MAKATI CITY, Philippines—For 2019 Miss Bikini Philippines Louise Theunis, her successor should serve as “an inspiration and positive influence for the community.”
And just recently, after a virtual competition culminating a series of online events, the new Miss Bikini Philippines was chosen from among 24 delegates from different parts of the country—Chelsea Fernandez of Tacloban City.
Fernandez, a pageant veteran, also took home the Best in Swimsuit and Best in Evening Gown awards.
The 21-year-old Mass Communication degree holder was proclaimed Miss Tacloban in 2017. In 2018, she competed in Reyna ng Aliwan, a competition among women representing the country’s different festivals, and took home the top prize. She showcased the Sangyaw Festival, a Waray festivity.
In 2019, she represented her home city in the Miss Philippines Earth pageant, and was proclaimed Miss Philippines Water. Just recently, she also topped the Miss GCQ tilt, an online pageant organized while the government-imposed community quarantine is taking effect due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Theunis said being Miss Bikini Philippines is a tough job and requires the titleholder to have “a fit body, a sharp mind, and a kind heart.”
In an online interview with the Inquirer, the former queen said, “more than just a beautiful face and a bikini body, she has beauty of mind and soul. She is a strong and empowered woman.”
Theunis also reflected on the role beauty pageants play at a time when the world is battling a pandemic.
“Many have difficulty finding motivation to take care of themselves. The beauty of these ladies joining these pageants is a result of them nurturing their bodies, minds and hearts,” she said.
“Not only are these women fit and beautiful, they are also strong, smart, and kind,” Theunis continued.
During the final competition shown on the pageant’s official Facebook page, Fernandez dispelled observations that parading in a bikini objectifies women.
“I feel nothing but empowered with wearing a bikini, and there’s no reason to objectify someone who wants to wear a bikini,” she said.
“I joined this competition because I do support and want also to promote the concept of holistic wellness. And right now I’m wearing a bikini because I want to show the power of being empowered and confident and comfortable with your own body, a body that is worthy of love, acceptance, and most importantly, respect,” Fernandez continued.
The answer sealed the victory for her, which also came with P200,000 prize money.
Another pageant veteran, former Miss Kuyamis and Mutya ng Pilipinas finalist Chella Falconer from Misamis Oriental, settled for the first runner-up spot.
Sultan Kudarat’s Alyssa May Nicholls finished third.
The 2020 Miss Bikini Philippines pageant was staged by health and wellness brand Ultra, together with ProMedia Productions.
Among the pageant’s former winners are 2013 Miss Philippines Earth Angelee Claudette delos Reyes and 2015 Binibining Pilipinas International Janicel Lubina.
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