It seems Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. can't rest from critics just yet.
After founder Mrs. Stella Marquez-Araneta launched a PR nightmare by saying Filipino designers are no good to dress Filipina contingents at Miss Universe, the organizers removed from the pageant a deaf contestant who’s been one of the early favorites in this year's roster.
Christine Balaguer said it has always been her dream to be the first deaf candidate to win Binibining Pilipinas. She was a few steps closer to that dream until she claimed the pageant organizer forced her to resign.
"Being born deaf is not the end of the world. Its a challenge but also an opportunity. An opportunity to be able to set a positive example for others that despite being deaf they can still achieve their dreams and contribute to society in a meaningful manner,” she posted on Facebook following her supposed disqualification.
She was among the 34 candidates introduced by Binibini during the January 10 announcement of candidates. Christine has since been replaced by Cannielle Faith Santos as candidate no. 5.
Calling for reconsideration
JP Maunes, executive director of a non-government organization aiding the deaf community, is not pleased—especially since there was allegedly no interpreter around when they told Christine about the decision.
“She did not fully understand why she was out of the pageant. This is a total violation of her human rights and a discrimination,” the Cebu-based Gualandi Volunteer Service Programme exec told Yahoo Philippines on Monday, February 2. "This only proves that BPCI is not committed to its purpose.”
He also appealed to BPCI to reconsider its decision.
Following Venezuela, France example
The Binibini just missed the opportunity to promote a more inclusive society sensitive to the needs of the deaf, as what Venezuela and France depicted when they sent deaf candidates to Miss International 2007.
Vanessa Peretti, the first deaf woman to compete in Miss Venezuela, finished in the semi-finals of the Japan-based pageant. It was the same year when two deaf contestants participated, the other one being Sophie Vouzelaud of France.
"Beauty is the language the blind can see and the Deaf can hear! No wonder Venezuela produces world class beauty queens and often wins competitions,” JP furthered. “In the Philippine context, this remains to be a dream by many until arrogance and indifference remains in the blood of majority of prestigious beauty pageant organizers.”
Christine’s inspiring story
Balaguer is already a familiar face in the pageant circuit after placing in the Top 13 of Miss World-Philippines last year.
Miss Universe 2010 4th Runner-up Venus Raj recently portrayed her story in ABS-CBN’s “Maalaala Mo Kaya” on how she struggled as a deaf woman in the modeling industry.
Yahoo Philippines reached BPCI for comment, but the organizers said they're not issuing a statement for now.