More than just a beauty pageant

Women are not perceived as the weaker sex anymore. Our role has evolved from being housewives to more confident, business-savvy and independent individuals. As the saying goes, "the hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world."

Perhaps there is no other company that pays tribute to Filipina beauty like Avon. Last year, they launched the first-ever Miss Avon beauty pageant, a contest that is as much about beauty as it is about promoting the Filipina’s entrepreneurial spirit.

"The Miss Avon Beauty Pageant is another facet of Avon’s commitment as the company for women," says Ina Quiogue, Avon Cosmetics Inc. general manager. "For years, Avon has empowered millions of women worldwide with meaningful earning opportunities and recognition programs."

Dig this: The launch of Miss Avon 2006 is on. From April 8 to 29, Avon franchise dealers who are 18 to 25 years old can submit their application forms to their franchise managers. Those who are not Avon ladies can go to the nearest Avon branch and register.

Here is the thing, candidates who make it will undergo a selection process that will pave the way for the Top 10 finalists. Coronation night will be on August 26. Cash and gift prizes will be awarded to Miss Avon 2006, together with training and modeling opportunities.

"Avon also seriously looks after women’s health and well-being by championing the fight against breast cancer. With Miss Avon, Avon celebrates not only the beauty of women but also the entrepreneurial spirit of the Avon ladies," explains Quiogue.

Last year’s Miss Avon pageant attracted hundreds of women from all over the country. Jaylyn Diquiatco from Avon’s Tondo branch reigned supreme. At 19, Jaylyn signed up to become an Avon franchise dealer because of her entrepreneurial spirit and fascination with Avon products. Little did she know that more windows of opportunity would open up for her.

"Miss Avon is, without a doubt, my biggest achievement so far. Because of the pageant, I learned to be confident about what I can do," says Jaylyn. "There was a time when I thought I couldn’t join something as prestigious as Miss Avon. But the fact that people around me believed in me and encouraged me has helped changed that."

Apart from cash and gift prizes plus a lot of experiences she gained from becoming Miss Avon 2005, Jaylyn became one of the most recognizable faces in the country. She modeled for the Avon brochure and graced the cover three times. Her latest stint is becoming the image model for one of Avon’s newest fragrances.

Being on the cover of the brochure has given Jaylyn a bigger edge. She has friends who want to see the brochure to see her photos. But then they end up buying a lot of things and ask her for advice on which products are best for them.

"It took me a while to get used to the Miss Avon title, especially when people who recognize me from the brochures suddenly come up to me and say hi," enthuses Jaylyn. "But one of the things I love most about this experience is the chance to meet so many new people and to be an active part of the Avon family."

More than modeling opportunities and exposure, Jaylyn was part of Avon’s breast cancer advocacy. She participated in the annual Avon "Kiss Breast Cancer Goodbye" campaign and last Christmas’s special gathering where she played Santa Claus to her fellow franchise dealers.

"There are many more things I want to do as Miss Avon 2005. I want to be able to train other franchise dealers on personality development. I know there are still many women out there who are hesitant to walk up to people and share the Avon experience. I want to help them be more confident to believe in what they can do and to excel in what they’re doing," Jaylyn concludes.

Now, there’s a perfect song that reminds me about all this, and it is Whitney Houston’s I’m Every Woman.

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E-mail love-hate whatever things to becca_rodriguez@yahoo.com.