A beauty pageant hosted by the Overseas Filipino Worker group in Lebanon Sunday was not only about the glamour, as contestants derived a sense of meaning and purpose from their participation.
According to Elvie Aganon, OFW president and the organizer of the pageant, the event which is running for the fourth consecutive year “aims to empower Filipino workers and promote self-reliance through livelihood activities, programs and projects.”
The president noted that the pageant brings a sense of happiness to Filipino workers who are living far from their families. Events such as the beauty contest bring together the Filipino diaspora and also help them make their work experience meaningful, Aganon said.
One of the contestants, Hermenia B. Blaya agreed, saying that the pageant didn’t only give more meaning to her work but also gave more meaning to her personal sense of worth.
“I wanted to join because I want more confidence in myself,” she said. “And instead of hanging out in bad surroundings like bars and around bad people I joined this recreational activity in order to give more importance to myself,” she added.
The contestant noted that activities organized by OFW help Filipinas avoid troubles like unplanned pregnancies and dangerous environments by engaging them in productive and appealing activities like Sunday’s beauty pageant.
The nine contestants were evaluated by a panel of judges that included, Saifi Hair Studio Manager Bashir Bakri, Roohi Malik from the British Council, Richard Macarubbo from the Philippine Embassy in Lebanon and HILTI company manager Nazih Mishaalani.
Throughout the pageant’s fully-fledged program, the girls competed in a talent show, a spring wear and swim wear competition as well as a Q&A segment.
The winner of the pageant was Irene Deanon, who the judges hailed for her great performance.
The event, which was hosted at the St. Francis Church in Hamra, also included an entertainment segment that featured Filipino dancers, musicians, and performers who presented a variety of acts espoused by both Filipino culture and mainstream western styles.
On the sidelines of the pageant, the entrance to the church bustled with a make-shift market that served Filipino food and pastries. Stands also sold music, jewelry and clothes.
