Crowning Change: How Beauty Queens Empower Their Communities

Proponent/s Name/s (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

• Cassandra Helmine Hui Cabello N/A, Berkeley School, Inc.Follow
• Czarina Honeylyn Bautista Cabe N/A, Berkeley School, Inc.Follow
• Raphael Santino Alberto Castillo N/A, Berkeley School, Inc.Follow
• Aladar Ande Gamboa Mejia N/A, Berkeley School, Inc.Follow
• Fionna Sicat Patano N/A, Berkeley School, Inc.Follow
• Sebastian Ethanael Ngina Tan N/A, Berkeley School, Ic.Follow

Document Types

Paper Presentation

Research Theme (for Paper Presentation and Poster Presentation submissions only)

Living Culture and Contemporary Societies (LCS)

School Name

Berkeley School, Inc.

Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Astudillo, Alfonso III B.

Start Date

25-6-2026 10:30 AM

End Date

25-6-2026 12:00 PM

Zoom Link/ Room Assignment

Online - https://zoom.us/j/95274188371?pwd=bXhb7DQU3HQbLltdMsVaoT4A5iwGBr.1 Meeting ID: 952 7418 8371 | Passcode: research

Abstract/Executive Summary

This study employs Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to explore the lived experiences of Filipino beauty queens as they transition from traditional icons of aesthetic perfection to active ambassadors for social change. Guided by the Heideggerian concept of Dasein (Being-in-the-world), the research investigates how these titleholders navigate the "thrownness" of their dual roles as national representatives and grassroots advocates. Through idiographic, qualitative interviews, the analysis reveals a profound Double Hermeneutic: participants make sense of their "identity transformation" while balancing the internal drive for advocacy against the external "idyllic persona" demanded by pageantry. The findings highlight a significant ontological tension categorized by themes of time constraints, institutional restrictions, and the relentless psychological pressure of social media expectations. Despite these structural burdens, the participants’ narratives illustrate a resilient sense of agency. They interpret their journey not merely as a performance, but as a repositioning of leadership that integrates intelligence, resilience, and integrity. The study concludes that the "meaning" of the crown has shifted; these women are no longer just superficial models but are "Situated Leaders" capable of shaping public opinion and driving community impact. By focusing on the "Self-behind-the-stage," this research challenges long-standing prejudices, redefining the Filipino beauty queen as a steadfast figure of substance who deviates from traditional leadership ideals to effect genuine societal transformation.

Keywords

Keywords: beauty queen; beauty pageants; empowerment; leadership; titleholder

Initial Consent for Publication

yes

Statement of Originality

yes