The Miss Philippines to ditch swimsuit competition: 'Not your usual pageant'

The swimsuit competition no doubt has been one of the most anticipated segments of a beauty pageant But heads-up, The Miss Philippines will be ditching the much-anticipated competition in a move to "reinvent" the pageantry world.

The Miss Philippines announced its decision on social media on Aug. 28, with a graphic that says, "no swimsuit competition," in big bold letters.

"Not your usual pageant," the organization began its post. “The Miss Philippines is reinventing pageantry to come up with an event unlike any other. Here’s to a unique way of gathering beautiful Filipinas around the world. Join The Miss Philippines," it added.

The organization also revealed that for the formal segment, the delegates will instead have a red-carpet moment similar to the Cannes Film Festival. Meanwhile, the candidates' speeches will be done in "a Ted-Talks style." The Miss Philippines also encourages candidates to give an emphasis on how they will promote the Philippines to the world. 

In the same post, The Miss Philippines also reminded applicants of its screening, which will take place on September 2 and 9, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Enderun Coworking Estancia in Estancia Mall, Pasig City. 

The Miss Philippines Culture and Heritage Celebration is a new pageant founded by Miss Universe Universe Philippines national director and former titleholder Shamcey Supsup along with the MUPH creative and events director Jonas Gaffud. They described The Miss Philippines as the "most ground-breaking national competition."

Pauline Amelinckx, who joined the Miss Universe Philippines pageant three times, was crowned The Miss Philippines last August.