The government-owned Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) is open to the staging of prestigious national and international beauty contests provided that there will be cultural significance during the show.
Since the CCP was established in 1966, no national or international beauty pageant has been staged there.
Arsenio "Nick" Lizaso, president of CCP, said that it is open to the idea of staging beauty contests that will showcase the interesting cultural heritage of the country.
"No one has ever approached us (on staging beauty pageants). The CCP is open to the staging of beauty contests. We will allow beauty pageants provided that they will showcase our culture. It's not just about the parade of beauties," said Lizaso, during a guest appearance at the Pandesal Forum held at the Kamuning Bakery Cafe in Quezon City last Saturday.
"We should add culture to pageants. In other words, let's put arts in their outfits and presentation. We will add these so that there will be culture. That's the reason why we call it the cultural center because we want to showcase our meaningful culture," he said.
Lizaso also reacted to impressions that beauty pageants have surpassed ballet performances in terms of popularity.
"I have no problems with that. But come to think of it. Beauty fades unlike the arts. Are you aware of the paintings of (Vincent) Van Gogh? It becomes expensive as years go by. That's art," the film and theater actor said.
"So why should I focus on pageants? I know next year we will have another beauty queen. It's different when it comes to arts," he said.
Lizaso said that he is promoting the "CCP on Wheels" program that will take some of the shows to the provinces.
"I want art to be seen, to be felt. Art is not something you just read. It's like courting a woman face to face," he said.
The CCP was established through Executive Order No. 30 s. 1966 by former President Ferdinand Marcos
to preserve, develop and promote arts and culture in the country.
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