Candidates for Miss Earth 2025 take the stage in Manila on Nov. 5. Fueled by businesses offering "boot camp" training on how to win beauty pageants, the Philippines outstrips other Asia countries in claiming major titles. (Photo by Ken Kobayashi)

Philippines' beauty 'boot camps' bolster lead in pageant crowns across Asia

Decried as demeaning for women in West, contests hugely popular in developing world

RAMON ROYANDOYAN

November 15, 2025 06:00 JST

MANILA -- The furor that flared across the world's media earlier this month over a temporary walkout by contestants at Miss Universe in Bangkok served as a reminder: Beauty contests, complete with evening gowns, swimsuits and sashes, are still a big deal for many.