Binibining Pilipinas 2019 candidate Joanna Rose Toledo of Caloocan City drew flak from Filipino netizens after she aired her opinion about depression in a televised pre-pageant activity.
Last week, the pageant’s candidates participated in a “free speak” competition wherein their communication skills were tested.
All 40 candidates were asked to pick out a topic, such as “poverty,” “press freedom,” “water shortage” or “gender equality,” among others, from an empty fish bowl and share their thoughts about it within 30 seconds.
While some of the candidates gave commendable answers, Toledo’s remarks on her chosen topic, which was depression, earned the disapproval of many netizens.
Toledo started her speech, saying she is a grade school counselor and that she has studied psychology and mental health back in college.
She went on to say that she just tells her students to believe in themselves to avoid experiencing depression.
“I am always telling them that if you believe in yourself and if you know yourself, who you are and who you want to be, then you will not experience depression,” she said.
Filipino netizens can’t help but raise an eyebrow at Toledo’s answer saying that the beauty queen is suggesting that depression is merely as “mindset”.
Joanna Toledo (Caloocan) on Depression: “If you know youself, who you are and who you want to be, then you will not experience depression.”
She proudly said that she finished Psychology and currently a guidance counselor. Guuurl. #BBPilipinas2019 pic.twitter.com/owKiOzUUHJ
— Rhuss (@rhussellfamy) June 4, 2019
She’s wrong. Depression can affect anyone, including those who know themselves and those who know who they want to be in life. No one is above it. No one is safe.
I hope Miss Joanna Toledo treats this as an eye-opening experience.
Let’s educate ourselves about depression. https://t.co/dB32P8KV0y
— Dada Aquino (@real_daryll) June 6, 2019
Akala ko maganda ‘yung sagot niya since sabi niya graduate siya ng Psych and Guidance counselor siya pero…
— Rainier Mira (@rainiermira_) June 4, 2019
Depression comes in many forms and there are factors that actually triggered someone's anxiety or depression. And how often a person actually figured out what they want, who they are or what they want to be? Yung sagot niya nakakatrigger ha.
— MaeJee Salanap (@MaeJeenius) June 6, 2019
I was so trigerred with her answer that I commented on her IG and messaged a common friend. Masakit para sa akin na isang na diagnose with depression and anxiety. Parang napaka simple lang ng sakit na ito ha.
— Valerie De Veas (@vayie) June 7, 2019
You studied depression and learned nothing. Now thats what I called "depressing!"
— Paul Evans (@PaulEva70622561) June 6, 2019
The fact that her answer hurts me because it feels like it's my own fault that I'm suffering from depression. ?
— marish ? (@marimhayy) June 6, 2019
Toledo has not yet spoken up about the backlash she has received because of her answer.
The “free speak” is one of the pre-pageant activities that will determine the Top 25 candidates. Other preliminary events include the press presentation, national costume show, and closed door interviews.
The coronation night of Binibining Pilipinas 2019 will be tonight, June 9, at the Araneta Coliseum.
