Beauty Pageant Candidates in their native costume. Catch MMFF Best Picture winner SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN in Resort’s World Manila Cinemas, Eastwood City Mall Cinemas and Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall.
Written by
Jude Bautista
Leo Selomenio (addresses a crowd of Filipino maids): Wag niyong isipin katulong lang ako binabayaran lang ako ng amo ko. Nandito ako dahil may sahod akong dollar may ipapadala ako sa Pilipinas. It’s not that. Isipin ninyo sa sarili ninyo manager kayo! Syempre ako nag mamanage ng bahay ng amo ko. Bakit kayo hindi? O? Tatawa sila. Bakit kinahihiya mo tarabaho mo? Sabihin mo muna manager ka. Siyempre titignan ka niya from head to foot. Oo may nakasabay ako sa eroplano. Anong ginagawa mo sa Hong Kong? Manager. Manager? Manager ka ng ano? Manager ako ng amo ko. O tinapat ko nga i-phone ko ha! Manager? Tapos tinignan niya ko from head to foot.
Pinays take over Hong Kong’s Central District during Sundays. Catch MMFF Best Picture winner SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN in Resort’s World Manila Cinemas, Eastwood City Mall Cinemas and Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall.
(Don’t think of yourselves as mere helpers. You’re here just for your salary to send back home. It’s not that. Think of yourselves as managers. Of course I manage my employer’s household. Don’t you do the same? They laugh at me. I met someone on the plane and asked my job. Tell them you’re a manager. They look at me from head to foot. You’re a manager? Yes I manage the affairs of my employer. Then I whip out my i-phone. Then they look at me from head to foot.)
SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN is a touching love letter to all mothers, sisters, aunts anyone who has sacrificed something to make us who we are. When you think about it, it’s for every Filipino, for any parent and child, family in the world. It will make you want to hug every woman in your life.
Cherrie Bretaña & her ward Hayden; Catch MMFF Best Picture winner SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN in Resort’s World Manila Cinemas, Eastwood City Mall Cinemas and Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall.
Directed by Babyruth Villarama Gutierrez, it is the only documentary to ever win BEST PICTURE in the history of the Metro Manila Film Fest Awards. It also garnered BEST EDITING- Chuck Gutierrez, GATPUNO ANTONIO J. VILLEGAS CULTURAL AWARD, CHILDREN’S CHOICE along with SAVING SALLY and VINCE & KATH & JAMES.
Catch MMFF Best Picture winner SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN in Resort’s World Manila Cinemas, Eastwood City Mall Cinemas and Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall.
It’s a story we’re all familiar with regardless of race. There’s someone a mother, an aunt, a sister, a father, a provider who sacrifices themselves so we can go to school, have food to eat, clothes on our back. They are stories that don’t attract million-dollar blockbuster excitement, its not necessarily Gal Gadot of WONDER WOMAN or Hugh Jackman as LOGAN for 2017. More often than not they are the people we take for granted and not really think about.
Beauty Pageant Candidates own Hong Kong’s Central District. Catch MMFF Best Picture winner SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN in Resort’s World Manila Cinemas, Eastwood City Mall Cinemas and Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall.
We feel and see the ‘sacrifice’ through the experiences of Leo Selomenio (Science Education Graduate), Rudelie Acosta (IT Graduate), Mylyn Jacobo (AB English Graduate), Hazel Perdido (Computer Science Graduate) and Cherrie Mae Bretaña (Hotel Management Graduate).
They are all Overseas Filipino Workers who work as domestic helpers in Hong Kong but has found meaningful activity during Sundays. Leo is an organizer of pageants and other events specifically for Filipina OFWs since 2008. The rest of the subjects are the candidates. The pageants are held only on Sunday as their one free day in the week.
Beauty Pageant Candidates in their native costume. Catch MMFF Best Picture winner SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN in Resort’s World Manila Cinemas, Eastwood City Mall Cinemas and Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall.
We go through their typical day, hear their stories and even hear from their employers. As you can see from their college degrees they’re actually overqualified for the position of domestic helper. That doesn’t protect them from experiencing verbal abuse from their employers or looked down upon even by their own countrymen. Even as the government hails our OFWs Overseas Filipino Workers as modern day heroes, other Filipinos sometimes look down on domestic helpers.
Cherrie Bretaña; Catch MMFF Best Picture winner SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN in Resort’s World Manila Cinemas, Eastwood City Mall Cinemas and Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall.
Just like the joke that Leo shares above, SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN isn’t just a tearjerker but more of an inspirational journey. We see that they cope with loneliness through mutual support, performances and yes beauty pageants.
