The iconic line from a Sondheim musical, “Beauty is power,” takes on a fascinating twist when applied to the Philippines. For a country where beauty ideals have often been intertwined with notions of power, perhaps it’s more accurate to say, “Power is beauty.” And this is precisely what Chelsea Manalo, the newly crowned Ms. Philippines Universe 2024, embodies.
At 24 years old, Manalo, hailing from Meycauan, Bulacan, shattered a glass ceiling by becoming the first Filipino of African-American descent to win the prestigious pageant. Her victory, a joyous spectacle marked by confetti and cheering crowds, was a significant departure from the traditional Filipino beauty queen archetype.
In a nation where a preference for fair skin is deeply ingrained, Manalo’s win was unprecedented. Her deeper, duskier complexion stands in stark contrast to the prevalence of whitening products, a testament to the nation’s fascination with whiteness. While three mestizas (women of mixed heritage) with Caucasian ancestry have won the Ms. Universe contest in the last decade, Manalo represents a different kind of mestiza, a testament to the country’s diverse heritage.
The Philippines’ complex history of colonization has played a significant role in shaping its beauty standards. Having been under Spanish and American rule for over three centuries, followed by a four-year Japanese occupation during World War II, Filipino beauty has been heavily influenced by Caucasian aesthetics. In recent years, the Korean Hallyu wave, a global phenomenon promoting Korean culture and entertainment, has further impacted beauty standards, pushing Asian aesthetics into the spotlight.
This historical context explains the evolution of beauty ideals in the Philippines, reflecting the changing tides of power. But it’s not just history that shapes our perception of beauty. The rise of social media has democratized beauty, giving rise to an increasingly diverse and inclusive vision of beauty.
While social media can also be a breeding ground for negativity, at its best, it serves as a powerful platform for embracing diversity and celebrating beauty in all its forms. This is evident in the growing acceptance of a wider range of looks and skin tones, as well as the resurgence of 90s runway and television icons on social media platforms.
Consider the captivating beauty of Pamela Anderson, her natural radiance undiminished, or Paulina Porizkova, a silver-haired queen embracing age gracefully. Both are icons who have defied traditional notions of aging and beauty, demonstrating that beauty is not confined to youth.
Similarly, model Valerie Celis, whose arresting beauty allows her to navigate the predominantly white modeling industry, stands as a testament to the power of individuality. Celis embodies the beauty of our Austronesian heritage, reminding us of the rich tapestry of Filipino beauty. And then there’s Paolo Roldan, the first Vogue Man Philippines cover model, a moreno man who defies traditional masculinity with his effortless style. Both Celis and Roldan are international models whose profiles on social media showcase the diverse beauty of Filipino heritage.
Filipino beauty is not merely a reflection of our heritage; it is a universal standard, a celebration of the rich tapestry of our culture and the power it holds. We are empowered to celebrate beauty in its myriad forms, breaking free from rigid, limiting standards.
In the words of Dolores Ramirez, a nonagenarian Filipino geneticist, “you can create something new. In plants, for example, you can produce a new variety that has more yield, is more attractive or beautiful, or more resistant to stresses.” Ramirez’s words resonate with the essence of Filipino beauty, a hybrid marvel of nature, a blend of history, tradition, and a constant evolution, a beauty as enduring as the islands themselves.
In the Philippines, the power of beauty is undeniable, and the beauty of power is being redefined. We are no longer confined to a narrow definition of beauty, instead embracing a diverse and inclusive vision of what it truly means to be beautiful. And in this evolution, we find our own unique strength, our own kind of power, and a celebration of our diverse and beautiful heritage.
