YES, MISS EARTH IS ON AN UPSWING!

by Rainier Abad-Santos

The Miss Universe pageant is used to being number one. The Miss World Beauty pageant says they are the number one. The Miss International Beauty Pageant shouts it out that they are the real number one. And what does that make of for Miss Earth?  Well, if Miss Universe Beauty pageant cannot come up with something that will make the world of pageantry ecstatic and buzzing for its winner for quite a long long time, then Miss Earth will overtake it this year.

THE RISE OF MISS EARTH

Most pundits say that Miss Earth is a third world pageant and as it is, it is labeled as mediocre and wanting. But in a world with beauty and perfection as one of its aim, Miss Earth slowly created awareness with its unique advocacy – saving Mother Earth. On the other hand, Miss Universe has its AIDS Awareness programs; Miss World has its Beauty of a Purpose emphasis and Miss International Beauty Pageant is geared helping children. Hence, we could see that the greater undertaking is on the side of Miss Earth and by playing the same game as other beauty pageants; it is rising above the others with its skillful way of promoting it.

At the beginning Miss Earth had only one of its legs in forward stance. But on its first year, it had already created awareness that it is a beauty pageant to watch out for. Pageant organizations that rate pageants consider it as one of the Grandslam pageants and it has edged out Miss International in the rankings. Some consider it as belonging Top 3. But this 2012, it seems that it had completely laid down the marker for its eventual rise to the top. And why do I say this? Well, let us enumerate the indications why this is Miss Earth’s year:

First of all, a lot of people are elated with the selection of Miss Czech Republic as the new Miss Earth 2012. In a world that is trying to stand for rightness and incisiveness, the pageant opted to choose a candidate who did not give the correct answer. And they are standing by this choice. Miss Czech Republic is a very beautiful woman who will give a face to Miss Earth and will for sure be in the annals of beauty pageant history to be adjudged as the most beautiful winner in this particular year. There is no comparison of the facial beauty of Miss Czech Republic to Miss China (Miss World) and Miss Japan (Miss International). Reviewing the candidates for this years’ Miss Universe, I cannot see anyone whose facial beauty comes into comparison with Miss Earth 2012. 

Secondly, no one talks about first runner-ups. In this year’s edition, all brickbats were thrown at Miss Philippines. Although she’s not the winner of the pageant, she was adjudged as Miss Air equivalent of the first runner-up position; people were raising arms against her choice. I would have wanted to stand up and say, hey peeps, why do you have to be so hard and difficult for Miss Philippines. She represented you and she did this with her heart and soul and yet you cannot be happy and happy for her. It is such a lot crap that you did not see the wisdom of her win.

Thirdly, there is an entire attempt to cast aspersion to the selection of Miss Earth. O yeah, so someone wrote a startling article that Miss Lorraine Schuck was caught selling the title for $4Million? O well, this is baloney and the write-up was surely meant to drum up controversy when there is already enough. Let us dissect the pitch.

“Miss Lorraine Schuck was caught selling….” – watch the video. Did she offer the title for sale? Or those pretenders who are supposed to be Russian journalist representing an oligarch did? The article was written slanted against Miss Lorraine. They placed a disclaimer but the arrow is aimed at her and besmirching the reputation of the pageant and its owners.

     

And the write-up says further that the Executive Vice-President is negotiating the price for the Miss Earth Crown. Again why would she negotiate? Note that she entertained them in her office and then the Russian journalists are saying that for the price of $2M for the crown for Miss Russia. Of course Miss Lorraine Schuck vehemently refused. And in turn, she was offered $4M. And she does a turn around. I can’t believe also that with just a crown, people will sell their souls. It is very surprising for these journalists to buy the crown for Russia when the cash prize is just $20,000. The whole thing is so contrived. Now click on the link and watch for yourselves if there is truth to the matter.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=zbxj17tAEYI

Fourthly, we understand that there are candidates that are very difficult. In every pageant, there are those that act like divas. We cannot satisfy all of them. But this is a competition and in order to advance into the competition one should be within the graces of the organization holding the pageant. If the candidate cannot hold onto the rules and regulations of the pageant organizers, then they should just be who they are and expect themselves to lose. If they win, so be it. Read the FB page of Miss Belgium of what she had to say in the pageant. In one conversation, she says a lot of things but surprisingly in general she had good things about the pageant. This is her FB link: 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Miss-Earth-Belgium-official/198749513527289?ref=ts&fref=ts

