Winning Mr. and Ms. Chinatown Philippines marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with responsibilities, advocacy, and a commitment to community service. For Newson Uy and Jercy Raine So, the journey after taking home the coveted titles in November has been about embracing their roles as community leaders and using their platform to make a positive impact.

In an interview with The Manila Times, Uy noted that the experience shifted his focus from personal growth to community service.

"After winning the title, I realized it's not about me anymore but more about the community and the responsibility that comes with it. During the pageant, it's focused more on yourself — being a better person, inspiring and empowering others. But now that I won the title, I want to be able to help the community now,"

Among his advocacies are building self-confidence while empowering others and creating relationships within the community on which he wanted to continue during his reign.

Meanwhile, So emphasized her part of being a role model for those who feel disconnected from their roots.

"For me, my purpose when I joined is because I was in a point where I feel very insecure because I don't know how to speak Chinese as well as I don't know very much about our culture. So when I came back in Manila from our hometown in Nueva Ecija, that's my turning point where I felt very insecure, and I told myself that I should also learn the language and the culture so I made a way for me to learn all that. Now, I am the person that I am today. I worked because I know how to speak Chinese because I reconnected with my roots," So admitted.

She further expressed desire to inspire and empower members of the Chinoy (Chinese-Pinoy) community to do the same.

Rejuvenating at BlueWater Day Spa

The demanding preparation for a pageant requires physical and mental resilience. Recognizing the need for rejuvenation, both winners expressed their excitement about winning the Bluewater Day Spa experience.

So looks forward to indulging in massages, her go-to relaxation method, while Uy shares his appreciation for the spa's relaxing atmosphere.

"For me, I want to experience the massage. I really love massages because every time I work in my everyday life, at night I go to any massage place. Now here in Bluewater Day Spa, that's something I would love to avail. So that every time I feel tired at work – also maybe with Chinatown shootings, we have a lot of activities, this is one good thing for us to relax," So shared.

"Same with her, I really like massages. Even coming into Bluewater Day Spa, the aroma is different, it's really relaxing so I'm really looking forward to the treatments I'll have here," Uy seconded.

Among the services BlueWater Day Spa offers are full body massages, body scrubs, hand and foot treatments, face and body machine treatments, and facial treatments.

BlueWater Day Spa has branches in Banawe, Quezon City, Estancia Mall, Pasig City, and Eton Square Ortigas where the two toured to check out its amenities and experience the exceptional of the staff and experts.

Maintaining a balance between their full-time jobs, Chinatown activities, and personal well-being, the titleholders stress the importance of prioritizing wellness.

So highlighted the significance of "me time" and regular massages, acknowledging that self-care contributes to overall well-being, while Uy, despite being based in Cebu, emphasizes the value of managing time efficiently and the importance of remembering that health is indeed wealth.

"Sometimes, the schedule would really be full in a day. But then I also prioritize my wellness. At the end of the day, like I said earlier, I would go to massage, have my me time, so now it's a really great opportunity to be here in Bluewater Day Spa at least we get to avail some treatments, pamper ourselves," So pointed out.

"For me, it's all about managing your time and remembering that you can only do so much if you take care of yourself. Of course, there will be days that you will be busy, there's no more time to take care of yourself but in the end, you have to remember that health is wealth because if you're strong and healthy, you can do more. Good thing, Bluewater Day Spa is here," Uy enthused.

"At Bluewater Day Spa, they have export-quality memory-foam massage beds which are really comfortable and relaxing. Furthermore, their therapists are all well-trained by their Indian trainer and they have varied services that suits everyone's needs," he added.

Skin Elements advocates

Meanwhile, apart from So and Uy, two other special winners of Mr. and Ms. Chinatown Glezlie Ong and Kenneth Ivan Co took home the titles Mr. and Ms. Skin Elements.

In an interview, the two shared their perspectives on the significance of skin care, underscoring the idea that a healthy and radiant complexion contributes to one's confidence and self-esteem.

"Skin is part of our physical appearance. I think it's important to take care of the skin because it's a confidence booster if you have a good skin. Skin is something you cannot replace as well," Co noted.

"As you age, prioritizing skin care becomes crucial to aging gracefully. By nurturing your skin from a young age, you aim to maintain a youthful appearance and prevent the development of issues such as dark spots, under-eye bags, and wrinkles. Initiating a skincare routine in your 20s and 30s is particularly significant to proactively address and mitigate the effects of aging," he added.

Meanwhile, Ong echoed the sentiment underlining its role in building confidence.

"For me, skin is the first thing they will notice in a person. It also boosts your confidence if you have good skin," Ong related.

"Personally, apart from that, I adhere to a fundamental skincare routine both in the morning and at night, complemented by a commitment to healthy eating. I emphasize the importance of clean and wholesome dietary choices, as they contribute to the overall health and radiance of the skin," she added.

The Skin Elements Face and Body Lounge is the newest aesthetic clinic under the same owners of BlueWater Day Spa's located in Eton Square Ortigas. It offers a wide range of services that meet the needs of everyone — from beauty enthusiasts to those with specific skin concerns, busy professionals, folks looking for non-invasive anti-aging options, and health and wellness buffs. They have got it all covered.

Among its services include T-Zone Facial, IPL Hair Removal, Korean V-Shape Face (HI-FU V-LIFT), Diamond Peel, Oxygen Infusion Therapy (O2 For Life), Revitafirm, Revitashape, and T-Zone Facial.

Prioritizing overall health and wellness

In the end, more than just the physical, the winners stressed the holistic nature of well-being, emphasizing the importance of mental, emotional, and physical health.

Concluding, Mr. Chinatown Uy said, "It will actually look very evident, especially when it comes to your focus. If you're mentally calm, everything falls apart so must be a priority."

"It's very important that your mind also feel good because at the same time it will also reflect how you see things, how they will see you, you will look very presentable because your mind is clear. I know BlueWater Day Spa and Skin Elements can also clear our mind even just for an hour session," So ended.

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Branches: Eton-Greenhills 0917-8156659, Banawe-Quezon City 0947-8965075, Estancia Mall 0917-8810092 and The Skin Elements 0917-1479142

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