By ROBERT R. REQUINTINA
A NATIONAL beauty pageant which aims to promote local festivals via tourism has been launched in Quezon City.
Rex F. Rubio, founder, said that 25 candidates will compete for the national title of the inaugural Turismo Filipina 2018 beauty contest.
“Through this pageant, we will be able to promote the local festivals in various regions. This contest will serve as vehicle in promoting tourism in the country. Kaisa ang Turismo Filipina sa kanilang advocacy,” said Rubio in his speech, during the press launch held at West Avenue Suites in Quezon City last Feb. 10.
“Wala kaming sikat na sinasabi na festival dito pero ang gusto namin ay ipabatid at ma-highlight ang potential tourism destination ng local government,” he added.
Rubio said that the pageant will also help the marginalized rural areas. “Hindi lang kami naka-focus sa pageant kundi pati na rin sa pag-tulong sa mga marginalized rural areas at makapag-iwan din sa kanila ng legacy. We will also promote home-grown products.”
The national pageant director expounded on the tourism-driven beauty contest. “Turismo Filipina is not just a beauty pageant. It aims to strengthen domestic campaign for rural tourism, environmental conservation, sustainable eco-tourism, promotion of tourism sports, religion tourism, and Filipina empowerment.”
“Umaasa kami na ang pageant na ito ay magkakaroon ng significant role sa ating bansa,” said Rubio.
Aside from the Turismo Filipina crown, other titles at stake are Turismo Filipina Luzon, Turismo Filipina Visayas, and Turismo Filipina Mindanao. A special award called Turismo Filipina Agri-Eco will also be presented.
Later, the winner will represent the country in the Turismo Filipina International 2018 beauty contest which will be participated in by other Filipinas from the Filipino communities abroad. It will be held in Manila in December.
