http://www.malaya.com.ph/sunmagz/jan12/images/12pageant.jpg
http://www.worldofmiss.republika.pl/galerie/mw02f.jpg
An note of Concern: Ang mang-aawit
Ngayong tapos na akong magpasalamat sa lahat ng mga taong involved sa Binibini screening sa taong ito, gusto ko namang mag-suggest ng mga konting bagay na sana'y magdudulot ng kabutihan sa lahat ng ating mga kandidata na lalahok sa darating na mga international pageants this year. Assuming that physical fitness and interview skills are harnessed or enhanced prior to the competition, the following are just some of the things that need to be addressed:
1. The Hair. I hope that BPCI shuns from using hair-extensions and/or other hairstyles that do not enhance the beauty, or highlight the facial features of our delegates this year. In the first place, majority of Filipino women are already well-known to have shiny and healthy hair in the international scene. Huwag baguhin ang dapat baguhin. Hindi lahat ng pagbabago ng style ng buhok ay effective. Below are some of my examples:
a. Desiree Verdadero at MU'84. During the preliminary competition, nakalugay lang ang "one-length ala Malu Maglutac" na buhok ni Desiree. Maganda ang effect sa kanya nito both in swimsuit and evening gown competitions. Sa katunayan ay naging Number 2 pa nga siya kay Yvonne Ryding (Miss Sweden and eventual winner that year). Kung inaakala ng marami na sina Milka Chulina (MU-Venezuela '93) at Alicia Machado (MU-Venezuela '96) ang nagpauso ng mag-"flip-flip" ng kanilang buhok tuwing ini-interview ay diyan sila nagkakamali. It was Desiree Verdadero who first-handedly did it with natural oomph and flair! Alas! During the final competition, her hairstyle was changed! Naka-chignon bun na ang kanyang buhok! Tuloy, na-emphasized ang kanyang 5'6'' lang na height kung saan karamihan sa mga naging semi-finalists that year were already 5'8'' and above, at nahalata rin ang kanyang medyo malapad na noo. Of course, dahil na rin siguro sa halong kaba at paninibago ng style ng kanyang buhok e hindi masyado naging effective ang mga interview segments ni Desiree with Bob Barker. Wala nang "ipi-flip" ang kinakabahang Desiree kaya hayun . . . naging 3rd RU tuloy! Ewan ko ba kung sino ang may pakana na mag-"bun" siya pero kahit pa noong Bibining Pilipinas 1984 pa lang ay talagang nakalugay na ang buhok ni Desiree. It was a part of her "coping mechanism" to flip her hair to conceal her nervousness during an interview. It was in this kind of hairstyle that her sexy figure was enhanced and her not-so-towering height as a fashion model was disguised. Unfortunately, she changed her hairstyle came final night. Siyempre, kung ang isang tao ay hindi hiyang sa isang bagay na hindi pa niya ginawa o nagawa, e talagang maiilang siya nito. Thus, a runner-up placement for Desiree.
b. Geraldine Asis at MU'87. During the Binibining Pilipinas coronation night, she sported a simple ponytail with a nice, sequined, black bow that graciously coordinated with her black, strapless gown by Mamengco (am I correct on the designer's name, Jules?) Anyway, she really gave tremendous justice to that evening gown especially when she turned around and posed for the judges that even Vilma Santos, who was one of the judges at that time, couldn't help but sighed with great delight. It was "picture perfect" --- an original ensemble designed by a Filipino designer that was brought to life by an awesome, statuesque Filipina. Sa swimsuit competition naman, nakalugay lang ang STRAIGHT na buhok ni Pebbles. Pero kahit na straight lang ang buhok niya ay maganda naman tingnan at napaka-shiny talaga. Sa katunayan ay nanalo pa nga siya as Miss Sunsilk. Pero mga kapatid, during her stint in Singapore ay nag-iba ang ihip ng hangin. Pumangit ang buhok ni Pebbles. Ginawang "wavy", o pinakulot na medyo "hilaw" ang pagkakakulot na tila hindi mo maiintindihan ang construction ng kanyang buhok. Tuloy, nagmukha siyang "untidy" tingnan at mas lalong na-emphasized ang kanyang medyo-may-kalakihang mga pisngi. During the evening gown competition, hindi masyado nabigyan ng "edge" ni Pebbles ang kanyang gown kaya tuloy naagaw ni Miss Venezuela ang 5th spot.
