Beauty pageants are a platform for showcasing women’s empowerment, intelligence, diversity, and leadership. But for the critics, beauty pageants are an outdated hangover of a patriarchal society that only values women for their physical beauty. The girls who participate in beauty pageants have utilised the platform to empower other women in society.

While the beauty pageants are used to glam up and wear heavy makeup, dreamy gowns and perfect hair onstage, sometimes they do prefer a barefaced and fresh look at the beach just like most of the girls. Recently, some of these Filipina beauty queens were spotted flocking to world-class summer destinations and basking in the sun for a much-deserved vacation. Miss Universe winners Catriona Gray and Pia Wurtzbach, Miss World 2013 Megan Young, Binibining Pilipinas-Universe 2017 Rachel Peters, Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa, and Miss World Philippines 2018 Katarina Rodriguez were all seen soaking in the sun on the beaches.

These women weren’t afraid to show off their bare skin and get sand in their hair. Another thing that gained a lot of attention was their stylish beach costumes that people all over the Internet loved. Here, we round up some of these beauty queens’ chicest summer ‘fits that are Instagram-worthy!

1) Catriona Gray

Catriona the Miss Universe winner was recently spotted at the beach, specifically in Palawan as part of the Department of Tourism’s effort to promote local travel. The beauty queen was seen in a white glazing swimming costume while reverting to a cool printed dress as she explored the island.

Filipina Beauty Queens

Filipina Beauty Queens

2) Kylie Verzosa

The Miss International-winner-turned-actress who recently completed filming for a movie and her series chose to stay at El Nido, Palawan and spend some quality time under the sun. Though her custom Boom Sason designer suits are always amazing, the Intenet love this classy and simple babydoll dress Kylie Verzosa was wearing from Style Staple.

Filipina Beauty Queens

Filipina Beauty Queens

3) Pia Wurtzbach

Pia and her IG-savvy boyfriend Jeremy Jauncey have been exploring the world recently. The couple travelled from the Maldives to Marrakech and seemed to enjoy their time. Pia was seen wearing a Versace maillot during their stay in paradise. The Miss Universe was also seen in a minimalist olive green bikini that looked so good on her golden tan.

Filipina Beauty Queens

Filipina Beauty Queens

4) Katarina Rodriguez

Katarina Rodriguez based in Siargao has a penchant for classic one-piece swimsuits that flatter her body type and enhances her features even more. Her wavy and all-natural fringe adds to the Miss World Philippines effortless-looking beach vibes.

Filipina Beauty Queens

Filipina Beauty Queens

5) Rachel Peters

Also based in Siargao, Rachel loves to wear a maillot in bright and happy colours that look stunning against her beautiful olive tan. Most of the Miss Universe Philippines 2017 queen’s eye-catching and colourful swimsuits are from local designer Boom Sason.

Filipina Beauty Queens

Filipina Beauty Queens

6) Megan Young

These days there seems to be a craze for the island Palawan. The Miss World 2013 Megan Young was also in Palawan with her better half Mikael Daez. Much like the gamer’s girl easy-going personality, Megan kept her outfits simple and chose a fresh neutral colour bikini that complimented her natural skin tone.

Filipina Beauty Queens

Filipina Beauty Queens