Lastly, although the pageant came back to its native soil, preparation was not a problem as different organizations, towns and provinces opened their doors to hosting different activities of the pageant. The Miss Earth Pageant knows its advocacy and thus if they are only enclosed within the confines of hotels or other elite venues, it will not be able to reach out to the people. Hence, this writer is appreciative that the activities reached out where the common people are since the greater part of the population is the one affected when Mother Nature lashes out its fury.

http://www.demotix.com/news/1605932/miss-earth-2012-candidates-arrive-pangasinan

http://www.asensopangasinan.com/blog/miss-earth-international-2012-in-pangasinan/

All in all, when people start talking about the pageant, it only means it has reached the target spectators and thus more awareness for its activities. When controversy arises, it is an indication that the greater part of the target population’s penchant for news is activated and thus, more and more people are talking about it. Most people in the industry say, “Good News or Bad News” is still news. Miss Earth is in the news and it is mostly good news. Miss Earth has finally arrived this 2012. Kudos!

WHAT IS IN STORE WITH PHILIPPINE MALE PAGEANTS?

by Dominador Agbayani

Male pageants are likely done to mirror female pageants wherein the candidates don their national or ethnic attires, compete in the swimwear segments and in the evening wear contest. Take for example, Manhunt, Mr. International and Mr. Universe Model. Their contests are staged in two rounds - a preliminary and a final competition. The preliminary competition is done to select the candidates with the highest scores and they become finalists who will compete on the final pageant night in the same categories that they were judged in. They are judged in the final performance and their ability to answer the question and answer portion that will separate the chaff from the grains. In these contests too, special awards like the best in national costume, Best Runway Model, Mr. Photogenic, Mr. Friendship, Mr. Personality, Mister Body Physique and Mr. Popularity are given. Some of the awards will catapult a candidate to the semifinal round as fast track events. In 2005, the highest ranking candidate coming from the continents of the earth apart from the Top 5 candidates are given continental awards. In 2007, the winner of Mister Popularity in Manhunt International automatically enters the semifinal round.

Mr. International and Mr. Model Universe follow the same patterns and there may only be different variations as to their selections. On the other hand, Mr. World seems to be in a different mold from these three male pageants. As to Andrew Wolfe’s account, Mr. World’s preliminary selections of the finalists are judged by Sports and Fitness, Extreme Challenge, Talent, Style, Multimedia and Communication and Intelligence. Each category has its own finalists and in the final reckoning these are tabulated and thus, the Top 10 are announced and will be chosen. The Mr. World contest appears therefore to be a complete package contest where an all-around candidate is chosen. I am reminded of the Mr. University contest sans the sports  and fitness and extreme challenge category.

 

There were issues raised during the staging of these pageants. The participation of our candidate, John Mark Marcia to the Mr. Universe Model at the Dominican Republic was affected by his late participation. The organizers attempting to be transparent showed the tabulation of the judges when they crowned their own representative in home soil and it appeared that John Mark Marcia’s appearance is merely participation but not in competition.

On the other hand, Mr. June Macasaet’s participation to the Manhunt international contest did not create loud appreciation for his win at his national competition. There were other favorites' during that time. However, some say that he was the best that the contest would have gotten. And true enough, he surprised all male pageant connoisseurs by proving to all sundry that he has what it takes to be an international winner. He won the title after Kevin Balot’s sterling performance in the Miss International Queen of the Year pageant where transgenders all over the world compete for the crown in Bangkok.

I now fully understand why Mr. Andrew Wolfe’s was personally selected by Ms. Cory Quirino to be the Philippine representative. Andrew being a football player and of Filipino-British parentage, is much more ready to conquer the wider stage of Mr. World. And true enough, he almost conquered the world with his performance which was only eclipsed by Mr. Colombia, Francisco Javier Escobar Parra who was adjudged as Mr. World 2012.

