A celebration of homegrown beauties

MANILA, Philippines - Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And what Miss Silka 2013 looks for is a homegrown Filipina beauty. This year’s beauty pageant, which will be held today at 3 p.m. at the Market Market Activity Center in Taguig City, has 30 candidates representing different provinces and towns.

“It’s the project of Cosmetique Asia, makers of Silka,” says Silka brand manager Bea Dacanay of the annual beauty tilt. “It showcases the beauty of a Filipina in each area (or each region). Iba ang beauty ng mga taga-Cebu, ng mga taga-Zamboanga at ng mga taga-Baguio.” It embraces and appreciates the different facets of a Filipina beauty.

Since Filipinos have a special affinity for pageants, young ladies have graced the regional preliminary legs and the national grand finals. Even their families and friends have encouraged them to join.

Aside from the fact that the winner should have fair skin and good looks, Miss Silka must also live up to the saying, “beauty is skin deep.” “We look for someone who has grace and exudes confidence,” says Bea. “She should also be a role model to modern Filipinas.”

The winner will have the chance to donate P100,000 to her chosen charity. Last year’s beneficiary was a haven for abused women in Palo, Leyte. It provided the women livelihood to begin a new phase in their lives, away from abusive relationships.   

Unlike in most pageants, Filipinas who stand 5’2” or 5’3” tall can be Miss Silka because the brand also showcases a beauty that is relatable and representational of many Filipinas. A homegrown beauty, that is.

Past winners have become part of the Silka family by doing TVCs.  The pageant has also become their stepping stone to enter bigger pageants such as Bb. Pilipinas and Miss World Philippines, and show business. This was true for Imee Hart, a Binibini finalist, and Sitti, local tinseltown’s bossa nova queen.

The finalists had their media presentation last Friday. The girls strutted onstage and some shared their thoughts during the casual interview. Candidates from Metro Manila, Zambales, Bicolandia, Pampanga, Bulacan and Masbate seemed to impress the audience. Their beauty, wit, personality and elegance will help them advance to the finals.

Iya Villania, Miss Earth 2004 Priscilla Meirelles, basketball players and twins David and Anthony Semerad, PBA’s Chris Banchero, Azkal Angel Guirado, Martin del Rosario, talent manager Arnold Vegafria, Divine Lee, George Salud and Cosmetique Asia Corp. marketing manager Jane Co will sit as this year’s judges.

Victor Basa, KC Montero and Miss Earth 2008 Karla Henry will host the event with Mr. World second placer Andrew Wolff and Miss World first princess Gwendoline Ruais as co-anchors. Expected to perform are Erich Gonzales and Billy Crawford.

Miss Silka 2013 is a star-studded affair. One thing is for sure, however, that someone from this batch of 30 grand finalists will be crowned the winner.