Ju-Chen Chen, an Anthropologist at the University of Hong Kong was at first puzzled at their efforts, time and passion for these activities even after an exhausting workweek. Chen witnessed firsthand the camaraderie during an event.
Our domestic helpers become Philippine flag bearers in Hong Kong through their costumes and dances. Catch MMFF Best Picture winner SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN in Resort’s World Manila Cinemas, Eastwood City Mall Cinemas and Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall.
She discovered that they literally carry the Philippine flag through the performances of cultural dances, pageants and concerts. There are elaborate costumes, choreography. They are proud bearers of Filipino identity. Chen realized that the fulfillment they get is far greater than their day-to-day difficulties. Through their gatherings, performances, they find a greater sense of self worth. In the face of stressful or often discriminatory work environment, they take the one-day they should have for themselves and still find the energy to put on a show for others.
Our domestic helpers become Philippine flag bearers in Hong Kong through their costumes and dances. Catch MMFF Best Picture winner SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN in Resort’s World Manila Cinemas, Eastwood City Mall Cinemas and Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall.
HK Mindset
There’s no doubt that domestic helpers in Hong Kong have a vital role. Long time TV producer Jack Soo was interviewed and said, “I live alone by myself. Mylyn is the only one taking care of me in my daily life…Let me tell you something. IF Hong Kong has no foreign helpers Hong Kong will be in trouble. Just imagine those family without a foreign helper. How are they gonna work how will they take care of their children? How are they going to do their daily lives? So if the Philippine government stop all the helpers in all of the country, the whole world will be in big trouble without helpers. There’s a big problem.”
Jack Soo; Catch MMFF Best Picture winner SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN in Resort’s World Manila Cinemas, Eastwood City Mall Cinemas and Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall
Not everyone though has a glowing opinion of foreign domestic helpers. In April of 2015, Executive Councilor Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee made some derogatory comments against Filipina domestic helpers accusing them of seducing their employers. The comments on her blog and official facebook page were particularly painful knowing the abuse that a majority of foreign domestic helpers endure. Some of them have even suffered physical and sexual abuse. For Filipinas who sacrifice so much this is has the potential to damage their familial relationships back home.
Pinays take over Hong Kong’s Central District during Sundays. Catch MMFF Best Picture winner SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN in Resort’s World Manila Cinemas, Eastwood City Mall Cinemas and Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall.
The issue came up in the Q&A portion in one of the pageants. Mylyn Jacobo very ably replied: “It’s a big insult to us that most Filipina OFWs are called prostitutes. I will cite something what Mrs. Regina Ip told us. We Filipino domestic helpers are working here to provide the needs and support our families in the Philippines. Whatever you do abroad you should think twice.”
Mylyn Jacobo poses w pals; Catch MMFF Best Picture winner SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN in Resort’s World Manila Cinemas, Eastwood City Mall Cinemas and Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall.
2 Week Rule
Documentaries put important issues to the forefront because viewers see real people in real situations not actors. In this case it’s the policies of the HK SAR concerning domestic helpers. This affects not just the DH themselves but their wards, the elderly not to mention their own families back home reliant on the money they earn.
Pinays take over Hong Kong’s Central District during Sundays. Catch MMFF Best Picture winner SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN in Resort’s World Manila Cinemas, Eastwood City Mall Cinemas and Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall.
Discrimination against foreign domestic helpers is built into the system. A clear example is what happened to Rudelie Acosta. After one of the pageants she was late coming back to her employer and went over her curfew hours. She was fired on the spot and was asked to leave the only lodgings that she had. Even after pleading to at least spend the night her employer refused and kicked her out without a roof over her head. On top of this she only has 2 weeks to find another employer or lose the right to stay in Hong Kong.
Rudeline Acosta buys Filipino food during gathering; Catch MMFF Best Picture winner SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN in Resort’s World Manila Cinemas, Eastwood City Mall Cinemas and Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall.
Although the termination was abrupt and unfair, because of the 2-week rule there’s almost no recourse to file a complaint and immediately find a new job. Rudelie’s case is an example of the unfairness and injustice that thousands of foreign domestic helpers find themselves in Hong Kong.
Different foreign workers associations of Indians, Indonesians, Thais, Malaysians, Nepalese, of course Filipinos have banded together to formally complain against the 2 Week Rule since the late 1990s. But HK SAR has stuck to its guns allowing this discriminatory and racist policy to continue.
Mylyn Jacobo shares the sash she earned with Jack Soo. Catch MMFF Best Picture winner SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN in Resort’s World Manila Cinemas, Eastwood City Mall Cinemas and Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall.
