After the victories of Miss International 2016 Kylie Versoza and Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, another Filipino “beauty queen” bagged the crown for Miss Beauty Doll (MBD) 2016.
“Shawnah Bautista Vasquez,” the doll made by Filipino designer Cholo Ayuyao, represented the Philippines in the glitzy doll pageant held in Bangkok, Thailand, last week.
According to her profile, Vasquez is a 23-year-old mass communication graduate from Angeles City. She is a full-time model who loves cooking traditional Filipino and Thai dishes. “She’s a prolific blogger and pretty much writes about her work as a model, and shares different recipes on her blog as well,” the description reads.
Aside from Vasquez, other glamorous dolls that were awarded were Vietnam’s Dang Thuy Nam, named first runner-up; Puerto Rico’s Denise Marrie Torres, second runner-up; Dominican Republic’s Cinthya Santos, third runner-up; and India’s Isha Narayan Kalpana, fourth runner-up. The Filipino bet won a luxurious crown, a jewelry set and other prizes.
In an interview via e-mail, Ayuyao mentioned how he was invited to participate in the pageant. “It was unexpected. I was just actually invited to join by Thevarit Vichuprapa (MBD president), so [that] our country will have a better representative this year. In the past editions of MBD, our country didn’t really fare significantly,” he explained.
“This is the best effort and doll I can give. So, I just prepared her with the best wardrobe and face up I could muster,” Ayuyao added.
Despite his hectic job as a costume jewelry and embroidery designer, Ayuyao hopes to host the doll pageant in the Philippines.
“[I’m] contemplating on hosting the local pageant, but it’s hard work and too much time. I’m still checking if I can do it,” he said. “I still have my design studio to tend to every day. But wouldn’t it be such a great endeavor to host a local one?” he said.
Doll Vasquez is currently “fulfilling” her duties in the Thai capital.
Miss Beauty Doll competition was first held in 2007, and Miss Puerto Rico doll Gloria Eva Peretz won in that pageant. Gianna Francesca Catolico
