missbikini01 — PHOTO BY ARMIN P. ADINA/PDI

MANILA, Philippines–The terms “body fat percentage” and “ideal height-to-weight ratio” are not usually associated with beauty contests, the criteria of which often include beauty of face and figure. But the Miss Bikini Philippines pageant is reinventing the way these competitions are being conducted in the country.

Because the pageant seeks a spokesperson for Slimmers World International’s (SWI) advocacy of promoting a fit and healthy lifestyle, applicants are screened using a set of criteria different from the usual beauty contests’ requirements.

The aspirants’ figures are scrutinized using scientific measures such as body fat percentage, and the proportions of the body parts are carefully inspected, as well as the appearance of cellulite.

Beauty of face, as a criterion, also incorporates an inspection of the condition of the ladies’ skin.

But the ladies seemed unfazed with the strict requirements of the Miss Bikini Philippines as over 200 applications were posted for this year’s edition.

SWI Vice President Helen Camacho also noted a significant rise in the level of awareness to fitness that the candidates have displayed.

“They’re knowledgeable about food. They know the choices they need to make, and I see that in the kinds of food that they pick whenever we have activities,” Camacho told the Inquirer at the sidelines of the press presentation held at the Manila Diamond Hotel last week.

She added: “They also know their exercise. They even invite me “ma’am, aero na!” whereas the other batches had to be persuaded. This year’s batch has initiative.”

Camacho is confident this year’s competition will produce yet another stunner, who will serve as the embodiment of her company’s core values. “Mababait din sila (They are also nice),” she shared.

And this serves as good news for outgoing queen Janicel Lubina, who said she hopes to relinquish her title to someone who is “kind, helpful, courteous and approachable.”

She added: “She should maintain her figure because as Miss Bikini Philippines, she will become the basis for what a sexy woman looks like.”

According to a statement released by SWI, this year’s Miss Bikini Philippines winners will be sent to the international competitions Miss Bikini International and Miss Tourism Queen International. The latter tilt used to be associated with the Binibining Pilipinas pageant, which has sent the Philippines’ representatives in 2011 and 2013.

Aside from the right to represent the country in an international competition, the winner will also receive over P300,000 worth of cash and prizes.

The 2014 Miss Bikini Philippines coronation night will take place at the Newport Performing Arts Theater of Resorts World Manila in Pasay City on May 13.

The Philippine Daily Inquirer is a media partner of the competition.