Its pageant season once again, and after just crowning our new Miss Universe Philippines Michelle Dee, pageant fans are excited to see the finals night of the much-awaited Binibibing Pilipinas 2023.
However, one of its candidates, Miss Cebu Province Joy Dacoron, came under fire for her national costume entry.
Throughout the years in pageantry, there has been more space and avenue for interpretation of how one can truly embody the culture of the city, province, or region each candidate represents as of late. As Joy hails from Cebu where the Sto. Niño is of profound importance, both religiously and culturally, the representative in partnership with her designer Chino Ledesma Christopherson, took inspiration from the Santo Niño de Cebu, having Joy don the Holy Child’s vestments as her costume.
Since then, Binibining Pilipinas took down Joy’s national costume entry from their official social media pages, however, clips of her national costume entry are still available at Joy’s Instagram, where she also explained the significance of the costume to her.
Fans on the other hand, although understanding of Joy’s intent to share her source of inspiration and strength while holding pride and deep respect for their heritage, counter that stil, the vestments of the Holy Child should not have been used as a costume.
On her Instagram post, Joy also wrote that she asked permission from the Archdiocese of Cebu to continue with the shoot. However, Cebu Auxiliary Bishop Ruben Labajo told news outlets that Joy only asked permission to showcase the churches in her background.
The bishop also clarified that he had no idea the candidate will personally don the vestments of the Sto. Niño for her national costume, neither do the Agustinian priests know about the matter.
Since then, the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu’s Agustinian friars have also released their statement, with a reminder. “Despite the many expressions of faith and devotion towards the Sto. Niño, it is also important to keep in mind the appropriateness of our actions.” Adding that, “Let us approach and treat the Sto. Niño with reverence and respect in order to avoid conflict and misunderstanding.”
banner: joydacoronbb34 / instagram
