Get to know Geoffrey Jimenez, the new owner of Miss Filipina International

BEVERLY HILLS — In a glamorous and glitzy media launch held at The Beverly Hilton, Geoffrey Jimenez, chairman of the Board of Directors of Worldwide Media Entertainment Corporation, welcomed past and reigning beauty queens and titleholders, press people, and guests to introduce himself as the new owner of the Miss Filipina International (MFI) 2023.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the MFI will move to a glamorous venue, the famous International Ballroom of The Beverly Hilton, home to many of the most prestigious awards shows and events in Beverly Hills, Hollywood and Los Angeles. The black-tie dinner gala coronation night will be held on Saturday, August 5.

Jimenez said, "We are excited to stage Miss Filipina International 2023 in the International Ballroom of The Beverly Hilton, an elegant venue befitting our search for the best and brightest Filipina who is beautiful inside and out. We will go all out to tap the Beverly Hills setting as a marvelous opportunity to showcase the culture, fashion and vibrancy of the Philippines and its people through our candidates."

An immigrant success story, Jimenez rose on his own merit, due to hard work, discipline and determination.

Today, he is the CEO of more than 30 hospices and home health agencies across California and the Midwest. Along the way, he has become a Filipino American community leader, a philanthropist and passionate advocate of Filipino talents and a supporter of events that boost Philippine arts, fashion and culture.

Jimenez brings his commitment to promote the Philippines, the beauty and artistry of its people to Miss Filipina International.

Photo by Gian Barbarona

During the launch, other key people behind the MFI 2023 also attended to explain more about the Miss Filipina International: Lisa Lew, MFI producer, former Binibining Pilipinas International and eight-time Emmy awardee for producing such shows as "Judge Judy" talked about the production of the pageant, Ronald "Ron" Ramores, director of Human Resources of GJ Group of Companies and MFI Executive Coordinator talked more about the candidates, and fashion designer Joey Galon, who has served as Executive Director for local pageants in the Miss America, Miss USA and Miss Universe, explained more what he will do with the coaching and mentoring of the candidates.

Also present at the launch was Margaret Gardiner, Miss Universe 1978, who made history by being the first South African woman to win the Miss Universe title, and Maureen Christa Pojas Wroblewitz, the first Filipina to win "Asia's Next Top Model" in its fifth season and is the Miss Universe Philippines 2021 first runner-up.

The past and reigning Miss Filipina International beauty queen titleholders were also present namely Blessa Ericha Figueroa (Reigning Miss MFI 2022), Kayla Usison (2nd runner up Miss MFI), Margaux Ugalino (3rd runner up Miss MFI), Ceejae Minell Delumen (Miss Teen MFI), Alicia Chelsea Buendia (2nd runner up Miss Teen MFI), Sarah Nunnink (Miss Tourism 2018), Heather Casignia (1st runner up MFI 20160, Kelly Ceniza (1st runner up MFI 2017), Caroline Luce (2018 Miss Teen MFI semifinalist).

We were able to interview Jimenez in person and below are excerpts of our conversation.

Congratulations on being the new owner of Miss Filipina International! What were the main reasons why you acquired this beauty pageant?

I would like to give Filipinas a platform to discuss and share their advocacies and an outlet to improve and gain more poise and confidence, and help them realize their full potential.

As a proud Filipino, I also welcome the chance to expand on Miss Filipina International as an exciting showcase of our art, fashion and culture.

Photo by Gerry Villaroman

Why do you think beauty pageants are still relevant?

Beauty pageants are still relevant because they develop the character and confidence of the candidates.

Aside from allowing these women to grow and improve themselves, they are given a platform to be able to share their advocacies with the world, to give them opportunities to represent, meet talents and personalities who share their dreams and goals, and they will be motivated and inspired by these role models and to make an impact in their chosen career goals.

And in the process, they will grow and realize their potential to become leaders in their fields.

What do you hope the MFI can achieve? What makes it more special than the other beauty pageants?

I believe the MFI can not only help the girls gain self-confidence and encourage personal and professional growth but they will also get more exposure and experience in public speaking, interviews, and overall improvement in self-confidence.

Because we will be having training and practices for the girls, especially in these areas. Win or lose, the candidates, whether or not they emerge with a sash and crown, what is important is that they become more confident and assured women.

What makes the MFI 2023 different from its past editions? What changes have you implemented?

MFI is different from the other beauty pageants because we are looking for candidates from all over the world who are at least a quarter of Filipino descent. That is one of the changes we made.

Secondly, it used to be two competitions in one event – Miss Teen and Miss Filipina International. Now we are combining the two and just having one exciting competition. So the age range is 16 to 28 but there will only be one Miss Filipina International, a first runner-up who will also be Miss Tourism, second, third and fourth runners-up.

Third, we have the biggest cash prizes. The winner will receive a $10,000 cash prize and a $10,000 gift certificate from iSkin Beverly Hills. The other prizes are a $5,000 cash prize and a $10,000 gift certificate from iSkin Beverly Hills for the first runner-up, who will be crowned Miss Tourism; and a $2,500 cash prize and a $5,000 gift certificate from iSkin Beverly Hills for each of the second, third and fourth runners-up.

Fourth, we are having the event at no less than The Beverly Hilton, the home of prestigious awards shows like the Golden Globes. Other awards shows that are held at The Beverly Hilton include the Oscars Nomination Luncheon and the pre-Grammys.

You have other businesses as well. How do you manage all of them?

I have my healthcare and hospice businesses. I also produce entertainment shows and I am also very active in supporting Filipino community events and fundraisers. I am inspired to do all these because of my love for our community.

Photo by Gian Barbarona

Tell us more about yourself - where you were born and raised, parents, etc.

I am proud of my humble roots in Nueva Ecija. As a hardworking immigrant like many Filipinos in America, I overcame many challenges and struggles.

I am the son of a farmer and a housewife. I immigrated to America and like many of my fellowmen, dedicated myself to the nursing profession.

I worked in health care and started my own hospice business, helping provide employment and opportunities.

You are a successful businessman, philanthropist and community leader. Where did your drive and ambition come from?

I believe my drive and ambition came from growing up in the province. I was exposed to the hard life and the simple living in the province which helped me develop and become the self-made man that I am. It is all hard work, patience, and the willingness to learn, improve and be a better person.

I studied nursing in college and it is this fundamental drive to help others in need that constantly fuels my passion to be of service to the people.

What are your guiding principles in life?

To be able to help others in my own little way and make this world a better place.

What are your other dreams for the MFI?

To be able to make MFI the home of future transformational leaders of the world.

—MGP, GMA Integrated News