A comprehensive article entitled Maid in Hong Kong: Protecting Foreign Domestic Workers explained clearly how the 2 week rule is unjust: “Beyond cramped housing conditions, isolation of domestic workers means that abuses by employers often go unreported. A 2013 survey conducted by another Hong Kong-based group, Mission for Migrant Workers, found that 58 percent of the more than 3,000 workers surveyed experienced verbal abuse in the home, 18 percent physical abuse, and 6 percent sexual abuse.”
Hong Kong translates to Fragrant Harbour. Catch MMFF Best Picture winner SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN in Resort’s World Manila Cinemas, Eastwood City Mall Cinemas and Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall.
The report continues, “Another policy, the “two-week rule,” mandates that once foreign domestic workers quit or are let go, they must depart Hong Kong within two weeks. This policy, critics say, discourages domestic workers from seeking justice, for fear they could lose their jobs. It also makes finding a new employer difficult, as this process can take from four to six weeks. Moreover, a visa extension, the length of which varies by case, costs HK $190 (US $24), and during the extension application period migrants cannot work and must pay for their housing and food. Many domestic workers, therefore, choose to stay silent about abuses.”
Beauty Pageant Candidate in native costume. Catch MMFF Best Picture winner SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN in Resort’s World Manila Cinemas, Eastwood City Mall Cinemas and Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall.
Interestingly enough a possible solution also came from one of the victimized helpers in the documentary. She theorized that no less than our own Philippine government along with other nations like India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and others should negotiate in behalf of their workers with the Hong Kong authorities to abolish the 2 Week Rule.
Executive Producers Vincent R. Nebrida, Fernando Ortigas and E.A. Rocha have another award winning film. Catch MMFF Best Picture winner SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN in Resort’s World Manila Cinemas, Eastwood City Mall Cinemas and Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall.
Track Record
SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN is another meaningful and significant creative contribution from executive producers Vincent R. Nebrida, Fernando Ortigas and E.A. Rocha. These are the same executive producers who brought us the historical hit HENERAL LUNA and the enchanting KANA THE DREAMWEAVER. In a short period of time they have established a winning track record of award winning and critically acclaimed films.
Catch MMFF Best Picture winner SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN in Resort’s World Manila Cinemas, Eastwood City Mall Cinemas and Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall.
Director Babyruth Villarama’s loving and supportive husband Chuck Gutierrez is both Producer and Editor. Chuck has added yet another BEST EDITING award from the MMFF to his wins in Cinemalaya, Cinema One and many others.
Dexter Dela Peña as cinematographer also deserves credit in being able to make everyday scenes more cinematic. Even though it was a run and gun style we were able to see the character of the city and more importantly the beauty of the contestants. Babyruth must have also handled the secondary camera. The trio of Babyruth, Dexter and Chuck have already been together for several projects including JAZZ IN LOVE another documentary that was part of Cinemalaya in 2013.
Its Miss Luzon 2016 Manilyn Salapare’s silhouette on the now iconic poster. Catch MMFF Best Picture winner SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN in Resort’s World Manila Cinemas, Eastwood City Mall Cinemas and Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall.
Invaluable
Watching SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN is so enriching and educational in so many ways and levels. There are many touching moments between the families that helpers literally care for. Employers address Leo as ‘he’ even if he is biologically a woman. They see him as who he is, as a person. If you bring every family member, every maid, yaya, kusinera, labandera to this movie you will all come out richer for it. Respect and kindness truly goes a long way.
Leo Selomenio (center) is treated like family by (from left) Bonny Lee and daughter Yoanna. Catch MMFF Best Picture winner SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN in Resort’s World Manila Cinemas, Eastwood City Mall Cinemas and Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall.
Leo uses the earnings from the pageants to help domestic helpers who were abused and need emergency assistance. In truth he has given those who participate in them and even those who watch something more valuable. He has given them a chance to see and feel the beauty they have. You can see the pride in the costumes, dances, unique to their provinces and hometowns in the Philippines. This pride extends not just to participants but to the audiences as well.
Hazel Perdido; Catch MMFF Best Picture winner SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN in Resort’s World Manila Cinemas, Eastwood City Mall Cinemas and Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall.
Miss Luzon 2016 Manilyn Salapare with organizer Leo Selomenio; Catch MMFF Best Picture winner SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN in Resort’s World Manila Cinemas, Eastwood City Mall Cinemas and Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall.
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Pinays take over Hong Kong’s Central District during Sundays. Catch MMFF Best Picture winner SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN in Resort’s World Manila Cinemas, Eastwood City Mall Cinemas and Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall.
Beauty Pageant Candidate in native costume. Catch MMFF Best Picture winner SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN in Resort’s World Manila Cinemas, Eastwood City Mall Cinemas and Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall.
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Catch MMFF Best Picture winner SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN in Resort’s World Manila Cinemas, Eastwood City Mall Cinemas and Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall.
