Binibining Pilipinas candidate Joy Dacoron of Cebu Province is in hot water for wearing a national costume inspired by the Child Jesus, Sto. Niño.
"My costume symbolizes unwavering faith and pays tribute to our province’s patron. The Senor Sto. Nino de Cebu is a source of inspiration and strength [for] numerous Catholic faithful. I am one of those," she wrote in a Facebook post.
The 27-year-old beauty queen and professional volleyball player went on to explain how the Sto. Niño holds a special place in her heart. She shared, "When I lost my father to an accident last year, I questioned God, 'Ngano man, Lord? (Why, Lord?)' The Sto. Nino paved the way for me to shed my doubts and made me realize that everything happens for a reason. In gratitude, I am sharing this faith on the national stage. Thus, with pride and deep respect for our heritage, I wear this costume that signifies faith and gratefulness. Viva! Pit Senyor!"
Netizens, however, have mixed feelings about it.
According to SunStar Cebu, the Archdiocese of Cebu nor the Augustinian friars didn't grant the beauty queen permission to use the vestments of the Sr. Sto. Niño as a national costume.
"As Cebuano Catholics, the Sto. Niño has a profound religious and cultural importance to us. Let us approach and treat the Sto. Niño with reverence and respect in order to avoid conflict and misunderstanding," the Augustinian Friars said in a statement. "As one Catholic community, let the Sto. Niño be our source of peace in our walk of faith."
All 40 Binibining Pilipinas 2023 candidates will be showcasing their national costumes today, May 18, at the New Frontier Theater, Araneta City.