“For me there is no formula to win it”
–Margarita Moran, Miss Universe 1973, PHILIPPINES.
It has been 40 years since the last time Philippines won the Miss Universe Title, the most coveted crown in the world. Way back 1973, Margie Moran won over U.S.A as her runner-up in the said pageant, giving this country two crowns when Gloria Diaz won the same title in 1969.
In 60s and 70s, this country was respected in beauty pageants because of its excellent performance, giving its country three Miss International and two Miss Universe winners. But during 80s and 90s, the country slides down. After two decades of sleeping, Philippines woke up and prove that they are still one of the powerhouses in the world. In the year 2005, Precious Lara Quigaman won the Miss International Title, the third most respected pageantry in the world. And in 2007, Karla Henry won the Miss Earth title, one of the Grand Slam Pageants.
This is the Grand Slam Pageants (TOP FOUR):
1. Miss Universe (MU)
2. Miss World (MW)
3. Miss International (MI)
4. Miss Earth (ME)
In a span of five years after winning Miss International, Philippines made it again on the top when Venus Raj placed fourth runner-up in Miss Universe 2010. This is the first time that the country entered in top five when Miriam Quiambao placed 1st runner-up in MU 1999.
Venus was asked “What is one big mistake that you make in your life and what did you do to make it right?’ in the Q&A portion. She said “In my 22 years of existence I can say that there is nothing MAJOR MAJOR, I mean problem that I’ve done in my life because I am confident with my family with the love that they are giving to me. So, thank you! Thank you! That I am here”. Her answer cost the country’s hunger for the title. Many say that she might win if she have interpreter on the pageant so that her answer would be better.
This is the same thing I feel with Shamcey Supsup when she landed third runner-up n MU 2011, making Leila Lopes of Angola the winner. In the Q&A portion she was asked: “Would you change your religious beliefs to marry the person that you loved. Why or why not?” She answered it without an interpreter, “If I had to change my religious beliefs I will not marry the person that I love because the first person that I love is God, who created me. I have my faith, my principles, and that what makes me who I am. If that person loves me, he should love my God too.” She nailed this portion, making me feel that time that she might win. I remember why this country did not make it in the previous year. Suddenly, she was not declared the winner. This happening annoyed many Filipinos. Some want to contest the result.
Favored
Philippines did not lose hope of winning the title. In the 2012 edition of Miss Universe, Janine Tugonon represented this country. In the preliminary contest, I saw many beautiful and stunning ladies that I think could enter the 16 semi-finalist. Of course, I know Janine can make it. I don’t think Miss USA can enter the top 16 because I saw her performance. But knowing that the USA is the host country makes me realized that she will be given a favor and I was not wrong.
When the 16 semi-finalist was announced, one of them is USA. Well, I am ready for that.
After showing their swimsuit competition, I expected Janine could enter the top 10. Of course, USA entered the top 10. Top 10 showed their evening gown. And the top five finalists are Venezuela, Philippines, USA, Australia, and Brazil.
I know that Miss USA’s inclusion in the finalist was all just a favor. This also happens in most editions of MU that the host country entered the top five. But I am more focused on Miss Venezuela and Philippines. I know that Irene Esser (Venezuela) was a big threat of getting the crown.
On the Q&A portion Janine was asked a twitter question: “As an international ambassador, do you think that speaking english should be a prerequisite in winning Miss Universe. Why or why not?” She answered it confidently saying: “For me, being Miss Universe is not just about knowing how to speak specific language. It’s being able to influence and inspire other people. So whatever language do you have as long as your heart is deserved and you have a strong mind to show to people, then you can be Miss Universe.”
This is the question for Olivia Culpo: “What is the one thing that you would never do again and why?” She said: “I want to start in a saying: ‘whatever experience, good or bad, we'll learned from it’ But one thing I would never do again is probably picking on my siblings grow because you appreciate them so much. But I don’t regret it”
The question for Olivia was very similar to the question given to Venus Raj. And I think, she, Olivia, did not give the best answer. After giving their answer, I expected Philippines and Australia to be the last two women standing. Everyone expects Janine to be declared the most beautiful women in the Universe. Unfortunately, USA declared as the Miss Universe 2012. Philippines declared first runner-up.
Flavored?
We all know that in cooking, we need spices to flavor our dishes. Now, when Janine failed to win the crown and the USA did make it. There is one thing I have said: “This is a cooking show! She may be favored because it is her country, but I could not accept it being flavored. Same thing happened in Miss World and Miss International when China and Japan won the title and it was also held in their respective country.
The whole world expected Philippines to win the title. Let us all hope for next year. We never know, we may take home next year the Miss Universe Crown.
Photo credits to Miss Philippines Road to Miss Universe Crown
