Why Miss Possibilities is a truly special pageant

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

The highlight of Asia’s first pageant for people with special needs isn’t just the show, but it’s when the kids and young women realize that they belong

MANILA. Philippines – Once a year the stars align and families of children with special needs come together to celebrate all the beautiful things that the “special” life has to offer. 

This celebration, where “Beauty Knows No Boundaries,” begins with young girls and women who want to share pieces of themselves on stage. These young women with disabilities are honored for all their beauty, individuality, and unique talents. This is what Suz Yuzon had in mind when she brought other parents and advocates together 10 years ago to bring Miss Possibilities to life. 

Momma on a mission

Mom to Joey, and no stranger to pageantry life, Suz envisioned a place where everyone was honored for their beauty, inside and out. 

With the help of her friends and co-parents she created inclusive opportunities in a place where beauty has typically been boxed in. 

Pageants are normally on beauty and wit, but Suz wanted Miss Possibilities to be different. She shared that 10 years ago, the vision was simple. 

“I wanted to give people with special needs the opportunity to shine, be celebrated, and experience the joy of being seen for who they truly are.”

Evolving, creating opportunities for change

“Over the years, we’ve grown beyond the pageant into a year-round movement. We’ve added medical missions, inclusive workshops and awareness campaigns that support the whole family,” Suz said. 

Truly, what started as a singular event and celebration of beauty has evolved into a platform for empowerment, education, and inclusion.

Participants share their talents and the community wholeheartedly cheers everyone on.

As Miss Possibilities continues to grow and evolve, the values and mission remain simple — to inspire systemic change and encourage individuals with disabilities to bloom in a society despite the barriers.

“It’s nothing short of extraordinary. It’s no longer about hoping for simple acts of kindness and hoping that people will understand,” said Suz. 

“It’s about how these individuals can take action and believe in their own limitless potential when given the opportunity.”

Judges Marga Tupaz, Stanley Ong, Rudy Guiao, Doc Lulu Marquez, and Deborah Cabanag find it hard to award just one winner. Photo by Rudy Guiao

It take a village

Miss Possibilities and their organizers know they cannot do it alone. It takes a village. 

Collaborating with other nonprofit organizations, like Philippine Association for Citizens with Developmental and Learning Disabilities (PACDLD), The Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines (DSAPI), The Austism Society Philippines (ASP), SM Cares, and Best Buddies Philippines (BBP) provides greater opportunity for participants to find their place in society through the arts, music, medical missions, awareness events and socials. 

Chico Joaquin models with his mom Maritess Joaquin

Nobel Peace Laureate Maria Ressa walks with her niece Gelli Aventajado

Starry, starry night

They also build on the popularity of celebrities walking for the mission through a Celebrity Fashion Show to create further awareness and understanding for children and adults with disabilities. 

Once a year, celebrity advocates come together for the event to support and amplify the MP mission. 

Judy Ann Santos, Gladys Reyes, and Yasmien Kurdi grace the stage every year with excitement, while other celebrity volunteers like Michael de Mesa, Nyoy Volante, Pen Medina, Candy Pangilinan, and Noble Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa walked in this year’s show with their Miss Possibilities model. 

Nyoy Volante walks with Rueben Austin Allas

Belonging and purpose

This year’s pageant may have taken place at the Henry Lee Irwin Theater on May 17, but the work that Miss Possibilities runs year-round.

Together with partners and volunteers, the team behind this show aims to empower families through their journey. They came together to touch more families and engaged more volunteers. 

But the true highlight of Asia’s first pageant for people with special needs was not just this one evening that they came together, it was the opportunity to see the confidence in the eyes of the participants as they took the stage, surrounded by love, joy, and celebration. 

It is that moment when they realize, “This is my moment, and I belong here” — that’s everything.

After the celebrity fashion show, all 12 individuals are crowned and recognized for their unique talents and individuality.

– Rappler.com