Ms. Universe 2011

We've all been raving about Ms. Universe 2011 and how great Ms. Philippines was and that she deserved a higher rank. Well in the end, its still great that she made it to Top5 and she was 3rd runner-up though despite it all she really deserved to win the crown. Most of the tweets, said that she had the best answer of all the 5 and yet she still placed 4th. 

During dinner, my family was talking about her answer and I came to realize that, maybe the reason why she really lost was not because her answer sucked but her answer might be offensive to other people. Our upbringing as Filipinos was centered on God and how we put Him on top of everything but on this day and age, how many are comfortable in declaring to the whole Universe that they do love God and all the more how many are comfortable in hearing that. In the society that has embraced same-sex marriage and abortions how do we now view the answer that she said. 

When she made to Top 5 I knew for a fact that it was hers to lose, I mean c'mon, the girl was just exuding with confidence, she was just glowing out there. Personally, I think she out-staged all of her competition and yes, her smile was infectious. When I heard they announce her as 3rd I was disappointed, no I was devastated and you know why, because I really thought that she would eventually win the crown if not, at least the 1st runner-up but no, the judges decided that the three other girls deserved the place better. Well yes, Ms. Angola surely did but Ms. Brazil and Ukraine I don't think so. 

So what made the difference? That despite answering in such a graceful, very well-thought of manner she still didn't win the prestigious crown. Lets be honest, I don't think her question was one that you actually practice during the pre-pageant preparation. Well, I think it was the response of the judges to her answer, in short their personal bias that made the difference. We, as God-centered individuals appreciate her answer but what about those who doesn't believe in God or at the very least uncomfortable with this topic? We can't say the same for them. After all, beauty pageants and life in general, are all based on an individuals' perception. Was the response of the judges to Shamceys answer the same way that we did, 'cause if it was so then I think it would have turned out differently. 


But despite it all, I am still proud of her. Making it to the Top 5 is a big achievement. She made  me proud to be a Filipina. She represented us, especially Filipina women in a very elegant and intellectual manner. The fact that some of the contestants actually thought that she should have won should be more all the more reason for us to be proud of her, because she truly did made everyone want to be just like her, a Filipina in that hour, in that moment. 


And since, I'm talking about BEAUTY pageants here let me share my take on beauty. Yes. You can be beautiful and smart at the same time o plus the fact that we should truly embrace your natural color. Hello, being white won't make you beautiful and being dark doesn't and will never make you ugly. Being beautiful is not based on your skin color and not even you hair color, it is  based on how you think and carry yourself that would make you one. And remember that being truly beautiful doesn't end in having a perfect body, or that drop-dead gorgeous looks, you should also be SMART whether it be book or street smart or even better, both. Yes. Your brain actually adds to your beauty. So yea, be yourself, embrace your imperfections own them, be curious and you'll be the most beautiful person that you truly are. 


xoxo
MCV. :)