Time flies indeed, as Bb. Pilipinas is now celebrating its 50th anniversary. It is a big leap forward from conservative swimsuits to reserved catwalks as these days, the swimsuits are skimpier than ever and fierce is the new word for the catwalk. The Bb. Pilipinas organization, buoyed by the three year Top 5 finish at Miss Universe, opened the year 2013 by accepting applicants for the pageant. It has been extended to January 23 to accomodate late requests.

But just recently, in line with the big leap forward, a transgender named Miriam Jimenez was spotted at the Araneta Center and it is pretty obvious that she is applying for the pageant. Miss Universe Organization, in light with the famous Jenna Talackova issue, had released the statement that it is now accepting transgenders at the pageant. But then, Jenna is Canadian and Canadian laws allows an individual to change his or her gender.

For Miriam Jimenez, born as Bryan Arconado Jimenez on May 6, 1988 at Barbar, San Juan, Ilocos Sur, no Philippine law recognizes her gender change, ergo, she is legally still a man. Thus, it is with great doubt whether Bb. Pilipinas would accomodate her at all. However, her attempt to apply at the pageant is a symbolic gesture. Indeed, very much in line with big leap forward and reminds us all how time flies.