As to Mark John Gutoman who won the right to represent Philippines in the Mr. International Contest, there many doubting Thomases if he would be able to carry the torch further for the Philippines. Mark John is good looking and intelligent but he is not prepared physically to compete. It is very unfortunate that pageant fans did not support him during the internet voting so that he would be able at least to enter the quarterfinal round.

With a 50% batting average for our male pageant participants in the international arena, more interests have been drummed up and probably next year, candidates with better portfolios will join the national pageants and win in them and thus represent the country in a sterling fashion like June Macasaet and Andrew Wolfe did. 

Photo Courtesy: Ian Felix Alquiros, Aski, Jr. Sala, Beautypageantnews.com

THE MISS EARTH 2012 EVENING GOWN COMPETITION SEGMENT

by Lavinia Otilla

Watching the long gown competition of the Miss Earth 2012 Beauty Pageant takes one into a new high. The concept of the pageant being held in an open space and gliding on a makeshift stage over a swimming pool with synchronized swimming dancers leaping around is such a wonder. I am in awe. I believe some of the candidates or their handlers took note of this. Being in an open air auditorium and exposed to the windy weather, most of the girls used gowns that would help them glide easily onstage with the help of the wind. 

1.  Miss Czech Republic wore a Greecian inspired gown, white in color and when she walked the gown flowed with the wind and it is truly exhilarating and enthralling. The choice of white with gold trimmings is simply superb. The simplicity of the gown highlighted the beauty of Miss Czech Republic who clearly aced this part of the competition. I would say she walked like a Goddess it’s as if I have already seen a Goddess.

2.    Miss South Africa also wore a long flowing gown. The gown was in different shades of blue and green. The color dampened Miss South Africa’s repartee despite a very queenly demeanor in the evening gown presentation.

3.    Miss Philippines on the other hand used a cream colored gown embellished with appliqués. The gown had a slit in front to for better movement. Miss Philippines carried her gown with aplomb.

4.    Miss Russia used a golden gown with a long slit on the side. The gown however is not made up of soft cloth materials instead they look stiff when she moved. She seemed uneasy in her movement and thus this lowered her competitiveness. The wind did not help her either as the gown did not flow with the wind.

5.    Miss Nepal used an apple green long flowing lace gown. She moved with ease and she glided onstage with ease.

6.    Miss Venezuela used a red gown reminiscent of the gown of Stefania Fernandez when she won in the Miss Universe Beauty Pageant. The highlights of the gown was also very much like the winning gown of Miss World 2011 (Venezuela) that was copied by winning Miss Earth 2011. Although the concept of the gown is hodge-podge, Miss Venezuela projected herself with the gown. The problem of gowns being seen to be similar with other gowns is that it becomes boring unless the candidate is so extraordinary that the viewer forgets the gown and remembers the candidate more. Unfortunately, Miss Venezuela’s presence was overpowered by another’s presence that of Miss Czech Republic.

7.    Miss Brazil used an oft-cream colored gown which hugs her shapely outline. There is a side slit to allow her more mobility. The gown seemed to be multi-beaded with some corded lace cloth material. It was a well-made gown that she carried it well.

8.    Miss USA’s fall might be because of her gown.  The bodice was good and it hugs her outline but the lower serpentine portion showed folded clothes which interfere with her walking gracefully. It looks heavy on her and thus, her downfall. 

PPhoto Courtesy: Konrad Photo, OPMB, Miss Earth.tv

2012 RECORD IN PHILIPPINE PAGEANTRY

by Raphael Porciuncula

The Philippines is making a record of sorts in different international pageants. Two titles, 5 semifinal placements and 5 runner-up placements were made for the record. People are waiting in line for the placement of Janine Tugonon in the Miss Universe and our representative to the Miss Tourism Queen International, Katrina Jayne Dimaranan.

Last May, an unheralded candidate named Clarisse Marie Obia participated in the Miss Teen Universe contest in Managua, Nicaragua wounded up First Runner-up, a cause of joy for every participating pageant denizen. In this pageant Panama ruled the contest.

At the much maligned Miss Asia-Pacific World 2012, Grendell Alvarado became a semi-finalist. She garnered a special award which is the best in evening gown.

