We’ve all seen how inclusivity has become more evident in beauty pageants—rightfully so because the definition of beauty is evolving. Races and skin color, even sexuality is now welcomed in this type of competition. Miss Possibilities Foundation Inc., however, goes beyond celebrating differences by including differently-abled young girls. Enter: Miss Possibilities, Asia’s first pageant for people with special needs.

The pageant has been going on for five years now since it started in 2015. Girls aged 12 and above are invited to show their unique characters and charisma onstage. But beyond the surface, it’s a stage where everyone is accepted and celebrated for their participation. It’s a once in a lifetime experience. 

This year, 11 girls have vied for the title of Miss Possibilities. All are confident and talented, thanks to the support of their parents. The girls showcased their strengths in the Talent Portion and their beautiful evening ball gowns in the Question and Answer Portion.

Besides the pageant, another highlight of the show is the inclusive fashion show, where 30 differently-abled children walked the runway hand-in-hand with a celebrity. This year, Vicky Morales, Denise Laurel, Mel Martinez, Pen Medina (and the rest of his family), Laura Quigaman, and Judy-Anne Santos graced the runway.

Miss Possibilities hardly forgot to remind everyone of the reason why it’s all “possible” in the first place; It’s to give children with special needs a space to showcase their potential as part of society. As well, the pageant aims to eliminate discrimination and bullying towards special children. This vow is made at a symbolic part of the program where  Miss Possibilities 2018 winner Samantha Pia Cabanero led the vow to not use the “r” word.

The Miss Possibilities beauty pageant is no ordinary pageant because, in the end, everyone won. All 11 girls received an award and a crown. There’s Miss Charming, Miss Congeniality, Miss Inspirational, Miss Unstoppable, Miss Spirited, Miss Limitless, Miss Fashionista, Miss Amazing, Miss Photogenic, and, of course, Miss Possibilities. The latter was awarded to Cielo Marie Guico. Cielo charmed the panel of judges and the crowd with her dancing and her Ariana Grande cover song.

In the past, discrimination and cruelty loom above the lives of differently-abled children and their families, diminishing their value as a human being. A safe space like Miss Possibilities is proof that although we’re still fighting for inclusivity, we’ve come so far.