Rudeline Acosta Poses with employer Chung Su Wan and son. Catch MMFF Best Picture winner SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN in Resort’s World Manila Cinemas, Eastwood City Mall Cinemas and Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall.
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Our domestic helpers become Philippine flag bearers in Hong Kong through their costumes and dances. Catch MMFF Best Picture winner SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN in Resort’s World Manila Cinemas, Eastwood City Mall Cinemas and Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall.
Our domestic helpers become Philippine flag bearers in Hong Kong through their costumes and dances. Catch MMFF Best Picture winner SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN in Resort’s World Manila Cinemas, Eastwood City Mall Cinemas and Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall.
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Skyscrapers in HK’s Central district; Catch MMFF Best Picture winner SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN in Resort’s World Manila Cinemas, Eastwood City Mall Cinemas and Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall.
Mylyn Jacobo and Camille Castanier; Catch MMFF Best Picture winner SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN in Resort’s World Manila Cinemas, Eastwood City Mall Cinemas and Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall.
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Beauty Pageant Candidate in native costume. Catch MMFF Best Picture winner SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN in Resort’s World Manila Cinemas, Eastwood City Mall Cinemas and Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall.
Beauty Pageant Candidate in native costume. Catch MMFF Best Picture winner SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN in Resort’s World Manila Cinemas, Eastwood City Mall Cinemas and Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall.
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Beauty Pageant Candidate in native costume. Catch MMFF Best Picture winner SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN in Resort’s World Manila Cinemas, Eastwood City Mall Cinemas and Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall.
Beauty Pageant Candidates in their native costume. Catch MMFF Best Picture winner SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN in Resort’s World Manila Cinemas, Eastwood City Mall Cinemas and Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall.
WordPress:
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Our domestic helpers become Philippine flag bearers in Hong Kong through their costumes and dances. Catch MMFF Best Picture winner SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN in Resort’s World Manila Cinemas, Eastwood City Mall Cinemas and Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall.
Cherrie Bretaña & her ward Hayden; Catch MMFF Best Picture winner SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN in Resort’s World Manila Cinemas, Eastwood City Mall Cinemas and Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall.
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Beauty Pageant Candidate prepares to go on stage. Catch MMFF Best Picture winner SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN in Resort’s World Manila Cinemas, Eastwood City Mall Cinemas and Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall.
Beauty Pageant Candidates own Hong Kong’s Central District. Catch MMFF Best Picture winner SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN in Resort’s World Manila Cinemas, Eastwood City Mall Cinemas and Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall.
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Cherrie Bretaña; Catch MMFF Best Picture winner SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN in Resort’s World Manila Cinemas, Eastwood City Mall Cinemas and Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall.
Beauty Pageant Candidate prepares to go on stage. Catch MMFF Best Picture winner SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN in Resort’s World Manila Cinemas, Eastwood City Mall Cinemas and Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall.
WordPress:
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Beauty Pageant Candidate prepares to go on stage. Catch MMFF Best Picture winner SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN in Resort’s World Manila Cinemas, Eastwood City Mall Cinemas and Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall.
Hong Kong translates to Fragrant Harbour. Catch MMFF Best Picture winner SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN in Resort’s World Manila Cinemas, Eastwood City Mall Cinemas and Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall.
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Beauty Pageant Candidate in native costume. Catch MMFF Best Picture winner SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN in Resort’s World Manila Cinemas, Eastwood City Mall Cinemas and Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall.
left: Mylyn Jacobo; Catch MMFF Best Picture winner SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN in Resort’s World Manila Cinemas, Eastwood City Mall Cinemas and Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall.
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Cherrie Bretaña; Catch MMFF Best Picture winner SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN in Resort’s World Manila Cinemas, Eastwood City Mall Cinemas and Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall.
Pinays take over Hong Kong’s Central District during Sundays. Catch MMFF Best Picture winner SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN in Resort’s World Manila Cinemas, Eastwood City Mall Cinemas and Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall.
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Mylyn Jacobo; Catch MMFF Best Picture winner SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN in Resort’s World Manila Cinemas, Eastwood City Mall Cinemas and Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall.
Beauty Pageant Candidates. Catch MMFF Best Picture winner SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN in Resort’s World Manila Cinemas, Eastwood City Mall Cinemas and Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall.
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Its Miss Luzon 2016 Manilyn Salapare’s silhouette on the now iconic poster. Catch MMFF Best Picture winner SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN in Resort’s World Manila Cinemas, Eastwood City Mall Cinemas and Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall.
Leo Selomenio; Catch MMFF Best Picture winner SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN in Resort’s World Manila Cinemas, Eastwood City Mall Cinemas and Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall.
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