Mr. and Ms. Chinatown Global tilt set to crown winners
MANILA, Philippines — Tomorrow, Jan. 20, the candidates of the inaugural Mr. and Ms. Chinatown Global (MMCG) will vie for the title at the Hilton Manila, Newport World Resorts. Some of the bets, who hailed from different countries, have flown all the way to the Philippines to participate in various cultural activities that took place in Binondo and Baguio, before the finals night.
According to the press release, the MMCG pageant “celebrates the rich Chinese heritage and vibrant traditions of the global Chinese diaspora. It also features participants from around the world, competing for coveted titles through a series of events and collaborations with prominent partners, representing a global cultural movement.”
During a recent press presentation at The Manila Hotel, the 20 contestants were introduced, proudly representing their diverse cultural backgrounds and identities. They are: Jastine Lim (Philippines), Chiara Alix Lim (Philippines), Jenina Lui (Australia), Gwyneth Yvonne R. Jao (Philippines), Juliette Louie (Hong Kong), Zhang Ruoxi (China), Candice Xiao Liang (USA), Clarysse Yoke Yee (Malaysia);
Rebecca Kwek Jing Yi (Singapore), Khryss Nicole J. Go (Philippines), Kirby Mark Chen (Philippines), Jeric Bennett Uy Mendoza (Philippines), Aragon Jacob Yu Lor (Philippines), Francis Matthew O. Ngo (Philippines), Rafael Jacque Balila (Philippines), Aravinda Rao (Singapore), Duan Shiqing (China), Ethan Tam Ming Hao (Malaysia), Byron Sng (Malaysia), and Joseph Morris (Australia).
Jenina bagged the Female Media Favorites while Juliette was named Ms. The Manila Hotel. In the male category, Aragon won the Mr. The Manila Hotel and the Male Media Favorites awards.
During the question and answer portion, Duan told The STAR the Chinese characteristics that he has that will help him secure the title.
“I think respect for others is one of those and another one will be something that you don’t want others to do unto you, don’t do it to others also,” he said through an English interpreter.
Francis, a licensed architect, also shared that the Chinese and Filipino values that he treasured the most are the close bonds he has with his family and friends.
“Since I was young I was taught to always show respect to my parents and grandparents. And as I grew up, and with other friends, we realized that these values that were taught since we were young extend not just within our families but to our close friends or people that we find loyal to. These are some things that I really treasured,” he explained.
Aragon, on the other hand, stated that he got to show his modern Tsinoy side by celebrating Chinese-related events, such as Chinese New Year, with his friends and family.
Aravinda, meanwhile, said that by speaking fluent Mandarin, he was able to display his Chinese heritage.
“I can sing Chinese songs. And generally, I feel like especially with my look, I’m half-Indian, half-Chinese, a lot of people wouldn’t realize that I can actually do half of the things I can do or understand when they speak Mandarin. So that’s something I would like to showcase (in the international stage),” he added.
The MMCG is organized by CHiNOY TV and the Federation of Filipino Chinese Association of the Philippines Foundation Inc., and is presented by Oishi and Hilton Manila at Newport World Resorts.
The finals night will be hosted by Janeena Chan and Nicole Cordoves, with a special performance by South Korean singer, Kim Won Shik also known as Ravi.
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