For far too long, the beauty industry has been dominated by unrealistic standards that have left many women feeling inadequate and insecure about the bodies they were born with.

Fortunately, this year’s Miss Universe Philippines delegates, Shayne Glenmae Maquiran (Capiz), Afia Adorable Yeboah (Tiaong, Quezon), and Iman Franchesca Cristal (Mandaluyong), are breaking the mold and challenging these outdated beauty standards. These three women have not only conquered the Miss Universe Philippines 2023 screening by their own merit, but they march forward through the competition using their platform to promote body positivity and self-love.

Iman shares, “I used to think that being beautiful or ‘tamang ganda’ is someone who is fair-skinned.” Having spent a part of her childhood in the United States, seeing Caucasians influenced her idea of beauty that many Pinoys carry with them –that foreign beauty is better.

However, Afia makes a poignant remark on how this appreciation for foreign beauty is typically reserved for those with more European features. She regales a traumatic childhood experience wherein she was made to feel “dirty” by her classmates for being Blasian (a Black Asian). Afia shares in a tearful recollection, “It’s weird [because it was] a Catholic school. I really thought that by going [to a] Catholic school, I’ll feel more welcomed [and] included pero it made me feel the opposite.”

But it's the way these women support each other that truly embodies the spirit of true beauty. Shayne takes it upon herself to call for a break during the discussion as Iman hands Afia tissues when she struggles with her emotions. Women supporting women in the most real sense with a knowing look amongst themselves that seems to say, I’ve got you. We can do this.

It’s here we see that finding the silver lining alongside those who truly see you is the silent strength that empower these girls to love themselves even when the world tries to convince them not to.

“I’m built this way. I don’t have to change anything about myself and I know that I am beautiful.” Shayne boldly proclaims. And we believe her. In a world where beauty is often equated with physical appearance, it's easy to forget that true beauty comes from within.

These delegares have shown us that beauty is not just about how you look, but it's about how you feel about yourself. By sharing their stories, they have become role models for young women who are struggling with their own body image. They have shown us that it's okay to be imperfect, and that our flaws are what make us unique and beautiful. They have encouraged us to embrace our bodies, no matter what shape or size they may be.

In the end, the true mark of a beauty queen is not just about physical beauty, but about the way she carries herself with confidence, grace, and kindness. It's about using her platform to inspire others and promote positive change in the world. These three contestants are doing just that, and they are a true testament to what it means to be a beauty queen in the modern world.

Fortunately, this year’s Miss Universe Philippines delegates, Shayne Glenmae Maquiran (Capiz), Afia Adorable Yeboah (Tiaong, Quezon), and Iman Franchesca Cristal (Mandaluyong), are breaking the mold and challenging these outdated beauty standards. These three women have not only conquered the Miss Universe Philippines 2023 screening by their own merit, but they march forward through the competition using their platform to promote body positivity and self-love.