A snippet from Miss
Philippines-New Zealand 2004
by Maria Cecelia Ware
My mum comes from the province of Quezon and my dad is from England. I have a younger sister and brother and they attend the same school as me. We were all born in New Zealand. I am in seventh form at John Paul College in Rotorua. At school I play the flute and the double bass. I am in the school orchestra, jazz combo, string band and chamber music. I love to play badminton and soccer and I tutor younger students to read. I have been a member of the St John Youth Division for two years now and they have taught me many new skills, which I have used to help many different types of people.
We have been brought up as very strong Catholics and my sister and I altar served at St Michael's parish church for six years. Next year I plan to study Law at Waikato University.
We have been to the Philippines three times to visit our family. One of the most amazing things about the Philippine culture is the wonderful sense of family. Every time we go back, even if we haven't visited for manyyears, we are immediately welcomed back by our relations and by everyone in the community. We always feel like we had never left. This is quite unique and something that is not present in western culture.
I was selected by the Philippine Club of Rotorua Inc. to be their candidate at Fiesta sa Tauranga 2004. At first I was very nervous and hesitant, but my mum convinced me to enter. Closer to the event I became very enthusiastic and excited. I decided that it would be a wonderful experience and appreciated the privilege of competing against many beautiful girls of my culture.
On the talent night I performed The Lord of the Dance, on the flute. The following day we had our photos taken for the Miss Photogenic award then went into five hours of rehearsal for that night. The first time we went on stage that night was to parade in our Philippine costumes. I was dressed as a Filipina from the province going to market. My outfit was very simple, with a salakot and basket of vegetables as my accessories, but it captured the life of a typical Filipina and I won best in cultural costume. The next time we went on stage was in our swimwear. Next was our evening wear. I wore a light pink dress with ruffles and glitter. Then all ten of the contestants had to answer a question. When they announced me as the winner I was so shocked and it felt so surreal. I just stood there and smiled. I had never let myself even imagine winning and so it was very unexpected.
My prizes were a trip for two to the Philippines, $650 cash, three trophies, two sashes, lots of Shiseido products and a crown. The prizes were amazing and it was truly an amazing experience. I am so glad that I decided to enter and it has taught me to savor every experience and take every opportunity that comes your way, you might be wonderfully surprised with what you can achieve.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many people who made this experience possible for me.
Fistly I would like to thank my family, especially my mum, for being so persistent. You were the one who truly convinced me to
enter this pageant and wouldn't stop till I believed in myself. It's amazing how a
mother always knows what is best. The Tauranga Philippine Society for organizing and
hosting an incredible weekend. It was enjoyed my many
and had something that appealed to everyone. You should be extremely proud of yourselves, and it
was a weekend that will remain in our memories always. The other contestants - you were all so
friendly and it really felt like we were all family, not like we were competing against each other.
You helped turn a potentially terrifying experience, into one
of the most amazing and most memorable of my life. You are all so beautiful and such wonderful people. I hope we will all meet again.
And most importantly, The Philippine Club of Rotorua Inc. for having confidence and belief in me, for entering me in this pageant and for supporting me from the very beginning. I was extremely proud to represent you, and think myself incredibly privileged that you wanted me to. I will always be thankful to all of you.
To the future contestants of Miss Philippines-New Zealand, enjoy the experience, live in the moment, and make lots of new friends.
Once again, a huge thank you to all the sponsors and I wish you all the best, Merry Christmas.