‘Embody’ not your ordinary pageant

 By Isabella Cuartero

Embody Philippines 2027 is not your ordinary pageant.

It’s a competition that goes beyond physical strength, challenging the mind, building discipline, and pushing people to outdo themselves.

Because people aren’t just chasing the perfect body anymore. They’re chasing progress, building discipline, finding confidence, and discovering what they’re capable of. That’s where Embody Philippines began: a platform that celebrates not just the body, but the mind and soul behind it—and a movement that inspires people to go further on their journeys.

The pageant held its media launch on Oct. 22 at PARQAL, Aseana City.

The Founders

Embody Philippines 2027 is led by Cornerstone Entertainment Vice President Jeffrey Vadillo, Lumina Events PH founder director Bernard Maybituin, and partner CJ Lim.

For Maybituin, the vision goes beyond physical appearance, embracing diverse disciplines and communities in fitness and wellness.

“We go deeper, focus on all disciplines of fitness and wellness. Hindi lang tayo du’n sa magandakatawan, nag-gy-gym,” Maybituin said.

CJ Lim emphasized that the competition values personal journeys over physical perfection.

Lim said, “The winner doesn’t have to have the best physique. What we’re looking for is who has the best story. I think that is one component that sets us apart.”

Jeffrey Vadillo highlighted the importance of shared values, talent discovery, and development.

“It’s very important we share the same values. Especially with our vision with Embody. We believe that this is a good vehicle for us to discover new talents that will be superstars in the world of wellness, health, and fitness,” Vadillo said.

Meet the Faces of Embody Philippines 2027

Official ambassadors Michael Sager, Jaz Henry of G22, and Iñigo Pascual are championing the movement, promoting a more inclusive approach to fitness, wellness, and lifestyle.

What does it mean to outdo yourself?

For Iñigo Pascual, it starts with showing up for yourself, even when it’s difficult.

“I think for me, one of the most important things one can do is showing up for themselves, really showing up for yourself. To go beyond your limits. And I think by definition, going to mention outdoing yourself, because even if you’re lazy, even if you’re tired, you have to be the one who shows up for yourself. And, you know, your health is that one thing you can’t depend on anyone else. You have to be the one who shows up for yourself every single time,” Pascual said.

For Jaz Henry, being part of G22 has instilled discipline and pushed her to become the best version of herself.

Henry shared, “Being a part of G22 challenges me to be the best version of myself, because I am surrounded by other talented, young, inspiring women from the start, so that has pushed me to become the best version of myself. It really instilled discipline in us from a young age. I learned so much about myself. We started training at such a young age.”

Michael Sager emphasized that fitness is about more than achieving an ideal physique. It’s about the discipline, hard work, and healthy habits behind the results.

“There are so many social standards that almost seem impossible for us to achieve. I mean, when we look at our social media apps, everybody has that dream body. Once you go beyond that perfect body and the physique, it’s the hard work that comes behind it. And I think that’s something that we have to showcase and embody. It’s not just the destination, it’s the journey, you know? It’s something that we really work towards—it’s the discipline, the hard work and something that we have to, again, embody,” Sager shared.

Be Part of Embody Philippines 2027

EMBODY PHILIPPINES 2027 is looking for male and female Filipinos, including those of Filipino descent, ages 18-45, who are ready to show up, grow, and outdo themselves.

 Applications are open from October 22, 2026 to January 15, 2027.