More than skin-deep

The recent launch of the first Miss Casino Filipino search by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) proves that these days, people see beauty as more than skin-deep.

Yes, the search will have the usual segments like the swimsuit and evening gown competitions, as well as the question and answer portion. But, even before the official candidates make it to pageant night, they would have to convince a panel upon audition that there’s more to them than meets the eye.

According to PAGCOR Entertainment AVP Bong Quintana, the girls must have an advocacy, which they need to pitch to the judges at various points throughout the competition.

“That’s why you can’t fake it. We’ll know if you’re really into the advocacy you say you support,” Bong said.

Having an advocacy is integral to the Miss Casino Filipino because its grand winner will be given the chance to choose a charitable institution, which will benefit from PAGCOR’s in-kind contribution. Besides that, she and her court will help promote PAGCOR’s socio-civic mandate as well as participate in tourism-related events and social responsibility projects.

Indeed, a heart for public service would be needed for such tasks.

Bong said that Miss Casino Filipino aims to be as non-discriminatory as possible when it comes to choosing candidates. Unlike in other pageants, Miss Casino Filipino has no height requirement and even those who have “lost” in other beauty searches can try their luck.

“That’s because we believe that winners are former losers who did not give up,” he quipped.

Will there ever be a Miss Gay Casino Filipino or maybe even Mister Butch Casino Filipino? Bong said that anything is possible.

“Like I said, PAGCOR doesn’t discriminate and we are always open to suggestions,” he added.

Even the candidates who won’t bring home the bacon in Miss Casino Filipino stand to win. Bong added that candidates who are interested in joining PAGCOR’s workforce will be prioritized as their skills relating to the possible employment would have been honed during the search and long before they submit their resume.

“We won’t just give them fish — we’ll teach them how to fish,” he said.

Miss Casino Filipino is open to the “quintessential modern Filipina” ages 18 to 25.  

The grand winner will receive P300,000 in cash while the runners-up will be getting cash prizes of P200,000 (first runner-up), P100,000 (second runner-up), P75,000 (third runner-up) and P50,000 (fourth runner-up).  

Submission of entries is on July 29. Meantime, qualifying competitions for the Miss Casino Filipino 2011 will be held at the Casino Filipino branches in Davao, Cebu, Bacolod, Angeles, Olongapo, Tagaytay, Hyatt, Heritage, Pavilion and Parañaque from Aug. 1 to 24. Each branch will select three representatives who will compete during the Grand Pageant Night to be held at the PAGCOR Grand Theater in Airport Casino Filipino in Parañaque City on Sept. 3.

Interested parties may call the PAGCOR Entertainment Department at 852-7758 and 852-7760 for more information. They may also contact the nearest Casino Filipino branch or visit and download forms at www.pagcor.ph.

Good luck, ladies!