FilCore Support Group of Toronto

Miss Caregiver Pageant 2015 …Beauty Beneath the Surface

By Aloha Aquitana
Toronto-Canada
July 16, 2015



I am not very much into beauty pageants. I personally don't like the idea how people behind most beauty contests restrict the definition of beauty to how perfect a woman's skin, face, body, height, and any other physical features are. Not to mention the brandish of extravagant gowns and other special effects not suitable for everyday use. That's why it's a relief to experience the contrary at the Fil-Core Support Group's 2015 Ms. Caregiver Pageant held at the at the St. Michael College School Centre for the Arts on the 4th of July.

There are just so many facets to one's beauty that are more than skin-deep. Through this event, the Ms. Caregiver participants put these into limelight. Seven diverse individuals who demonstrated innate talents and flairs, and who are more than willing to dedicate themselves in the betterment of their fellow caregivers and people in need***: Rhea Suares from Initao, Misamis Oriental, Beth Advincula from San Agustin, Isabela, Hergen Silvano from Bacolod City, Mayla Manata from Gumaca, Quezon, Maria Dina Romano from Albay, Anna Liza Pidlaoan from Bayambang, Pangasinan, and Mary Joy Guilab from Guimaras, Iloilo City.
The event was officially opened by a prayer and the singing of the National Anthems of the Philippines and Canada. The night's hosts, Merecyl Cauton and Christine Salubre, made sure that everything was in order and presented accordingly. The program flow was well executed - from International Festive Attire Competition, to Sports Attire Competition, to Talent Portion, to Creative Gown Competition, to the Question and Answer Portion. 

Prominent personalities were also present during the event to give brief speeches. After Ms. Judith Gonzales, the founder of Fil-Core Support Group, MP Mark Adler, Member of the Parliament of York Centre, addressed everyone of how he values and give significance to the caregivers in Canada. Deputy Consul General Jesusa Susana V. Paez also delivered a keynote address encouraging each and everyone to be united and help one another.

Throughout the pageant, the seven candidates displayed superb performances and wits that challenged the distinguished judges: Josie De Leon, the head of the Josie De Leon School of Performing Arts, Atty. Nida Romulo, the Philippine Labor Attache of nine provinces in Canada, David H. Tsubouchi, the CEO of Ontario College of Trade, and Bernie Tanz, the President of All City Finance. 

Aside from the seven beauties, various performers wowed the audience with their prowess - The Fil-Core Dance Core, Jane, Joji, Virgie, Merecyl, Liza Ombao, and Bong Castillo. Their presentations add so much flavor to the night. 

From the audience's perspective, I have witnessed how tight the match was and I was sure it gave the board of judges a hard time. But as any other pageant, it has had to end with winners: Beth Advincula - 2nd Runner Up, Mary Joy Guilab - 1st Runner Up, and Rhea Suarez - 2015 Ms. Caregiver.

Kudos to Fil-Core Support Group and its officers - Judith Gonzales,  Christine Salubre, Merecyl Cauton, Valen Saet, and Nemsky Puga - as well as to the tabulators - Gerad Seguerra, Dulce Cortez, Ronald Hermentiza, Margie Bayanan, Chiradee Togonon, and Regina Avenido for a job well done. Until next Ms. Caregiver Pageant, where participants achieve what they have always wanted - to rediscover themselves, regain self-esteem and confidence, and to build strong camaraderie and friendships among themselves.
(***Proceeds of this event will benefit the students of San Francisco Elementary School in Sablayan and the children of Sitio Turawan, Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro.)