Search for Miss Pintados - a search for a cause, more than just a beauty search

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
June 24, 2007

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte  –  What makes the Search for the Miss Pintados different from the usual beauty tilts is its being a beauty and talent Search with a cause, that of making the candidates appreciate the qualities and values of a true Filipina,  realize the spirit of volunteerism and their social responsibility particularly for the well-being of the street children of the Region.

Caring for disadvantaged fellowmen and working for them without waiting anything in return is most fulfilling, this is what the 2007 Miss Pintados candidates realized as they shared “An Afternoon with the Street Children” at the Family Park, Magsaysay Boulevard, Tacloban City, on June 23.

More than one hundred street children from all over the City of Tacloban and the 15 semi finalists for Miss Pintados 2007 enjoyed the afternoon being treated to the terrific magicians from the 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army courtesy of Major General Armando Cunanan.

Watching the street children and the candidates playing parlor games together, watching with awe at the antics of the soldier magicians, eating the same food, this writer wonders who was enjoying more. Who is who? To the writer, the players are all the same youthful children playing and sharing fun together, no barriers, no rich or poor, no one beautiful and ugly.

There is a wonderful law of nature which states that the three things we crave most in life – happiness, freedom and peace of mind – are always attained by giving them to someone else.

The candidates do not discover and enhance their God-endowed talents, they also find their heart and happiness in sharing their time and charm in bringing happiness to the street children.

This is the secret why the Search for the Miss Pintados continuous to attract contestants every year for the last twenty years, it is a search with a difference. This is the reason why most of the Miss Pintados candidates become volunteers to the various Pintados Foundation undertakings long after the Search. This is the secret to the success and more beautiful aura of the candidates after the Search.

One very good example is that Miss Sheena Marie Cubillo, the reigning Miss Pintados who is a nurse by profession is now helping mother the Miss Pintados candidates. The beautiful Miss Rhea Mangacat, a former Ms. Pintados beauty who is now a  flight stewardess of the Philippine Airlines will come home on June 27 just to be of help during the Search for Miss Pintados 2007 Pageant, the night of the same day.

Indeed, there is no beautifier of complexion or form or behavior, like the wish to scatter joy and not pain to the people who need people. It is good to share a meal with disadvantaged, and bring joy to those who have almost forgotten what smile and joy is all about.