- Aileen “Leng” Damiles - represented our country in 1996 in the Miss Universe Beauty Pageant. In the national costume presentation, Aileen sported an Igorot costume with matching layers of pots. The costume was derived from the Kalinga “banga” dance (The Pot Dance). Igorot maidens go to the river and prepare for a marriage ceremony. They display not only their grace and agility, but also their stamina and strength as they go about their daily task of fetching water and balancing the banga, claypots full of water, on their heads. Miss Damiles’ costume tries to be culturally correct and represented the Kalinga’s of the Cordilleras.
- Maricar Balagtas’ represented the Philippines in the Miss Universe Beauty Pageant 2004 in Quito, Ecuador. She wore a costume that became a controversial topic among pageant gurus and newbies. Some liked it and some abhorred it. It allegedly represented the Pintados of the Visayas. The Pintados ("painted") is a term applied to the inhabitants of the Visayas during the Spanish colonization of the Philippines. The name was given to them because they painted their bodies with red clay--or, as some writers say, on account of their being tattooed. Both men and women wear their hair long and fastened in a knot on the crown of the head. The men tattoo their entire bodies with very beautiful figures, using small pieces of iron dipped in ink. This ink incorporates itself with the blood, and the marks are indelible. One can see a poor depiction of the pintados concept in the costume of Ms. Balagtas. In the original depiction (center photo), the Pintados are tattooed all over their bodies. On the other hand, do you think the inspiration by Barraza is the Igorots? Igorot women in the past are tattooed especially in the upper torso. You can see the third picture of an Igorot maiden who is dancing the “Banga” and is supposed to be tattooed. Whether Barraza’s inspiration is the pintados of the Visayas or the Igorots of the Cordilleras, the presentation is basically a bastardized representation. The upper portion and would have been a fair representation of the tattooed ethnic women of the Philippines but when he included a skirt adorned with flowers, it had become a hodge-podge creation of a designer who is poorly guided with Philippine culture.
- Charlene Gonzales’ costume in 1994 at the Miss Universe Beauty Pageant in the Philippines is ethnic inspired. It is very similar to those costumes paraded during the Kaamulan Festival in Bukidnon. The costume is culturally correct and universal in appeal. It is no wonder it won as the best in national costume during the pageant. Now let us see, Nina Ricci Alagao’s national costume during the Miss Universe competition in Cyprus. The costume’s cut is ethnically inspired. Instead of a headdress like that of Charlene, the designer used the “salakot” as the headdress. But my goodness, the headdress looked like lampshade. It is poor copy and concept of a costume as you can see from the right hand side picture. Instead of being a national costume, it became a carnival costume...
- Fiesta Carnival Motiff – Obviously, despite the fact that a Mirriam and Carla Gay’s national costume is patterned after the terno, it was very obvious that they have the fiesta carnival imprint on them. On Mirriam’s costume, there is the intent to project the Reyna Emperatriz with her headdress. However, it deteriorated to the fiesta carnival category when peacock feathers were added as props and effects. It also reminded me of a terno made by a designer for Miss Israel during the Miss Universe 1994. Carla Gay’s pineapple costume has all the trappings of a carnival costume. It appears very appealing and engaging but it does not radiate the Filipino soul as one pageant writer underscored it. Jewel Lobaton’s costume was unthinkably Filipino. It has all the festival feeling on. The headdress and the dress itself is very Latina in concept. Teresa Licaros’ costume appears to be Maria Clara in concept. However, it added another feature that of the Mask reminiscent of the Masskara Festival of Bacolod City. The bouffant and colourful skirt added a festival ambiance to the costume. Three of these costumes are of Barraza and Jewel Lobaton’s costume was made by a Filipino designer. Now, we can the result with a Latin country fashion designer conceptualizing a Filipino costume and a Filipino designer conceptualizing a Latin country costume. The result is similar to a carnival festival costume.
- Karen Loren Agustin’s costume was a Maria Clara dress with the famous Manton de Manila. The inspiration of course is Manton de Manila which is a dance in which an important prop called the manton, an ornately embellished silk shawl that was brought to Manila through the galleon trade. The dance is characterized by a strong Spanish influence. The women manipulate the shawl with grace and skill while the men play tambourines and execute zapateados. Barraza did well to create this costume probably because of its Spanish influence. However, the accessorizing such as the earring did not come true to form. However, at least it was a supposed to be a step towards the right direction.
- The baro and saya combination sometimes called the “patadyong was shown during Abbygale Arenas time. It was authentically Filipino. A salakot (hat) was used to highlight the costume farther probably derived from the “Salakot” dance as seen from the right hand side picture. The type of fabric used for the “baro” was the sinamay and the checkered skirt is very common among folk dance performers in any Filipino fiesta. However, Abbygale’s costume was exaggeratedly decorated as the salakot was embellished with sea shells and even dangling at the sides of the salakot. Authentic but exaggerated.
- The Maria Clara –Mestiza Dress Combination. Obviously, Zorayda Andam’s costume together with Lia Ramos, Gionna Cabrera and Pamela Bianca Manalo were Maria Clara –Mestiza dress inspired. Zorayda Andam’s costume was near perfect because it portrays the gentility of the movements of the “Dalagang Filipina” during the time of Maria Clara. On the other hand, Lia Andres’ costume is but an overly designed Mestiza-inspired wedding gown.
