KAPANSIN-PANSIN ang isang major-major na pagbabago sa mga qualifications na hinahanap ng Miss Universe Philippines organizers sa mga kandidata para sa taong ito.
Yes, game na game na uli ang MUP sa paghahanap ng hahalili sa iiwanang trono ni 2020 Miss Universe Philippines Rabiya Mateo ngayong 2021.
Ngunit marami ang nagulat sa desisyon ng mga organizer ng national pageant sa pangunguna ni Miss Universe 2011 third runner-up Shamcey Supsup at beauty queen maker Jonas Gaffud na tanggalin na ang height requirement sa listahan ng qualifications.
Sa Facebook page ng MUP, inisa-isa nga ang mga requirement para maging qualified sa batch ng 2021 Miss Universe Philippines, kabilang na riyan ang pagiging Filipino citizen at Philippine passport holder.
Dagdag pa rito, “the applicants should also be at least 18 years old but still under 28 years old at the time of the pageant. They should also be female and have never been married or given birth.”
“The most coveted crown in the country, Miss Universe Philippines. Apply now and be an inspiration. Show the universe your beauty, grace, and confidence.
“Get the form on the MUPH app or through this link: https://bit.ly/3vJUlBo. More details about the requirements are on the official application form,” ang nakalagay pa sa announcement ng MUP.
Marami namang nag-react sa napakalaking pagbabagong ito sa nasabing pageant at karamihan sa mga ito ay mga positibong komento dahil mas marami nang Pinay ang maaaring mag-join.
Isa nga sa mga natuwa sa balitang ito ay si Miss Universe Australia Maria Thattil na nakaranas din ng diskrinasyon sa pagsali sa mga pageant dahil sa kanyang height na 5’3″.
Ngunit pinatunayan niyang hindi hadlang ang height para makamit ang mga pangarap sa buhay matapos siyang makapasok sa Top 10 ng 2020 Miss Universe na ginanap na sa Amerika.
“Woke to the great news that @themissuniverseph removed the height requirement in the @missuniverse competition. @missuniverseaustralia.official never encouraged me to ever perceive it as a barrier.
“In fact, my Director @troybarbagallo would often remind me it was my power.
“With the MU organisation not imposing a height requirement, I’d love to see other national organisations follow suit. Why? It’s simple,” simulang pahayag ng Australian beauty queen.
“Miss Universe is a powerful global ambassador. All the delegates are too, and have the opportunity to ignite global change for GOOD.
“Look at me – at 5’3, I did exactly that. And I did it as the shortest candidate in my cohort, one of the shortest in MU’s seven decade history … and in the top 10,” sabi pa Thattil sa ipinost niyang mensahe sa Instagram.
“Well done @themissuniverseph for challenging exclusive beauty standards. The number of cms you stand tall doesn’t dictate your ability to be a leader and change maker. Less barriers to access for all women – here is to progress,” dagdag ng dalaga.