c. Abbygale Arenas at MU'97. Although her Pitoy Moreno-designed evening gown pulled her preliminary scores down, siguro naman ay magiging iba ang dating nito kung naka-"bun" ang buhok niya. Malay natin at baka nakuha niya ang 10th spot para maging semi-finalist sa MU. Sa katunayan, it was the first time that I saw her sporting a different kind of hairstyle. When I first watched her at the Supermodel of the World competition where the announcer missed her name and finally called her as the last delegate after Yugoslavia, ay naka-"bun" na talaga ang buhok niya, maging sa Bb. Pilipinas coronation night. Pero ewan ko ba kung bakit iniba ang style ng kanyang buhok sa MU.
d. Nina Alagao. What more can I say? Sinong bruha kaya ang nag-braid ng kanyang buhok? Ang sarap sabunutan!
e. Karen Agustin. O, hayan, dahil sa hair-extensions ay nagmukhang komedyante ng "Sine Siyete" si Karen. (O baka may mag-re-react na naman diyan!!!) Dinagdagan pa ng isang "flop-sing" na disenyo mula sa isang banyaga na tuloy naging kulelat ang dating at medyo tagilid tingnan ang boobs ni Karen dahil sa kakaibang construction ng evening gown na gawa ng banyagang ito! It was "adding insult to an injury", 'ika nga.
f. Kate Manalo, MW'02. Kulang na lang na lagyan ng isang malaking buto ang gitna sa ibabaw ng buhok ni Kate at tuluyan na siyang magmumukhang si "Bam-bam" ng "The Flintstones". Please don't get me wrong, mahal ko ang batang 'yan. Sa katunayan ay nakipag-away pa nga ako kay Vitug dahil lang kay Kate pero ewan ko ba kung sino ang may pakana na baguhin ang ayos ng buhok ni Kate at ginawa pa kaseng "bundokera" at "complicated" ito!!!
I am not saying that a delegate's hairstyle is the only means or the end of it all. It is not the main or sole criterion for nailing a title. It may be trivial for others to consider this as one of the factors to winning a crown; however, we also cannot deny the fact that a delegate's hairstyle is one of the vital elements that separates her from the others. It becomes an integral part of her total packaging as a woman, spokesmodel, ambassador, and beauty titlist. While we are pro-active in encouraging our delegates to "fine-tune" and "fine-tone" their interview skills and bodies, respectively, we also need to scrutinize this "minute" aspect in her total packaging as a delegate. After all, her victory is the country's victory as well.
To be continued . . .
SELECTION OF LOCAL DELEGATES
Author:
Juan
As an observer of local and international pageants, allow me to discuss my views on the proper selection of our local representatives in different international beauty pageants.
Concurring to some opinions and observation, I believe that Miss Universe (MU), Miss World (MW) and Miss International (MI) has defined and clear criterion in the selection of their winners. Although I must admit that there may have been changes in the past years, the shift has been predictable and calculated.
From the doll like and glamorous image in the 50s, MU had slowly introduced the concept of poise and intelligence in the late 60s. Crucial final questions that determine the delegate�s handling of pressure were given emphasis. The introduction of this concept was simultaneous with the birth of newfound Liberalism in the West, clamoring for new role of women not only in our homes but also in our society. Distinctive of this change is the winning of Ms. Gloria Diaz in 1969, a lady whose natural wit and poise conquered the universe.
In the restraint seventies, a slight resurgence of icon-like beauties was the trend. The very regal Margarita Moran enthralled not only local pageant fans but also international pageant observers. It is worthy to note that we have successfully followed the trend on this period by fielding the right delegates to this beauty Olympics. Unforgettable faces such as Vida Doria, Chiqui Brosas, and Guada Sanchez had elevated our new found reputation to greater heights. It is sad to note however, that despite of this success, we have overlooked the idea of grooming prospective delegates, a concept which was fully embraced by Osmel Souza, which later led to the domination of structured Venezuelan beauties in the ensuing years.
In the 80�s, mystical exoticism and model-like beauties dominated the scenes. This is time when and where, Rene Salud reign supreme. His inert gift and passion for discovering, training and packaging simple girls to become beauty queens resulted to rich harvest of striking delegates just the likes of Chat Silayan, Desiree Verdadero and Gem Padilla. However, as everyone knew, his relationship with BPCI turned sour years after, forcing BPCI to outsource and field candidates with limited training and exposure hence resulted to our dismal performances in rankings.
The concept of beauty empowered with natural charm, attitude and intelligence were the standards in the 90s. MU had given new role to the MU persona as spokesperson of the organization. This is where we witness the entrance of Charlene Gonzales, Abby Arenas and Miriam Quiambao, all of which gave fierce competition to their counterparts. These ladies possess not only the looks but also most importantly the right attitude to wear the crown. It is both fortunate and unfortunate however, that despite the help of foreign consultants, BPCI chose to be stuck to one formula (adopted in Mirriam�s time) and fails to highlight and emphasize the succeeding delegate�s good points.
