You beauty: Emilia Ramos with some spoils of victory.
BY CHERIE DONNELLAN
A TIARA, a teddy and a trip to Texas – they’re the prizes little Emilia Ramos will compete for at a beauty pageant in Geelong next week.
The North Geelong five-year-old has entered the Follow Your Dreams “semi-glitz” pageant.
Emilia’s father, Ben Ramos, said she would compete in formal and casual wear categories, undertake an interview and put on a “1970s-themed performance”.
Emilia was a “pageant superstar” earning high places at every competition she entered. Mr Ramos said.
“She won Ultimate Grand Supreme, the highest title you can get, at Wangaratta this year. If you win that place you get entry into the pageant in Texas.”
Mr Ramos was “excited” about taking her to November’s Texas Universal Royalty pageant, which featured on controversial television show Toddlers and Tiaras.
Mr Ramos said he and wife Kacey “supported” Emilia without pushing her into competing.
“Milli’s always enjoyed dressing up and wearing her mum’s clothes and makeup. She even sneaks lipstick into kinder.”
Mr Ramos said Emilia had a Facebook fan page, a Twitter account, a YouTube channel and would soon have a website for “a bit more exposure”.
“Not everybody wins as much as she does and she really likes connecting with fans and other pageant families.”
Family First Victoria state director Ashley Fenn warned parents to be “very cautious” about entering children in pageants, which could harm young girls’ self-esteem and present other health-related issues.
Mr Fenn said “objectification and sexualisation of children” was an increasing problem in Australia, with pageant participation often “advancing” any problems.
