Key Highlights
- Lara Quigaman urges support for pageants and organizations with integrity.
- Quigaman highlights the humble beginnings of Myrna Esguerra, a fellow Miss International contestant.
- The former titleholder commends the Miss International organization’s focus on merit and character.
- Some netizens believe Quigaman is addressing controversies in other pageants.
Lara Quigaman’s Call for Support in Pageant Community
Former Miss International Lara Quigaman has taken to social media to remind the public of the importance and worthiness of supporting beauty pageants. Speaking on her Instagram, Quigaman emphasized that these competitions are not just about glamour but also provide a platform for women to showcase their talents and overcome challenging backgrounds.
Reflections from a Past Champion
In her statement, Quigaman shared insights into her own journey as Miss International 2005. She highlighted how she walked onto the stage with no financial backing or connections, relying solely on hard work, faith, and the belief that fairness can provide opportunities for everyone. She cited Myrna Esguerra, who is currently representing the Philippines in the Miss International pageant, as an inspiration.
Quigama said, “Myrna’s story is such an inspiration—17 siblings and barely having anything to eat at times. She worked her way through school, never stopped pushing forward, and earned every step of the journey.”
Support for Ethical Pageants
Quigaman acknowledged that while not all pageants are perfect, she commended organizations like Miss International for their commitment to fairness. “Merit and character were enough,” Quigaman stated, asserting that no politics or noise overshadowed the true crown earned through hard work. She further urged the public to support pageants that stand behind ethical practices, saying, “Let’s turn our eyes toward pageants and organizations we can truly stand behind—the ones worth supporting and celebrating for their integrity and real empowerment.”
Controversies in Pageant Circles
The timing of Quigaman’s statement comes at a time when the Miss Universe organization is facing controversies, with judges and contestants stepping down amid allegations of predetermined results. Quigama’s statement may be seen as an indirect criticism of such issues, although she did not explicitly mention any specific pageant by name.
ABS-CBN News, which reported on this story, noted that while Quigaman did not name the Miss Universe organization in her post, some netizens interpreted her words as a comment on ongoing controversies within the industry. The report also mentioned that the Miss International organization has been praised for its focus on merit and character over political maneuvering.
As the conversation around beauty pageants continues to evolve, Quigaman’s message serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting organizations that uphold ethical standards and provide genuine opportunities for personal growth and empowerment.