So how do we select our MU representative in 2003?
First and foremost 2003, I believe will be an overspill of 2001 and 2002 where winners was selected more on their looks and marketing potential. MU is still and will definitely be looking for someone who can give back the luster once it has. Troubled by declining viewers� and market support in the US mainland and some parts of Europe, MU organizers will be eyeing for someone who has the charisma, passion and flexibility to strongly accentuate its social concerns but at the same time deliver the gold to its corporate coffers. Politics will definitely play a big part in the pageant. MU will again attempt to please potential market that may fill its marketing gaps. Hence it is vital to field a candidate who has high average face value, glamour-type girl who has the passion to easily adapt to MU�s dual role. She should be a natural chameleon, charming but determined.
Contrary to the standard BPCI practice where they normally package our delegate to one mold despite of their peculiarities, I recommend that the next delegate must be package as she is. MU cannot be deceived. It is a seasoned organization whose job is to spot the natural versus the superficial. In the corporate world, there is a term like �JOB FIT�; this is applicable to prospective MU delegates.
I urge BPCI to identify candidates who initially would pass to the mold of glamour type girls. The next step would be to observe their personality profile and rate them. The girl who best exhibits the aforementioned qualities should be sent to Panama. Then, I can assure you that we have better chances than in the past years.
altogracio
One of the most entertatining and awaited event in Bb. Pilipinas is the question
and answer portion,It will determined the girls final ranking,I gathered the binibini final questions from year 2000 to 2002 and heres what the winners have to say:
How would you pursue your ambitions and become succesful in the past changing world of the new millenium?
Nina
"That shoudn't be difficult for someone who's very receptive to new ideas.
I guess I have to be on guard all the time
I can't caught unaware of things to come.
One have to be always on the lookout for what is new."
Katherine
"Training my self to be diciplined, to work hard in my education
will help get me to the succcess that I would want to."
Joanna
"The best way to cope up with things is to always remember the basics.
Love one another be true to one's self because amidst all
these technologies,
and globalization we always tend to forget who we really are and what our purpose is.
If you dont have nothing inside,
theres no use for it. Your education is your future."
What do you think has been the most significant difference between the Filipino woman then and now?
Zora
"The Filipino women then were demure, quite reserved. Now the Filipino women
are more responsible and dynamic. We have women who are now actively
involved in politics and business.
And I am happy to say that they are doing a lot in uplifting the economy of the Philippines."
Girlrhea
"The women today are more career oriented compared to the woman of the past."
Maricarl
"Filipino women today are more proactive, independent, responsible, have a good vision in life,
and are confident enough to face the challenges of the world."
In this day and age what meaning does a beauty tittle have for a woman?
Karen
"In this day and age I beleive that a beauty tittle is also very important.
As a beauty queen, she palys a great influence to everyone
and through that she can be a role model for everyone..to be a model to the countries and all the women in the world."
Kate
"I beleive having beauty pageant is a good oportunity for women.
Having this pageant is a good platform for women to develop their God given talents.
At the same time, it is also the winner's oportunity to help our less fortunate brother and sisters, which is the mission-vision of the Bb. Pilipinas Charities."
Kristine
"I think that the meaning of beauty tittle to a women is life because
with a beauty tittle a woman is given a wide opportunity to extend herself to people.
And when we extend ourselves to people we give importance to life."
Well this year, who will be the most applauded candidate based on q & a, and who will make the audience squirm at their sit because of absurd answer.
It may be an overused word to describe how a beauty queen should be, but hopefully this year's batch will be a combination of brains and beauty.
>
Jan. 25 2003: Our Beyond
>Essence Bet, Sheryl Lou Franco's
> Enlistment for Bb. Pilipinas 2003
>
>On Shelou~ An
>expert in the field and an ABS-CBN scout/ director
>took scrutiny in every applicant. Many failed him, but
>Shelou impressed him. Direk �Jeffrey� pored over the
>BE bet from head to toe to look for an adverse slant.
>Unfortunately, he didn�t find a thing. Shelou shook
>the floorboards of the Bb. Pilipinas office the moment
>she entered. The Bb. Pilipinas staff was totally
>stunned to witness her big transformation. Judges &
>experts were nodding.
>
src="http://www.swingclub.net/nina_blush/PAW1.jpg">
>Shelou &
>Pawee
>
>Being with her made me feel happy. I became somehow
>close to her. While eating w/ Shelou at Pizza Hut =o),
>I felt a different feeling for the lady in front of me
>could be the next Bb. Pilipinas queen.
>
>
>
>more soon..