All hopes were placed on Queenrich Rehman to win the title of Miss World in Inner Mongolia. However, she was only able to register a semifinalist slot. People’s feelings were enlivened when Elaine Kay Moll ended up as Third Runner-up in the Miss Supranational Beauty Pageant in the second year of Philippine Participation. Added to this, appointed candidate to the Miss Humanity International held in Bahamas Ayalee Dasalla registered another second runner-up position which surprised everyone as Ayalee did not even enter a semifinal slot in her Binibining Pilipinas sojourn.

Supermodel International Candidate Angelee Claudette Delos Reyes underscored the saying, the show must go on. A dear person in her heart died and yet she tried to catch up with the activities of the pageant in Bangkok and she snatched the Best in National Costume award and continued the Philippines semifinalist streak.

All eyes were glued to Nicole Schmitz when she participated in the Miss International Beauty Pageant in Japan. Everyone thought she will bring home the 5^th Miss International Crown for country. Despite a very well elucidated speech to convince the judges that she should be crowned the next Miss International, she was only able to make it to the Top 15.

The first runner-up placements of Andrew Wolfe and Stephany Stefanowitz were thankful moments for pageant observers although rabid fans question the first runner-up position of Stephany. However, these are good signs for the fledging pageant industry in the country.

And of course, people exulted with the victory of Kevin Balot a transgender candidate who won the title for Miss International Queen in Bangkok. Kevin Balot hoped that with her conquest, her father would recognize her as a daughter not as a son. And it seemed that Bangkok is a lucky city for the Philippines’ conquest in pageantry. June Macasaet represented the Philippines in the Manhunt International Contest and ended up triumphant in his participation.

The loss of Camille Guevarra in the Miss Intercontinental Beauty Pageant was practically eclipsed by the Miss Air finish of Stephany Stefanowitz in the Miss Earth 2012 Pageant. This would be the topic of pageant netizens for a while until the advent of the Miss Universe season. From the grapevines, our representative to the pageant, Janine Tugonon will be leaving this December 2^nd and it would be fun to know the results of the pageant. Everyone is looking forward to it. 

OF MYTHICAL CHARM AND GLAMOUR

By Jetset Alejandro

November 24, 2012 was a marked day. Four international pageants were being held this day, Miss Intercontinental, Mr. World, Mr. International and Miss Earth. It was very obvious we focused on the Miss Earth pageant because it was again held in home soil. It was initially reported that it will be held in Bali, Indonesia but the plans went kaput. Whatever reason they had, it did not matter because this the best Miss Earth Staging so far – quality of candidates, production values and quality of winners. Miss Earth 2012 has gone two notches higher than Miss World and took the second lead just following the footsteps of Miss Universe. Setting aside Miss Universe’ longer history, Miss Earth 2012 clearly showed that it had matured to a substantial extent. And what a maturity indeed!

THE VENUE AND THE STAGE:

The venue is at the Versailles Palace in Alabang, Muntilupa City. Akin to the Versailles Palace in France, the place is the entertainment area of a high end housing project nestled in the expensive enclave of the city. The entertainment area with an adjacent swimming pool was turned into a grand stage for the pageant. One would probably question the choice of the place for being it so small, lounge –like and sorely lacking. But I find the choice to be creative, masterful and artistic. It would have seemed to be created for the winner of the pageant but that is jumping into the highlights of the pageant so to speak.

The stage I have to admit does not show the grandiosity of other pageant presentations but with the interplay of lights and sleek presentations, this deficiency was wiped out as the pageant reached its culmination. 

THE PRODUCTION NUMBER AND THE PAGEANT HOSTS:

The candidates were set onstage. I was wondering how they will all occupy it but owing to its awesomeness, they all fitted right in. To the tune of J. Lo’s Dance Again, the Miss Earth Beauty pageant opened with a production number a-la Dances of the World since the candidates are in their national costumes. The energy is so high as everyone is revved up.

The pageant hosts were introduced thereafter in the person of Marc Nelson, Sandra Seifert and Ginger Conejeros. Well what I can say with Marc Nelson. He had been doing this hosting job for the nth time and he was adequately prepared to do this hosting. As for Sandra Seifert, I can only say, great job. She was always an inch as beauty queen despite her hosting chore. Ginger was her usual confident self in hosting pageants.

