Migrant Workers Pageant Fosters Solidarity for Taiwan's Filipino Community

TaiwanPlus News

In Taoyuan, Filipino migrant workers swap their work uniform for crowns and sashes in “Ginoo at Binibining Taiwan,” a pageant run entirely by migrants. The event not only offers a unique outlet for migrant workers to showcase their talent and build self-esteem but also serves as a testament to solidarity among the local Filipino community.

Transcript

00:01Face powder, false lashes, and last-minute prayers.

00:05This stage in Taoyan feels more like Manila on Coronation Day.

00:09But every king and queen here is a Filipino migrant working in Taiwan.

00:20They stand back up, literally, after every slip.

00:24Among them is 28-year-old English teacher Malaya.

00:28Today, she's trading in her lesson plan for sequined dresses and heels.

00:33She wants to inspire more people to be more compassionate,

00:37just as she has been even amid the difficulties she has faced.

00:41I have experienced discrimination because of my nationality,

00:46but I didn't let it weigh me down.

00:49I focus on my goals and I just do my job

00:55and prove them that I am capable even if I am a Filipino.

01:00Across the room is 35-year-old electronics engineer McCoy.

01:06Unlike many of the other contestants, he's getting ready all by himself.

01:10After three tireless years on the factory floor,

01:14today's runway is his break from the circuit boards.

01:17I want to show that even if we are busy with work,

01:23we have to learn how to balance our life

01:26so that we can further grow and become more productive,

01:29not only in work, but also in life as a whole.

01:32Ginoo at Binibining, Taiwan is a homegrown pageant staged by migrant workers themselves,

01:37one of many organized by Filipinos living abroad.

01:41But here, kings and queens share the same runway,

01:45making it one of the first mixed-gender competitions held in Taiwan.

01:49Contestants face off in themed costume rounds,

01:53production, casual, and summerwear.

01:56Organizers say the real headline isn't beauty,

01:59it's the chance to build community and stand together far from home.

02:04I want us to have unity through this event,

02:10to get together and to be with each other.

02:12Through this, we can learn more about what each one of us goes through,

02:15what sacrifices we have made being far from family,

02:18and get some idea of what each of our stories are.

02:21It's not just contestants coming together.

02:26Members of the Filipino community from all over Taiwan

02:29have filled the venue to cheer for their favorites.

02:33Solidarity also raises funds.

02:35Ticket sales support a shelter for elderly and special needs children in the Philippines.

02:41Community leaders serve as judges.

02:43And say the pageant builds pride as much as it shows off style.

02:47Back in the Philippines, people love pageant.

02:50You know, they love to showcase their talents,

02:54the Filipino cultural heritage through the costumes they're donning.

02:59Or I think it's more of like adding confidence.

03:03Malaya and McCoy may not have won this time,

03:06but they say that just taking part in the pageant is already an accomplishment.

03:11For these contestants, winning isn't just about the stash or the crown.

03:15It's about the space they've created to build each other's self-confidence

03:18and foster a tight-knit community.

03:20Hang Xiu, David Santos, and Gina Lopez for Taiwan Plus.

03:24This is exactly the same type ofCapital.com.

03:26Now, you can be seen by you on Taiwan for Taiwan Plus.

03:27What's the most important thing about this show?

03:29The full-time performance of Taiwan Plus.

03:30What's the most important thing about this show?

03:31Welcome to Taiwan Plus.

Category

Transcript

Be the first to comment

Recommended