‘3rd Binibining Seksi’ to highlight Puerto Princesa’s founding anniv

The third edition of the city government’s plus-size beauty pageant “Binibining Seksi” will be one of the highlights of this year’s celebrations of the 15th Balayong Festival and the Puerto Princesa City 147th Founding Anniversary. The 10 candidates who will vie for this year’s crown were presented Monday during the flag ceremony at the City Hall. They are Ravie Ann De Castro of Brgy. Tanglaw; Princess Sarah Espidido of Brgy. Milagrosa; Ma. Fernanda Rosas of Brgy. San Miguel; Mary Carina Cervantes of Brgy. Maunlad; Decerce Jabello and April Ann Magbanua of Brgy. Tiniguiban; Mary Vanessa Tan of Brgy. Model; Rica Belleza of Brgy. Sta. Monica, and Kimberlyn Mazon of Brgy. San Pedro. Tan, the candidate of Brgy. Model, said during a press conference that it is important to be “always confident” regardless of one’s size and built. “I want to be an instrument of change, I want to show people that we are more than just our body sizes. We can be more, and we can do more,” Tan said. Belleza of Sta. Monica, who is also a member of the Lesbian, Gays, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community, said that it is her advocacy to stop the discrimination against oversized women and promote gender equality.

“My advocacy is to eliminate discrimination among oversized women, and also as a proud member of the LGBT community, I want to instill to the mindset [of the people] to stop body shaming, and also [promote] the equality for all genders,” Belleza said. The event is aimed at promoting equality and self-worth among women of extended sizes by showcasing their talents, character, and unique personality. The Binibining Seksi 2019 candidates will also join the annual “Love Affair with Nature” on February 14 at Sitio Tagbarungis, Brgy. Inagawan Sub-Colony. The candidates’ presentation will be on February 26 at 7 p.m. at the SM City Puerto Princesa, while the coronation night will be held at the City Baywalk on March 2.