Summit International Pageants to hold 2024 finals in Cebu this July

CEBU, Philippines — After back-to-back wins by Bisaya delegates, the US-based Summit International Pageants is bringing the beauty tilt to the “capital of pageants in the Philippines”, as described by its Vietnamese-American founder.

Held in Las Vegas, Nevada and Florida since its inception in 2019, president and founder Alex Bui said that they set their sights for Cebu in hopes of making a mark in the pageant circuit.

“We are honored to bring here the Summit International Pageant, where beauty transcends the superficial, and embodies strength, intelligence, and compassion,” said Bui. “Our contestants represent the epitome of grace and resilience, and we are excited to witness their journey unfold on the global stage.”

In 2022, Nick Zosa Nabua of Minglanilla, Cebu was crowned Miss Summit International. Last year, she passed on the crown to Tacloban City’s AZ Martinez, who earned the right to compete in Florida after nabbing the Hiyas ng Pilipinas-Elite World 2022 title.

Now a Sparkle GMA Artist Center talent, Martinez is set to turn over her crown during the Summit International Pageants finals, set for July 20, 2024 at Tambuli Seaside Resort and Spa in Lapu-Lapu City.

Around 35 candidates from all over the world are expected to converge here in a week-long affair that will see them compete in their national costume, evening gown, and swimwear, before culminating with the coronation day.

Aspirants can compete in three categories: Miss (18-29 years old), MS (30-55), and Mrs. (18+ married). Deadline for applications is on May 31.

Representing the country at this year’s Miss category is Maiko Ibarde of Baguio, while the Filipina bets for MS and Mrs. have yet to be announced.

A banker by profession, Bui said that Summit International Pageants was born out of his desire to support the passion of his wife, Mrs. Vietnam World 2011 Kelly Trang Tran, who currently acts as the organization’s Executive Director.

“I helped her create the Summit system. When I created the branding, I thought about how every year, world leaders get together in a summit and they discuss important things,” Bui told The FREEMAN.

“I thought, ‘What about women?’ Women are important too. They can discuss important things. So why don’t we create a summit where contestants from all over the world come together and discuss their advocacies, and in turn, they can be role models for the younger generation.”

Similar to summits – formal meetings between envoys of different countries – the structure of Summit International Pageants is to have a representative from various nations come together to exchange ideas on how to make improvements for a “better, brighter future for women all over the world.”

The main event, of course, is the beauty competition.

“Our queens must be the epitome of our vision and values which focus on three key points: Connect, Empower, and Peace for all women around the world,” said Bui.

Through partnerships with charitable organizations and community initiatives, contestants have the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of others, champion their causes, and effect meaningful change.

But, said Bui, “At the end of the day, this is a beauty contest. So we’re looking for outer and inner beauty, as well as personality and poise. Personality is also a main thing. And someone who can give back to the community.”

For inquiries, sponsorship opportunities, or general information about the pageant, contact Edna Villadolid at 09948496400.