Jonas Gaffud announces role in Miss Universe PH team

FILE: “At the Miss Universe Philippines | Binibining Pilipinas 2019 Press Presentation.” (Photo: @jonasempire.ph/Instagram)

After declaring his resignation from Philippine beauty camp Aces and Queens, Empire Studios Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jonas Gaffud reveals on Thursday, April 4, that he will be pursuing a new endeavor as the creative and events director for the country’s franchise of Miss Universe.

According to Jonas, known as “Mama J” to his talents, he will be working hand-in-hand with IMG Universe and the Araneta Group, “responsible for elevating the level of Miss Universe Philippines further through his innovative and groundbreaking pageant creative concepts and ideas.” In his Instagram post pertaining to the job, Jonas elaborates, “With a long term plan of evolving it into more than a one day television special, the modernization and growth of these powerful brands will place an emphasis on women empowerment and philanthropy, culminating in the selection of the candidate who is the embodiment of the modern day Filipina.”

He adds, “New beginnings. Thank you, Lord. For the Universe!”

Jonas also specifies in an interview with TV5 that he “had to leave [Aces and Queens] because it’s like new beginnings for me and I have to concentrate on the brand (of Miss Universe Philippines),” stating that his job title includes raising funds for charity and promoting tourism as well.

Responsible for the success of international titleholders like Miss World 2013 Megan Young, Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa, and Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, Jonas believes that the Philippines will continue to have successes in the beauty pageant industry despite not being able to train aspirants anymore, stating, “I think we will be stronger as a country of beauty pageant lovers. Now we can see that there are different groups being informed. There are so many people involved now. So, I think we will be stronger.”

He concludes, “We are Team Philippines after all.”