Jasmin Bungay wants to bring OFWs' stories to Miss Globe 2024
Jasmin Bungay, who's representing the Philippines at Miss Globe 2024, is gearing up for the upcoming international pageant to be held on Oct. 15 in Albania.
The Kapampangan beauty queen champions Pinoys in her journey to the crown, including overseas Filipino workers.
Speaking to the media during her send-off event on Sept. 18, the Binibining Pilipinas Globe titleholder revealed that her experiences as a former supply chain and logistics worker in the Middle East prepared her for the international pageant.
"I spent five years in Dubai. During those years, I already felt like I was representing the Philippines because I wanted the other nationalities to be my friends. My goals are to have a high regard for the Philippines and for the Filipinos," she said.
"So even in the way that I work, even in the way that I view, speak with them or whenever I speak about [our] culture and practice, I make sure that that they will have a good impression."
"Those experiences prepared me for this part of my life," she added.
Being relatable
When asked about her strengths, the 26-year-old former Mathematics teacher said, "I see myself in a lot of women with their experiences and I think that's my strength in the way that I relate to all of them, in the way I see myself on them."
Bungay went on to say that at first, she felt like she was average, "not amazing" like the other women. But as time went by, she realized that being relatable helps her represent the modern woman.
"I am a representation of the modern women that we have today: one who is unafraid to forge her own path and one who is willing to give a part of herself to enable those who think they are not capable, that they can, that they will, and they must," she said.
Upon clinching the coveted local title, Bungay made rounds online following her answer to the question-and-answer round during the Binibining Pilipinas 2024 coronation night in July, wherein she firmly advocated for the passing of the SOGIESC Equality Bill.
She was asked by 1969 Miss Universe Gloria Diaz what topic she would like to talk to people about if she were given 30 minutes to do so.
Bungay answered: "If I would be given 30 minutes to talk to the public, I would like to talk about the passing of the SOGIESC [Equality] Bill. Because in celebrations such as pageants, this [LGBTQIA+] community has contributed so much and in this regard, we can give back to them by supporting this cause because as an individual, it is our responsibility that we ensure that everyone is treated equally despite their SOGIE."
Bungay aims to bring the third crown for the Philippines in the Miss Globe pageant on Oct. 15 in Albania, following the victories of Ann Colis (2015) and Maureen Montagne (2021).
Last year, Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2023 Anna Lakrini finished as second runner-up.