About the
Pageant

Absolutely. No pageant experience is required. In fact, many of the contestants in this inaugural event will be first-timers. That is exactly why we have nine training sessions — to bring everyone up to speed and make sure no one steps onto that stage unprepared.

Our coaches cover everything: catwalk, interview prep, color and styling, Monterey Park history, media etiquette, and more. You bring yourself. We help you show it off.

No. There is no swimwear competition in this pageant. The Miss and Miss Teen Monterey Park Pageant is a community and talent-focused event. You will never be asked to compete in swimwear.

The three looks required are: cocktail or traditional cultural wear (self-introduction), talent-appropriate attire (performance), and a formal evening gown (Q&A and awards).

Almost anything — singing, dancing, spoken word, instrumental performance, cultural dance, comedy, martial arts, and more have all been part of pageants like this. Your talent should be something you have practiced and feel confident performing in front of an audience.

A few important rules:

• Performances are 2–3 minutes maximum
• All talents must be pre-approved by the committee before the event
• You are responsible for providing your own props and equipment
• Music must also be submitted in advance

The interview takes place approximately 2 hours before the pageant begins — backstage, away from the audience. It is a speed-dating-style format where each contestant spends about 4 minutes with each judge, answering a set number of questions.

There will be two types of questions: some you are given in advance to think about, and one question you will answer on the spot without preparation. The interview counts for approximately 50% of your overall score.

How to prepare:

• Know your platform — why it matters to you and how you would act on it
• Practice speaking clearly and calmly about yourself
• Learn the basics of Monterey Park history and the Chamber's mission
• Q&A training is covered in Session 5, and media/interview training in Session 6

Your platform is the cause or issue you care deeply about and want to advocate for as a titleholder. It is the answer to: "If you won, what would you use this title to change, support, or bring attention to?"

Platforms can be about anything meaningful — mental health awareness, youth education, cultural preservation, community safety, environmental issues, supporting seniors, or anything else you genuinely care about. It does not need to be complicated. It needs to be yours.

Your platform will come up in your application, your interview, and your on-stage Q&A — so choose something you can speak about passionately and specifically.

The application fee is $25 (non-refundable), submitted via Zelle to donate@montereyparkchamber.org.

Beyond that, participants are responsible for their own attire (three looks), hair, makeup, and any props for their talent performance. The photoshoot during Session 4 is covered — sponsors fund the cost of that day.

The first 10 applicants to submit will have the application fee waived. So if you are reading this — do not wait.

You must meet at least one of the following eligibility criteria:

• Resident — You live in Monterey Park at least 50% of the time
• Employed — You work in Monterey Park at least part-time
• Student — You attend school in Monterey Park with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Community Service — You complete 5 community service hours for the Monterey Park Chamber of Commerce

All contestants must also be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Miss Teen is ages 13–17. Miss MPK is ages 18–28.

In addition to the main title winner for each division, two special awards are given:

• Miss Congeniality — voted on by the contestants themselves. This goes to the contestant who embodies the best spirit, kindness, and camaraderie throughout the process.
• Miss Media — voted on by media representatives at the event.

These are meaningful recognitions in their own right — past Miss Congeniality titleholders are often remembered as warmly as the main winners.

Reach out to us directly at pageant@montereyparkchamber.org — we respond to every message. Liberty asked her questions by email and she got this whole page. Ask yours.