CEBU CITY -The devastating Cebu earthquake that recently jolted parts of the province and neighboring localities has prompted the Miss Asia Pacific International pageant to cancel its preliminary competition that involved the swimsuit and evening gown events in favor of relief operations.
The crucial stage of the pageant was originally scheduled on Friday, Oct. 3, in Lapu-Lapu City. There, the delegates were to be judged in their swimming attire and evening wear, and score points that will help them clinch a semifinal spot.
‘Miss Asia Pacific International stands with Cebu after last night’s earthquake. The preliminary competition has been cancelled out of respect for those affected at this time, our focus is on compassion, safety, and solidarity,’ the pageant posted on social media on Wednesday evening, Oct. 1.
‘True transformation is found not only in pageantry, but in rising together through challenges with empathy, strength, and unity,’ the statement continued. Images posted on the pageant’s social media pages showed several delegates packing rice at a warehouse to be given to victims of the calamity.
On Tuesday evening, Sept. 30, on the delegates’ first day in the province, the pageant held its benefit gala night at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Cebu City. Just as the program was about to close, it was halted by a 6.9-magnitude earthquake with the epicenter traced to Bogo City.
Hours after the incident, the pageant issued a statement assuring the public that the delegates and members of the organization were ‘safe and secure.’
In a succeeding statement released Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 1, the Miss Asia Pacific International pageant said it was realigning the delegates’ activities ‘in a spirit of compassion and solidarity’ with the province of Cebu.
The international pageant said the delegates ‘will devote their time and influence’ to relief and fundraising events and initiatives, awareness and empowerment, and solidarity events and programs.
‘Through compassion, purpose, and action, Miss Asia Pacific International reaffirms its commitment to its international and local partners-to serve not only in times of celebration, but most importantly, in times of need,’ the statement said.
In the most recent statement on the cancelation of the preliminary competition, the organizers said, ‘we believe it would not be appropriate to hold a celebratory event at this time, as our focus must be on compassion, safety and solidarity.’
Another event that was cancelled was the scheduled press presentation on Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 1, at the Cebu Provincial Capitol. The delegates instead volunteered to pack relief goods at the province’s warehouse.
Lawyer and beauty queen Eva Patalinjug-Lim, the pageant’s president, oversaw the delegates at the relief center. ‘I toured around when I arrived, I toured and asked the candidates how they are, and they said they had no sleep, just like me. But they’re still here because they want to help,’ she said.
‘This day was supposed to be their rest day. I intended it to be the rest day and canceled the press con because I wanted mental and physical rest for them,’ she added.
‘We just asked the candidates who are willing to volunteer, we’re not forcing anyone to do relief packing. But I’m really glad of the turnout because they volunteered from their heart. It’s not because they’re candidates, but because this is volunteer work, they listed their names to be here, so I’m thankful for the candidates,’ Patalinjug continued.