MANILA, Philippines – When Hemilyn Escudero-Tamayo stepped down from her post as president of the Mutya ng Pilipinas pageant in 2018, she has never taken her heart off of pageantry.
“I miss the world of pageantry. I miss meeting new friends through pageantry,” Hemilyn told the Inquirer in an online interview.
Now, the mother of two boys is returning to the industry she loves, this time as a contestant representing the Philippines in the fourth edition of the Mrs. Tourism pageant.
Comeback
Hemilyn has already had her share of pageant exposure, either as a single lady, or a married woman, even before assuming the presidency of one of the most enduring beauty contests in the Philippines.
So embarking on a journey to the Mrs. Tourism crown is familiar territory.
But what may be new for the pageant veteran would be the virtual platform the Philippine-based global tilt is taking this year.
“This is the first time that I will be joining a virtual competition and I’m really excited,” she shared.
It was beauty queen-maker and pageant mentor Rodgil Flores of the “Kagandahang Flores” beauty camp who convinced her to give pageants another shot, she confessed.
“After seeing the itinerary given by Lamberto Ricalde of Megastar Productions, I said, ‘yes, I’ll give it a try.’ Because originally this was supposed to be held in Thailand,” Hemilyn shared.
Tourism, jobs and the future generation
The organizers later opted to hold a virtual pageant instead because of the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in many countries.
The Filipina queen said she hopes to use the Mrs. Tourism platform “to safely and responsibly promote and bring back tourism in the new and better normal. Herd immunity through vaccination is the main solution in bringing back tourism, jobs, the economy, and the future for the next generation.”
‘Global caring mother’
The pageant said it is looking for “a mother who cares for the world,” and Hemilyn believes she is that woman.
“I take care of my own children and the people around me,” she declared.
“As mothers we are selfless and sensitive to the needs of others. We will always have a good heart and a desire to help.”
The 2021 Mrs. Tourism pageant will have over 30 mothers from around the world competing at the virtual final competition.
Filipinos may help Hemilyn in her quest by voting on the pageant’s official Facebook page. The online poll ends on Aug. 1.
The final competition will be held via an online conferencing platform on Aug. 3.
