Dubai girl wins beauty contest in Philippines ParulShah

26-year-old Indian-Filipino beauty Parul Shah won the 51st edition of the “Binibining Pilipinas" competition which started in January. 

“Born and brought up in Dubai made me dream big,” says Parul Shah, 26-year-old Indian-Filipino beauty queen who came to Dubai for 10 days to visit her family, which has been here for 38 years. 

Having spent her childhood here, she started dreaming of becoming a beauty queen when she was just 10. And winning the Binibining Pilipinas Tourism title at the Binibining Pilipinas (Miss Philippines) 2014 competition made that dream come true.

“I saw it was more than just a pretty face and a crown. The voices of these beauty queens advocating empowerment echo around the world, and I wanted to be like them. I went to the Philippines to pursue my college education and I realised my dream.

“You represent women from all over the world, especially the most vulnerable. I want to be an inspiration for them to meet their dreams and goals; to be of service to those victims of exploitation; and to share functional literacy and education especially to those who cannot afford.”         

“One thing I’ve learned from my Indian father and my Filipina mother is to have humility and respect for all living things, and this will take you a long way in life,” she adds.

When asked whether her mixed genealogy helped her win the title, she says: “I never looked at it that way; just mightily blessed that I was able to grow up experiencing the best of both worlds. It gave me cross-cultural perspectives. It was not the reason I won, but it gave me the edge.”

She says it’s just the difference of skin colour and geographical location. “What matters is your principles and how you see the world. My heart is big and it can accommodate both Filipinos and Indians, there lies a home for both.”

Shah desires to foster women’s rights across the globe if she wins in an international competition.