Who is Jojo Bragais and how did he become the footwear sponsor in the upcoming Miss Universe pageant?
Jojo Bragais has added another feather to his cap.
The Filipino shoe designer has been tapped as the footwear sponsor for this year's Miss Universe pageant happening on May 16 in Florida, USA.
“All of our delegates walk with purpose, strength and in their own unique stride. Presenting the official footwear sponsor of the 69th MISS UNIVERSE competition Jojo Bragais, who empowers women to “Walk. Win,” the Miss Universe Organization announced during the weekend.
More than 70 delegates of the pageant will wear a pair of Bragais shoes.
While certainly a big honor, it's worth noting that Jojo is already an established name in the fashion scene, particularly in prestigious beauty pageants both at home and abroad.
His road to fame, however, was full of unexpected twists and turns.
Jojo was born in Albay, Bicol, and a licensed midwife and nurse.
Fate had other plans, though.
Wanting a change of scenery to combat depression, Jojo traveled to live with his aunt in Rizal upon the urging of his mother.
In a profile article published in 2019 by Rappler, Jojo recalled his aunt pointing at an old shoe factory while they're walking around in Binangonan.
Jojo visited the factory and talked to the owner who in turn asked if he'd be willing to buy the factory.
Armed with few cash that was given to him by his mother, Jojo agreed, thinking that a small business would help lure his mind away from melancholy.
It did help preoccupy Jojo's mind and he found himself suddenly running a shoe business with a ragtag crew of two people.
Running the business was tough but Jojo persevered to keep the business afloat.
In 2014, Jojo's friend and Bb. Pilipinas aspirant Yvethe Marie Santiago from Bicol donned shoes created by the fledgling shoe designer from Binangonan.
The rest, as they say, is history.
Jojo's creations quickly became a fixture in local beauty pageants.
He was part of Catriona Gray's team when she competed and won the Miss Universe crown in 2018 in Thailand.
But the upcoming Miss Universe pageant undoubtedly deserves a spot in Jojo's crowning achievements.
Not bad for someone who accidentally found his life purpose in an old, rundown shoe factory.
Meanwhile, get to know Rabiya Mateo, the country's representative in this year's Miss Universe in this gallery:
