The Philippines beauty pageant controversy

About this episode

The episode discusses the controversy surrounding a Filipina American beauty pageant winner and the cultural significance of beauty pageants in the Philippines.

A recent victory by a Filipina American beauty pageant contestant has sparked a debate about what it means to truly represent the Philippines. The country has arguably the most enthusiastic beauty pageant culture in the world, with widespread fame and life-changing opportunities awaiting winners. But the winner of this year’s Miss Universe Philippines Bea Millan-Windorski has had to defend her victory after being criticised for previously representing the United States at another pageant. The widespread media coverage of her victory and subsequent debate speaks to the broad appeal of beauty pageants in the Philippines. While they're regarded as relatively niche events in many other countries and have attracted criticism for being sexist, objectifying women and promoting unobtainable beauty standards, they still loom large in the Philippines, where winners can become national icons. Asia Specific host Mariko Oi speaks to broadcaster and podcast host Rico Hizon and Ariella ‘Ara’ Arida, the National Director for Training and Development of the Miss Universe Philippines Organisation to discuss the latest controversy and unpack why beauty pageants retain such broad appeal in the…

People in this episode

Host: Mariko Oi

Guests: Rico Hizon, Ariella ‘Ara’ Arida

Topics covered

• beauty pageants
• Philippines culture
• representation
• media coverage
• gender issues

Keywords

• beauty pageant
• Philippines
• Miss Universe
• representation
• cultural debate
• gender issues
• media coverage

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Miss Universe Philippines Organisation

Places: Philippines, United States

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