This year’s Mr. and Ms. Chinatown Philippines (MMCP) celebrated the culture and heritage of the Filipino-Chinese community on Nov. 10 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. Representatives from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde showcased their talents and elegance, securing spots in the top three and top six of the pageant.
Founded by Wilson Ngo Agbayani in 2013, this year marks the pageant’s 11th iteration. Hosted by Candice Tan, an English-Mandarin events host and news anchor of the Chinatown TV, and the 2014 Mr. Chinatown winner Kurt Ong, featured a plethora of thrilling performances from JNJ Circle of Arts, musical artist JM Bales, and the contestants themselves.
The pageant's theme this year bannered the dragon, symbolizing 2024’s Year of the Wood Dragon, along with prosperity, strength, and power. The contestants went through categories such as swimwear, evening wear, and the question-and-answer portion. The venue roared with excitement and support as the audience, banners and noisemakers in hand, cheered on their favorites with every stylish entrance.
Among them were Benildean students and alumni, namely Allyson Jade Co Flores, a sophomore ID123 AB-DIA student representing Valenzuela, top-six finisher, and member of the Benildean Press Corps Photo Staff; Maya Hong Sales of Makati City, a sophomore ID123 AB-MP student; Jamila San of Pasay City, an ID121 Multimedia Arts alumna; and Cindy So, an ID114 Export Management alumna representing Ongpin, who took home second runner-up and the Joyice Award, a special award granted by one of MMCP’s sponsor, Joyice Philippines.
More than a competition
So expressed that the best part of the pageant was the journey and the bond she shared with the other contestants, “I learned that even without blood ties, we can treat each other like family,” going further to say that the experience highlighted the value of connection, resilience, and culture. “It taught me to remain true to my roots and share that authenticity.”
Meanwhile, San shared that the MMCP was a transformative journey, even after joining as a last-minute candidate, “I initially stepped into this journey with uncertainty [...] The pageant pushed me to grow beyond my comfort zone, challenge stereotypes, and embrace my identity as a Filipino-Chinese artist [...] This experience has strengthened my passion for giving voice to underrepresented stories and breaking barriers in both art and fashion, and I will forever carry these memories with gratitude.”
Similarly, Sales shared her sentiments about the benefits that this pageant has given her as an art student, “As a music production student and someone trying to be in the industry in general, the pageant helped me understand and experience firsthand a part of the industry.”
A common theme with the contestants was their value of connection and how the MMCP felt like a family, even without ties of blood. “Success is undoubtedly significant, but I believe that without genuine connections, it’s difficult to sustain passion for anything in life,” Flores stated. She went on to share that she had found what she had been looking for all along after joining the pageant “Even after the competition ended [...] we continued to cheer for each other wholeheartedly. “
After a long night filled with talent and beauty, the MMCP drew its curtain close, announcing the new pair representing the Filipino-Chinese (Fil-Chi) community. Denzel Royce Chang of San Juan City and Lourdez Chiong De Leon of Quezon City emerged victorious, capturing the hearts of both judges and spectators alike.
The competition was not just about beauty and poise; it was a celebration of culture, resilience, and the spirit of unity within the Fil-Chi community. As the new ambassadors, the two are set to carry forward the legacy of their predecessors, embodying the values of excellence and community service that the MMCP stands for.
Heavy is the head that wears the crown
Beyond the glitz and glamor of the coronation night, contestants bear the responsibility of representing the rich cultural heritage of the Fil-Chi community.
In an interview with The Benildean, Ralf Jenson Lim, a contender who reached the top six expressed that, “One of the inspirations here is to promote the cultural heritage of the Filipino-Chinese tradition. Especially one of the key aspects is to inspire the younger generation.” He also added that, “The important lesson here is respect, you need to respect each and everyone, and their ideas and knowledge.”
To wear the crown and to bear the title of Mr. and Ms. Chinatown, one must become an ambassador for the Fil-Chi community. The event encourages the winners to become an advent of social change, focusing on issues relevant to their communities. This includes promoting inclusion, mutual respect, and addressing contemporary challenges faced by the Filipino-Chinese community.
Additionally, the 2024 pageant has partnered with the Cerebral Palsy Epilepsy Family Awareness Support Group PH. This collaboration aims to raise awareness and provide assistance to families affected by these conditions. Through partnerships and a focus on social issues, it has become a vital part of the Filipino-Chinese community's efforts to foster inclusivity and support for those in need.
The Mr. and Ms. Chinatown 2024 pageant not only celebrated individual talent and beauty, but also served as a platform for cultural representation and social advocacy. It continues to be a beacon, crowning the future leaders who will forge a path toward a more inclusive and prosperous tomorrow. Through this legacy, the event ensures that the rich tapestry of Filipino-Chinese identity will continue to be woven into the fabric of the nation.
