From Dubai to the crown: Jasmin Bungay wins Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2024
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by Balikbayan Store
1 min reading time
Pampanga’s Jasmin Bungay, a former overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in Dubai, was crowned Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2024 on Sunday during the Binibining Pilipinas pageant. Bungay will now represent the Philippines in the 2024 Miss Globe pageant.
Bungay, known for her advocacy for the LGBT community, impressed the judges and audience during the question-and-answer portion. Miss Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz asked her, "If you were given 30 minutes to talk to the public, what would you talk about?"
Bungay responded passionately, advocating for the passage of the SOGIESC (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics) Equality Bill. She highlighted the significant contributions of the LGBT community to the pageant industry and stressed the importance of ensuring equal treatment for all.
"If I would be given 30 minutes to talk to the public, I would like to talk about the passing of the SOGIESC (Equality) Bill. Because in celebrations such as pageants, this community has contributed so much, and in this regard, we can give back to them by supporting this cause. As individuals, it is our responsibility to ensure that everyone is treated equally despite their SOGIE," Bungay stated.
The SOGIESC Equality Bill, which has seen versions transmitted to the House Committee on Appropriations, aims to address discrimination against the LGBT community. The bill has faced opposition from figures like Sen. Joel Villanueva and Rep. Eddie Villanueva, who argue it could create "special rights" and threaten "social order." Sen. Villanueva has suggested a more comprehensive anti-discrimination bill benefiting all marginalized groups.
Bungay’s victory marks a significant step towards her goal of becoming the third Filipina to win the Miss Globe title, following Ann Lorraine Colis in 2015 and Maureen Montagne in 2021.
Before her pageantry success, Bungay moved to Dubai at 21, working in logistics and modeling. Despite her successful career abroad, her passion for pageantry brought her back to the Philippines. Bungay emphasizes her resilience and determination, shaped by her OFW experience, and aims to inspire others by sharing the stories of her fellow OFWs.
