Chinoys Going Global: Episode 8 of Chinese by Blood, Filipino by Heart Season 5
In this exciting season of culture, language, and identity, CHiNOY TV’s Chinese by Blood, Filipino by Heart has featured various prominent members of the Chinese-Filipino community, including those who were simply adopted into the community. In multiple ways, this has been a season of diversity.
To cap it all off, this final episode of CBFH Season 5, entitled Step Onto the Global Stage, features Nicole Cordoves (丁妮可), a seasoned pageant queen who embodies what it means to be the global voice of Chinoys everywhere.
Taking the First Steps
Episode 8 not only features how she began her life in the limelight, but it gives the audience a peek into the childhood home she grew up in.
Growing up with her Angkong (grandfather) and Amah (grandmother), Nicole says that she had a colorful childhood. With her very true Filipino experience of playing in the streets while growing up to having to speak in Hokkien at home and Mandarin in school, Nicole’s childhood is the epitome of having the best of both worlds.
She spoke about her childhood with warmth and sentiment, reflecting on her close-knit family dynamics. Being able to have a strong support system, including her Ape (uncle) and Ako (aunties) she felt surrounded by love and encouragement, creating fond memories of coming home to a place filled with family and comfort. “Being back here today brings back a lot of memories for me,” she shared.
Nicole often speaks about how her childhood, surrounded by tradition, deeply influenced the person she has become today. Having a strong connection to her Chinese heritage, she learned early on about the importance of unity, resilience, and pride in her roots. The values she absorbed—respect for elders, the strength of family support, and cultural pride—shaped her outlook on life and became cornerstones in her journey.
Talk About Range!
Nicole Cordoves’ career journey was anything but straightforward. She started in the corporate world and then transitioned to government, where she found herself writing speeches for former Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima. This period came after her experience in Miss Chinatown and before she entered Binibining Pilipinas, marking an early blend of professional and pageantry experiences that would shape her unique career path.
After competing in Binibining Pilipinas, Nicole went on to represent the Philippines at Miss Grand International, where she made history by placing as first runner-up. Her achievement marked the highest placement for the Philippines in the international pageant at the time, setting a new standard and making her a proud symbol of resilience and grace under pressure.
Following her success in Miss Grand International, she worked at Manila Bulletin and continued on to the Senate, where she wrote press releases for a senator. Her recurring work in government gave her a sense of fulfillment and purpose, making her realize that her path wasn’t linear but driven by her passion for public service. “I think I always found myself drawn back to government,” she reflected, appreciating how it allowed her to break stereotypes that often restrict people in their career choices.
Nicole’s approach to pageantry also reflects her broader perspective on career growth. “I always tell people that pageantry is not the end game. It’s just a stepping stone to the next things,” she explained, viewing pageantry as part of a larger journey rather than an ultimate goal.
She credits her strong work ethic to the values instilled in her from her Chinese upbringing. She learned that no job is too small if there’s something to learn or earn from it.
With Amah’s Guidance
Nicole’s grandmother, Rosa Cordoves, joins her granddaughter in Episode 8 to talk about her perspective on Nicole’s early career in pageantry. She reflects on her initial hopes for Nicole’s career, recalling how she once wished Nicole would pursue a path in economics or business. However, as Nicole’s career in pageantry and other events in showbiz continued to unfold, Rosa came to see it as part of God’s plan. “Let’s see what God will bless her with in another kind of work,” she adds, expressing both pride and anticipation for the new opportunities awaiting Nicole. Rosa’s words underscore the family’s supportive and open-minded approach, embracing each stage of Nicole’s journey with pride and faith in her future.
What One Does with a Crown
Nicole reflects on her pageantry journey with a sense of fulfillment. She acknowledges the challenges of stepping into an unfamiliar environment, one that many Chinoys might typically shy away from, emphasizing the importance of overcoming those barriers. Nicole sees her participation in pageants as a way to redefine what it means to be a modern Chinese-Filipino, highlighting her advocacy to break down walls and meet one’s maximum potential.
Her experience in Miss Chinatown served as a pivotal moment in her career. She recounted how she was discovered and invited to audition in other pageants. Nicole’s commitment to advocacy work during her time in Miss Chinatown played a significant role in her journey. She organized a storytelling caravan in various Chinese schools, which allowed her to connect with children and instill the importance of using Mandarin in their everyday lives. This initiative not only showcased her dedication to cultural heritage but also demonstrated her passion for education and community engagement, setting the stage for her future endeavors in pageantry and beyond.
Ambassador of a Global Pageant
In the national costume competition of Binibining Pilipinas, Nicole made a bold statement by wearing an outfit inspired by Chinese porcelain vases. She recognizes that, while pageantry has become more competitive, it also means that candidates’ voices are more amplified. She acknowledges the importance of showcasing how Chinese individuals integrate into different cultures worldwide.
Nicole emphasizes the need for a broader understanding of Chinese culture, both within the Chinese-Filipino community and other overseas Chinese communities. She recounts her experiences meeting people of Chinese descent from various backgrounds, revealing the similarities and differences in their lives.
The fifth season finale of CBFH highlights how perfect Nicole is for the role of being the ambassador for the first-ever Mr. and Ms. Chinatown Global, the new emerging international pageant meant for overseas Chinese everywhere around the world to celebrate their shared roots. As the ambassador, Nicole feels honored to represent a pivotal moment in her life and the lives of others. She expresses her excitement for the platform’s potential to connect candidates and deepen conversations about what it means to be proud of your roots. Nicole encourages aspiring candidates to invest in their journeys authentically, emphasizing the importance of having a bigger purpose beyond winning a crown.
Courtesy: Nicole Cordoves
With ten years of pageantry under her belt, Nicole reflects on her growth and the evolution of the industry. “I’m so glad that I grew up and the pageant organization also grew up with me,” she shares, looking forward to shaping the future of Mr. and Miss Chinatown Global. She urges candidates to embrace their individuality, stating, “Don’t be afraid to show who you are. You don’t need to fit a certain template.”
If you missed the airing of the final episode of Chinese by Blood, Filipino by Heart Season 5 last Sunday, you can still catch the episode replay on November 2 (Saturday) at 8:30 PM. You can catch it on One News, via Cignal TV, channels 8 (SD) and 250 (HD), or stream it via Cignal Play. All episodes, from Season 1 to Season 5 will also be available to rewatch on CHiNOY TV’s Facebook and YouTube channel @ChinoyTVOnline.