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Beauty and pageants

Sabi nila, may dalawang mukha ang katotohanan, lalo na ang katotohanan tungkol sa kagandahan.

The Ms. Baguio pageant, one of the major highlights of past Baguio Day celebrations became, and still is a very controversial issue. In fact, a very interesting speech by city councilor Elmer Datuin was published in one of the local papers last year. Interesting, not because he was for the cancellation, but because he vehemently protested the cancellation of the pageant in the name of “the womenfolk (who have been robbed) of enjoying the vast opportunities to realize simple dreams and aspirations”. It is interesting to note too, that from a local legislator’s eyes, the Ms. Baguio pageant is the centerpiece of our Charter Day, “(with) brains and beauties galore forming the core of the pageant contestants”.

It is just so sad that a majority still think that the competition for beauty and vanity is central to every woman’s life. Briefly, let us get a glimpse of history on how women were placed in this status.

Anthropological studies prove that Filipino women enjoyed a high status in the olden times, as healers, warriors, religious leaders, agriculturists, and seed-keepers. However, during the feudal Spanish rule, women were subjugated into a “second class” position, reinforcing the view that a woman’s place is in the home, and should not participate in socio-political affairs. When the American colonizers took over, they maintained the “Maria Clara” image on one hand, and introduced “the Hollywood Culture” on the other. The cosmetics industry was introduced, and our concept of beauty changed, with what was desirable and what was not. We began to hate our skin color. White is good, black is not. The new and the bourgeois concept of beauty today is embodied in what councilor Datuin refers to as the “unexploited , surprised and disappointed pageant contestants.” Usually, “mahaba ang buhok, maputi, matangkad, matangos ang ilong, at kaakit-akit sa mga kalalakihan. Kaya nga may swimwear portion, at may talent portion!”

Councilor Datuin further invoked city ordinance No. 30 & 36, justifying the use of women and men in pageants. With the Gender Equality & Development Code, the efforts of the incumbent Baguio City Council last year were commendable in protecting women and children by canceling the pageant.

It is disappointing to know that the Miss Baguio beauty pageant has been revived for this year’s celebration of Baguio Charter Day celebration. The women’s movement’s triumph was shortlived when tourism officer Benny Alhambra announced the search for this years “Miss Tourism Baguio”. Despite the statement of councilor Joe Molintas, this year’s committee head for the search, that “such event should not be used to degrade or to be an avenue for the exploitation of women,” it is inevitable that the participating women will be treated as commodities and objects of pleasure, with the retention of the swimwear competition. One very preposterous criterion in fact is the prohibition of women contestants who have been pregnant, or who have delivered a child. This sends a disturbing and double standard sense of morality.

The citizens of Baguio are far wiser than their macho councilors.

Muli, ang katotohanan ay may dalawang mukha. Ang isa ay ang mukhang mapang-api at mapagsamantalata, at sa kabila nito, ang mukhang nagtataguyod ng kapakanan, kagalingan, at ganap na potensyal ng lahat ng kabilang o pwersa ng lipunan, at higit sa lahat, ng mga kababaihan. #

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