CEBU, Philippines — When Prince Jehosaphat Amit, director of Cebu Ultimate Catwalk Superstar, couldn’t accompany Aranah Tuco and Jahmeica Athena Canonigo to Thailand for the Gorgeous Universe International Pageant 2024 last October, Winston Sy and Jaytee Tariman stepped in to ensure their candidates performed well in the competition.
It wasn’t entirely smooth sailing, with Sy and Tariman often arguing backstage and making last-minute adjustments, like removing several hairpins from Canonigo’s hair at the finals to fit the headpiece of her national costume.
“When you compete internationally, it’s a whole different ballgame. Our goal was to make sure the girls enjoy every step of the way, so the weight is on us because we are bringing the name of the Philippines and we have to make sure we can showcase our country in Thailand and the rest of the world,” Sy shared at a post-finals press conference at Castle Peak Hotel.
They now laugh at those tense moments, as Tuco went on to win Miss Gorgeous Universe 2024 – a spectacular way of celebrating her Sweet 16 outside the country. Meanwhile, Canonigo, 12, earned a second runner-up position as Little Miss Gorgeous Universe.
Tuco garnered additional awards for Best in National Costume and Gown, while Canonigo took home the Best in Talent award. “It’s proof that it’s a wonderful collaboration and we made sure the girls enjoyed the journey,” Sy remarked.
Asked what made her deserving of the title, Tuco replied, “I think it’s my social skills. The Thailand candidate told me that I look like a queen who is accommodating and able to communicate. She also told me that I was pretty and liked how I walked.”
Canonigo, though she felt deserving of a slightly higher placement, accepted the results nonetheless.
“I am not the type who likes being negative, so I accepted the outcome. The other candidates did their best and had the same goal of winning the pageant. In terms of hard work, it was fair game,” she shared. “There are times when things aren’t fair, but I know God has different plans for me.”
Their teams were relieved that Tuco and Canonigo overcame self-doubt during the competition. Amit said, “I keep telling them not to compete with other candidates. Comparing themselves to others would only hurt their confidence. So I told them: be yourself and do your best.”
Sy added, “I am happy the parents were also there for emotional support, as our job was to ensure they felt confident on stage. Seeing them in their costumes and gowns, proudly representing the Philippines, was a wonderful moment for us.”
Recovering from the huge financial investment in the competition, Tuco and Canonigo decided to take a break from pageants for now, focusing on their studies and extracurricular activities.
Canonigo, though saddened by the end of her Gorgeous Universe International journey, treasures the experience as she can now share the meaning of “beautiful” in Thai with her classmates.
“The pageant was a transformative journey for me. It also comes with the sad realization that it’s ending. It made me realize that all good things don’t last forever, so I cherish them,” she said.
Rebranding the kids pageant
As Cebu Ultimate Catwalk Superstar prepares to send another batch of candidates to international competitions next year, the organization will rebrand for its third edition. At the press conference, they unveiled a redesigned logo, emphasizing elegance over the previous childlike aesthetic.
“The Philippines is a powerhouse in beauty pageants, especially Cebu. That’s why we need to elevate our standards in training,” said Amit, who founded the pageant in 2022.
The rebranding also anticipates the possibility of hosting the next Kids and Teens Global Pageant Philippines in Cebu, following the success of six young Cebuano candidates who won titles last October in Manila.
“There’s a 95 percent chance,” said Annabelle Balala, national director of Kids and Teens Global Philippines. “I see the potential here because Team Cebu’s preparation is unique compared to other provinces.”
Hanna Gen Suwa, Louise Nicole Calabroso, and Dianna Audris Suico – the three Cebuano winners of Kids and Teen Global Pageant Philippines 2024 – will represent the Philippines at the Kids and Teen Global Pageant International in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in February.
Suwa, the 7-year-old crowned Mini Miss Global Philippines Tourism, said her mother inspired her to model and taught her to be confident.
Suico, named first runner-up of Miss Preteens Global Philippines Luzon, wants to be an example for her peers.
“Kids around the world inspired me to join pageants. I want to show them that it’s possible to make your dreams come true. You just have to gather your courage and have passion,” she shared.
Eleven-year-old Calabroso, crowned Little Miss Global Philippines, echoed this sentiment, saying, “Being a beauty queen isn’t about fame or money. It’s to inspire those younger than you to look up to you.”
Miss Teen Global Philippines 2024 Kiana Opolentisima and Little Miss Global Philippines first runner-up Riki Gabrielle Pitogo will compete in separate pageants in Malaysia and Thailand later in the year.
Pitogo chose not to participate in the February tilt as she aims to become a festival queen in a local pageant. Unlike her peers who are balancing school and pageant preparations, Opolentisima is relieved her that her beauty contest, yet to be disclosed, will be held near the end of the school year in May.
“Not everyone is given the chance to represent the Philippines, and we hope to bring home the crown with our hard work,” Opolentisima said.
Miss Teen Charity Universal 2024 Felicity Balala, a guest of honor at the press conference, offered advice to the candidates: “As someone who competed globally, it changed my life, and I hope it can change theirs too. Enjoy the moment and meet new friends, because the Kids and Teens Global Pageant is about being a voice for kids today.”
Canonigo reinforced this, saying, “Don’t compare yourself. Enjoy the competition. I felt insecure at first when I met the other candidates, but on coronation night, I didn’t feel the need to compare, because the Philippines is culturally unique from Thailand and Malaysia. Embrace being different, enjoy, pray, and fight for the crown.”