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Letter From Manila
Crown culture: Inside the Philippines’ high-stakes beauty pageant boot camps
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A panel of judges from top Philippine beauty camp Aces and Queens scrutinising contestants during a mock pageant on June 1.
ST PHOTO: MARA CEPEDA
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MANILA – They looked like they belonged in a fairytale – eight young women in shimmery gowns, each belle a picture of poise and grace under the glare of studio spotlights in the Philippine capital.
Before them sat a panel of 10 judges, eagle eyes trained on every detail: a misstep, an uneven hemline, a strand of hair out of place.
