Olivia Quido supports Miss Universe Philippines pageant

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino-American beauty expert Olivia Quido is in town to support the Miss Universe Philippines happening on May 13 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, where 38 candidates will compete for the crown.

Olivia is the founder and CEO of her Los Angeles-based Olivia Quido Clinical Skincare, that takes pride in being the official partner of the Miss Universe pageant, “a global opportunity,” for four years now.

“The Filipinos are really pageant fans,” Olivia observed. “Their support to the candidate they want to win is like no other. When the Philippines was not called, you’d see the disappointment of Filipinos.”

“But just after a minute, they waved the American flag and started rooting for USA. I was so surprised they had another flag. They started rooting for R’Bonney Gabriel. When Miss USA landed on Top 5 and then, Top 3, I was witness to how Filipino fans in the audience really cheered for her,” she added.

Admirably, Olivia has also built her ties with Miss Universe pageant owner Anne Jakrajutatip. “We built a very good relationship not only as the Miss Universe skin care partner, but we became friends,” Olivia said.

“Anne is in Thailand and I’m in the US, yet we talk every week. I believe she is really doing everything for the Miss Universe Organization (MUO), although I have nothing to do with that. I only listen to her as a friend,” she shared.

“I see her passion for the organization and how Anne wants to make it big and prestigious. I understand there are people who can say things and comment about how Anne runs MUO. But as a business owner, Anne wants to do the best for Miss Universe.”

At the Miss Universe pageant last year, Olivia was not just the skincare partner, she experienced also becoming a judge.

“I sat down and had a talk with the candidates,” she shared. “I saw everyone up close and personal. They were all beautiful in person. But once they were onstage, something is lacking. Their stage presence didn’t have a glow. Some didn’t exude an aura. Some were very shy.”

“There were some who are really beautiful and really look good, but once they face the judges, they lack stage presence and self-esteem. Not consistent. It should be from the very first time you step out onstage up to the time you return, you should have the same energy level.”

Now that it’s pageant season again, Olivia emphasized Miss Universe is looking for someone who will represent the brand really well.

“Someone with advocacy, not just one who will join, then take on the charity,” she explained. “It will be nice if the candidates are already doing the charity before they joined. Miss Universe is looking at many factors, not only beauty but how the candidates represent the brand well.”

“How the candidates can help the community and empower (a) woman who wins. She needs to be witty, smart, relatable and presentable. When they walk onstage, she needs to own the stage. Stage presence is so important,” she said.

“Sometimes, we only see a candidate being interviewed on-cam. But when she’s onstage, she’s lackluster without any glow. The winning glow is important. That’s real. I didn’t realize it until I became a judge.”

Not surprisingly, Olivia is now being invited to be a judge in beauty pageants in other countries. She has been to Paraguay, Ecuador and Colombia. She is open to gracing more pageants in other countries.