistent in the past two editions. For example, the international pageant has not been an annual event but a biennial one! Which means it will be to our advantage if the crowned winner is young, so her age can withstand postponements in the competition date.

Furthermore, it would also be worth considering that the finalists be women who have an existing advocacy they support; and not one hastily created for an incoming competition. A passionate heart will ring true in any arena, while anything done haphazardly will surely fail.

Outgoing titleholder Gwendolyn Furniol will crown her successor at the close of the coronation rites in July. Stay tuned!