The palace ground was further shaken by the audience’ rapturous response to every favorite candidate that came to present themselves in their national costume. The loudest applauses were given to Misses Brazil, Czech Republic, Guam, Japan, Malaysia and the Philippines. Misses South Africa, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, USA and Venezuela got their own raves when they came out to introduce themselves. I was of the impression that with the crowd impression alone, the Top 16 is in the bag for these favorite candidates. Well, let us see!

THE JUDGES:

The judges were as follows:

1.     Harris Morris – team leader of the Philippines Volcano football team

2.     Lawrence Pena – A prominent businessman and construction magnet

3.     Allen Roxas – Owner of Versailles Palace

4.  Mayenne Carmona – A journalist writer at the Philippine Star and Zee Lifestyle   Magazine

5.    Bobby Ray Parks – a well-known Professional Basketball Player

6.    Joseph Holtz –a well-known corporate accountant

7.    Nancy Yeoh - Stylo International President and Chief Officer 

8.    Edward Hagedorn –Mayor of Puerto Princesa (Chairman of the Board of Judges)

THE TOP 16:

The Top 16 candidates were announced as follows:

1.    Russia

2.    South Africa

3.    Germany

4.    Venezuela

5.    Korea

6.    Italy

7.    Mexico

8.    Nepal

9.    Scotland

10.Costa Rica

11.Poland

12.Japan

13.Philippines

14.Czech Republic

15.Brazil

16.USA

Misses Guam, Spain, Thailand and Turkey were crowd favorites that did not enter the Magic 16. It is such a pity because Thailand is a pre-pageant favorite to take it all but unfortunately, the stones were already turned and her name is not on the list. Someone opined that it is a curse if you are a pre-pageant favorite. Last year (2011), everyone predicted Miss Czech Republic to take on the crown but she was nowhere in the Magic 16 or semifinalist. Although this year, their representative was luckier as she eventually took on the crown.

THE SWIMSUIT COMPETITION:

The girls paraded in golden 2-piece swimsuits. Who made their marks? Well, based on the applause, Czech Republic and the Philippines were shoo-ins to the next round. Miss Brazil and Venezuela had bodies to die for. That makes it four. They were joined by South Africa, Nepal, Russia and the USA as they completed the Magic 8 that will make them compete for the next round which is the Long Gown Competition. It was also a time for wonderment when clearly from the audience somebody blurted out, “No Poland?”. Well, we can’t have everything. Poland was extra gorgeous during this segment but it seemed like she overdid it.

THE EVENING GOWN COMPETITION:

An upbeat performance by Billy Joe Crawford was presented before the evening gown competition and it was just rightly done to prepare for the next segment. This evening gown competition will forever be etched in the mind of the people watched the show either in the arena, TV or internet streaming. Miss Czech Republic glided onstage like a Goddess and everyone was awed with such performance. She exuded the mystical charm of a Goddess and despite the attempts of the other girls to shine this was her segment.

And based on the girls’ performance in the evening gown portion, Czech Republic, Brazil, Philippines and Venezuela entered the Magic 4. In my personal opinion, I was rooting for Miss South Africa to enter the Magic 4. But in my list, Brazil is within the winning column by a hairbreadth. So in essence, her inclusion to the Top 4 is justifiable.

THE QUESTION AND ANSWER PORTION

The one question that was asked of for the Top 4 candidates is: “What would you consider as your defining moment as a woman?”

1.  Miss Brazil answered about sustainable energy and the protection of Mother Earth.

2.    Miss Venezuela emphasized that her defining moment is when she would reach her goals by working hard for it and fulfilling every responsibilities as woman.

3.    Miss Philippines says that her defining moment is when she would become a woman of the Earth in fighting for the preservation and protection of Mother Earth. She also said that she is advocating the use of renewable energy.

4.    Miss Czech Republic admiringly said, she did not understand the question but she has a message to everyone that is caring, preserving and protecting Mother Earth.

