Joey Mead King reveals why she left Binibining Pilipinas 25 years ago

Fashion and lifestyle icon Joey Mead King has opened up about the real reason she backed out of the prestigious Binibining Pilipinas pageant 25 years ago.

For years, pageant fans believed it was her age that led her to withdraw. But in a TikTok video, Joey revealed that the truth was far more complex and deeply personal.

“Kwentuhan time! What happened with BBP & JMK? Revealing what went down during my short time in the pageantry world,” she wrote. “So it was going to be challenging already from the get-go. Alas here is the Kwentz. Enjoy.” she added,

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The journey began after her successful stint as a VJ for the V Channel. Unsure of her next step, Joey found herself being nudged in a new direction by longtime friend JM Rodriguez. At 25 years old at that time, the age limit for most national pageants, Binibining Pilipinas was her final shot.

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She reflected on how, at 25, she was only eligible to compete for the Miss Universe crown, while the other titles, Miss World and Miss International, were capped at age 24.

But almost immediately, whispers followed. Critics questioned whether it was fair for an established TV personality to compete in the said pageant. Anonymous text messages urged her to leave. “I had that already,” she said, referring to her professional background that many viewed as an unfair advantage.

Then came a barrage of technical concerns. Officials brought up her citizenship, which she addressed with proper legal documentation. Her use of two names also raised eyebrows, though she explained everything was within legal bounds.

The final blow came from within the pageant circle. A reigning queen and personal friend confided in Joey, telling her that the officials were “worried” about her. 

“They felt I was opinionated and outspoken and feared that they would have a difficult time controlling me,” Joey recalled. “They weren’t ready for that person.”

Instead of conforming to fit the mold, Joey chose self-respect over the crown. She walked away.

But before she did, she had a conversation with Binibining Pilipinas matriarch Madam Stella Marquez-Araneta. According to Joey, Stella was saddened by her decision to leave. 

Still, she didn’t let Joey go empty-handed. Instead, she entrusted her with a new mission which was to help train another candidate, to which the comment section named possible Filipina queens like Maricar Balagtas, the first Filipina to win the Miss Globe International crown in 2001 or Michelle Reyes who won Miss Tourism International 2001.

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