Kim Irish Placibe on Bb. Toledo and celebrating Pride Month

CEBU, Philippines — At the Binibining Toledo 2024 finals last June 10, outgoing titleholder Kim Irish Placibe was visibly in tears during her farewell walk on stage. As the first Toledo City representative for Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH), her tears did not stem from bittersweet feelings about the end of her reign, but from someone who felt humiliated behind the scenes.

The next day, Placibe took to social media to explain what happened. She said in her June 11 Facebook post: “Standing on that very stage earlier was like torture, knowing that I truly deserve better than that. I was already called ‘ungrateful’ by someone from the organization. So let me take this chance to live by that given title. Disrespectful!”

She later told The FREEMAN in an interview on June 23, “If only they had told me hours before the farewell walk, I would have accepted it. But I didn’t have the time to absorb what they told me. I even practiced my farewell speech backstage,” adding that she was only informed during rehearsals earlier that day that she would deliver a speech.

Had it pushed through, she would have thanked her team, businessman Jun Rivera (the MUPH-Toledo City Accredited Partner), and the Bb. Toledo organization, as she would not have been able to compete in the national pageant without them.

The Binibining Toledo Organization stated, “This short notice didn’t allow for a technical rehearsal. Given her experience in the pageant arena, she understands the necessity of technical rehearsals for all stage proceedings, and it’s expected that she understands why her speech was not included in the program.”

“I don’t know if it’s acceptable if their reasoning is time constraints,” Placibe told The FREEMAN. “They didn’t give me a reason [right away] when they told me my farewell speech was canceled. I couldn’t predict that this would happen, so I can’t help but feel disappointed.”

Placibe also said in her Facebook post that politics was a factor when she advised not to attend her homecoming after the MUPH finals.

“The reason why I stated ‘I’ll believe na it’s another political eksena pud ni’ is because days after the MUPH coronation, the MUPH Toledo arranged a homecoming parade for me. The focal person of this year’s Binibining Toledo messaged me, ‘Dai, naa daw kay homecoming? Isip isip ha kay grabe ka init ang politika. Dili unya ka ka-turn over,’” she said in a follow-up Facebook post.

Placibe declined to further comment on why she could not attend her homecoming. She instead thank Rivera for his support.

Rivera wrote in his statement on June 11, “Miss Kim Irish Placibe, our first-ever candidate to Miss Universe Philippines, does not deserve the humiliation she experienced last night at the crowning of the Bb. Toledo 2024. It’s an injustice to the crown she earned and holds.”

“The poor presentation of her reigning year video and last-minute cancellation of her farewell speech and walk denied her the glory of her final moments of bearing the title and responsibilities for a year. As the Accredited Partner of MUPH, we strongly condemn this injustice as we stand with Ms. Kim in all these traumatic experiences.”

Placibe commented, “I am grateful because he’s like a Papa to me already. That further motivated me to know that I deserved better treatment, so I am thankful for him.”

Bi and proud

Placibe, 19, is celebrating Pride Month for the first time as an openly bisexual woman.

As part of her post-MUPH engagements, she participated in LoveYourself’s Lollipop event at Ayala Malls Central Bloc on June 23 as one of the speakers discussing the importance of the SOGIE Equality Bill. She also walked in the fashion show segment, wearing a bright-hued design by Gianne Paolo Anciano.

“I feel so delighted and proud knowing that I can now freely celebrate Pride Month without any fear of judgment from others,” she said.

Placibe knew she wasn’t heterosexual as her interests included both masculine and feminine activities. She plays basketball, yet describes herself as “girly girly.” Her family accepted her bisexuality when she brought her then-girlfriend to their home.

“I came out not to impress others, but to satisfy myself, and to know that I can make deeper relationships with people when I am myself,” she explained.

Sisterhood amidst difficulty

Placibe said it was challenging to participate in MUPH, and even considered backing out at times. But she endured because of the silver lining: building connections with her fellow candidates.

“When you look at the brighter side of the pageant, it’s about sisterhood. I felt good with the company of the other girls,” she said, specifically mentioning Talisay City bet Mary Josephine Paaske as one of the ladies she grew close to.

“While it’s painful to see your fellow sisters cry, you can see the bond that was built in Miss Universe Philippines. That’s my favorite part. I even told Ate Taguig [Christi Lynn McGarry] that she inspired me despite her placement,” she added.

When asked about the title-holder, Chelsea Manalo from Bulacan, who will represent the Philippines at Miss Universe later this year in Mexico, Placibe praised her growth throughout the competition.

“Chelsea is very kind, soft, and charming. She will be a great representation of our country,” she said, recalling how Manalo told her that she resembled Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach.

“We saw her improvements backstage, from how she was in the press presentation until coronation night. The glow-up was there,” she added.

After spending the past year on pageants, Placibe is ready to return to a “simple life.” She plans to spend more time with her family and continue her studies in Physical Education at Consolatrix College of Toledo City.

She does have plans to return at some point, including another shot at MUPH. On her advice to MUPH aspirants, she said, “You have to be ready physically, mentally, and emotionally because it can be draining. But if you see the positive sides, it’s all about building connections, meaningful relationships, and sisterhood. You also get lifelong lessons from hearing different stories from the other girls living in different parts of the Philippines. You will be inspired.”

“My journey is a testament to how my perspective on life has changed because I have seen my co-candidates who struggled but were able to catch up the next day. If you want growth, joining Miss Universe Philippines is the answer.” — (FREEMAN)