From the looks of it, it would seem to be a sell-out already with Miss Philippines taking the crown as she ably answered the question with conviction.

  

THE FAREWELL WALK

Outgoing Miss Earth 2011 Olga Alava was very resplendent as she made her final walk. As everyone took their place in the stage prior to the shoot, one could see that Olga is well-loved with all those well-wishers. Finally the shoot went on and Olga’s final step as Miss Earth has come to an end.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF WINNERS:

The announcement was quick and they are as follows:

1.    Miss Fire – Brazil

2.    Miss Water – Venezuela

3.    Miss Air – Philippines

4.    Miss Earth 2012 – Czech Republic

NOTES:

1.    The production number as it is being watched during the proceedings was seen as bubbly and exciting. The presentation of the candidates was also brisk. However, when I watched it at TFC, there is to be a disjunction of the presentation process and it was disconcerting to watch. I also felt why a pageant of this international caliber should not be held in an open space. The sound seems to be muffled and thus the impact is not that great.

2.  My personal Top 4 were Czech Republic, Venezuela, Philippines and South Africa. If there was a slot for a 5^th finalist, then it would be Brazil. Some faulted Miss Philippines to be unprepared but she came in just in time when it mattered most. The pre-finals and the finals night.  I have a lingering feeling that Miss South Africa will not make it to the Top 4. I have always seen in previous pageants that the leading contender does not become the title holder. History bears this out in whatever pageant in the world.

The choice of Miss Czech Republic was both expected and surprising at the same time. When she did not understand the question given to her, she honestly said what is in her mind and that charmed the audience more. Of course, the judges saw that, so she was given the title and no one protested such choice.

On a personal note, if I am one of the judges, I would have really chosen Miss Venezuela. She gave a very emphatic answer to the question which was right for the question. However, what probably went against her when she said that she is working hard for herself. Hence, if you analyze, she is self-centered.

It was quite awful to hear Miss Czech Republic to say that she did not understand the question and then muttered motherhood statements about our environment. She probably got the sympathy of the judges because of this.

Miss Philippines in contrast seems like she is joining an oratorical contest, something that I have taken note of in her national competition. I think Miss Philippines was left to her wares as I did not see any change in her tack from her national competition till this international sojourn.

I understand why Miss Brazil is a favorite. She has a very beautiful face and with that 22 inches waistline. She is really a top favorite from the start.

Another favorite that did not make it to the Top 4 is Miss Russia. She is one candidate that pictures do not give justice to her beautiful face. She is very much like Brazil who has a very refreshing and beautiful face. What probably did Miss Russia is her choice of gown for the evening gown competition. It was not appropriate for the runway. She was ill at ease during her walk. Although there was a side slit at the side, it did not help her any. You compare this  to the other candidates who had long flowing gowns, she is far behind.

Many pageant pundits feel that Miss South Africa should be there. Well, she should be. But whom will she dislodge? Philippines? Well, this will be a long debate and the judges have decided and case closed.

3.  When I said that my enthusiasm ebbed down when I heard the 4 candidates answer the question, that was because I was expecting someone of the four to rise up to the challenge of the question and no one did. All the candidates’ answers revolved around Mother Earth and that practically defeated the essence of the question. Even Venezuela who underwent the rigors of training physically as well as mentally did not level up to the question because she did not give a universally appealing answer. She hit the question to the hilt except for the self-centeredness in the last sentence. If probably the interpreter did not say that, then she would have been the winner. Although many thought she will romped off of the title.  Judges can be so cruel. They did not forgive her for her self-centered answer but they were all forgiving to Miss Czech Republic even though she did not give a very correct answer. All I may say is that these things happen, ONLY IN THE PHILIPPINES.

4.    Miss Earth 2012 despite the simplicity of the pageant proceedings showed class and affluence this time. Thank you to their sponsors. It would be different altogether had the pageant been held in Bali. But this years’ caliber of candidates surely did increase the competitiveness that we saw from the candidates and it is an amazing sight to see such. Pageant pundits would say that as of the present, no other winning candidate in other pageants can equal the refreshing and mythical beauty of Miss Czech Republic, the new Miss Earth 2012 ,Tereza Fajksova. Hail to this stunning beauty.