LOOK: Meet the 20 candidates of inaugural Mr. and Ms. Chinatown Global

The stage is set and the spotlight is now on the 20 candidates who will vie for the prestigious title of Mr. and Ms. Chinatown Global. 

The 20 official delegates for this year's pageant were introduced on Jan. 14 at the Manila Hotel. 

"This competition is more than a pageant; it's a platform to spotlight the stories, aspirations, and achievements of the Chinese diaspora worldwide," CHiNoy TV President Alvin Kingson Tan said during his speech at the event. 

He added that the competition celebrates the Chinese community's dual identities. 

Likewise, Miss Grand International 2016 first runner-up and Miss Chinatown 2014 Nicole Cordoves shared her insight about the first edition of the pageant.

"The core of this platform nga as I say over and [over] again is being able to impart the stories of growing in a Chinese culture," she said. 

The beauty queen added, "I hope to be the vessel, maybe as an ambassador to teach them, unlock something to them to be able to impart those personal stories to the world."

This year's candidates represent diverse backgrounds from different countries, including the USA, Malaysia, the Philippines, Australia, China, Singapore, and Hong Kong.