MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – When the 2017 Miss Universe Beauty Pageant unfolds in Manila next January, a new competition segment will make its debut.

There’s the national costume competition, swimsuit competition, evening gown competition and the Q&A portion.

Now, for the first time ever in this 64-year-old beauty pageant, there will be a fifth segment that organizers hope would ensure that the winner will be the epitome of true beauty — natural beauty, that is.

In this fifth segment, contestants will parade before the judges — in close up — without face makeup.  A special award will be given to the best unmade-up contestant, and the socres in this segment will constitute 20%of the final pageant judging results.

The idea came from no less than reigning Miss Universe Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach of the Philippines.  In the morning after she was crowned, she posted a photo on her social media account sans any makeup (see photo).

Will the other international beauty pageants like Miss World and Miss International follow suit?