The costume of Gionna Cabrera has been accentuated with flowers and a big butterfly as a headdress. What with this butterfly? It is an ornament that is not authentically Filipino in character. Missing among these ensembles is the Philippine tiara more commonly known as the “payneta” that is used to adorn the heads of our Filipina maidens. On the other hand, Pamela Bianca’s costume lacks coherence most especially at the skirt portion. Barraza’s concept of the Maria Clara-Mestiza dress combination is a hit and miss affair.
- Venus’ costume was derived from the Manton de Manila, the tapis (skirt) and the terno itself. Venus’ costume is almost true to form. It only lacks the “payneta” because it was replaced by a flower. Many comments on Venus costume however were on the use of the tapis and the choice of the cloth and color combination.
- Jennifer Barrientos and Shamcey Supsup’s national costumes were both Maria Clara inspired. Both however had butterflies all over the costume. I get butterflies in my stomach whenever i see these costumes. It seems like Barraza has lost his creativity. The “baro” in Shamcey’s national costume is very much like Andam’s costume. It was made worst by the golden butterflies that were placed in the “saya” portion. On the other hand, Jennifer’s “panuelo” was converted to a standing collar reminiscent of carnival queens with a flowing cloth she is handling embellished with butterflies. The manta de manila was changed with this hanging cloth...What a disastrous type of creativity.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
AN INSIGHT ABOUT THE NATIONAL COSTUME USED BY OUR CANDIDATES IN THEIR INTERNATIONAL PAGEANT
By Alejandro Bustillos
101 BEAUTY PAGEANT TIPS
1. Smile, smile, SMILE!
2. While on stage, hold your head high and pretend that crown's already on your head.
3. Scan the judges, scan the audience, then once again scan the judges.
4. If you find it difficult to look the judges in the eyes, look at their foreheads.
5. Remember - it isn't the most talented girl who wins the talent competition. It's whoever has the best stage presence.
6. Don't compare yourself to the other girls, because you're only being judged on you.7. You don't need to spend thousands of dollars to get a pageant winning dress. Search ebay or your local mall for sales. If it is elegant, sparkles on stage, and it makes you feel like a queen, then it could be your winning gown.
8. Swimsuit isn't about who is the hottest girl on the stage. It is about who has the most confidence walking out on a stage in what can feel like underwear.
9. If at first you don't succeed, try again. Most pageant winners have competed before, often many times.
10. It is good to exercise and eat well before a pageant, but there is no need to starve yourself because no matter what your size, your confidence and poise is what will take you on to the next stage of competition.
11. DON'T LIE ON YOUR PAPERWORK OR IN THE INTERVIEW. If you get caught in a lie, or one of the judges is an excellent poker player, your bluff will cost you.
12. Be true to yourself. The judges want to see girls who are real, not girls who sound rehearsed.
13. On your fact sheet, don't give it all away. Make statements somewhat vague so the judges have something to ask about!
14. Practice, practice, practice. The more you practice, the more prepared you are, the better you'll do.
15. You don't have to have perfect grades or have something super impressive on your fact sheet to impress the judges. What will make you stand out is something unique that not many people have done or can do. Play the accordion? Race go carts? Breed hamsters? Write it down.
16. Have someone proofread your paperwork before you turn it in.
17. Perform your talent for as many people as you can. The more advice you can get, the better your performance will be.
18. Choose a platform that really means something to you, not just something you think will impress the judges.
19. Know your current events and important issues that are being discussed in the news.
20. Even if you don't get the crown, you're a winner just for competing so if you don't win, don't feel like a loser.
21. If you want to begin to eat healthier before the pageant, do some reading on proper nutrition. Surviving on tiny salads and diet soda will only slow your metabolism and you won't lose fat that way.
22. Diet pills do NOT work. Enough said.
23. Every girl has a little "junk in the trunk". If you jiggle, don't worry about it. Even the skinniest girls have a little jiggle room back there.
24. Cover any and all tattoos and remove any piercings other than the two holes in your ear. You aren't supposed to be judged on such things but unfortunately some people will. Sure, those people are stupid but there's nothing you can do about it.
25. You don't need to hire some expensive pageant coach to win. Anyone can do the same job and with a little reading and some research you can learn all you need to know about pageants.
26. Read up on some famous title holders, especially if you're competing in the Miss America or Miss USA systems.
27. On stage question is not as tough as it might seem. Often times the stage lights are so bright you can't see the audience anyway so just pretend they aren't even there.
28. If you don't feel confident on stage, try to get some friends and family to be your "cheering section". This will definitely give you a confidence boost while on stage!!
29. In order to create a natural smile rather than a "plastic look", think of something funny before you go on stage. I kept a picture of David Hasselhoff from his Baywatch days backstage. This struck me as funny and kept my smile from looking unnatural.
30. The interview isn't an interrogation, but rather a conversation where the judges can get to know you better.
31. Know your platform inside and out. You never know what you'll be asked.
32. Be sure you understand just what the responsibilities of the title holder are. You don't want to win and discover that you can't handle the job.
33. Don't be afraid to ask questions in the interview if you don't understand. The judges will be glad to clarify for you.
34. Try and think of all of your positive traits first before you write your paperwork. It'll help a lot!
35. Never portray yourself in a negative light in any part of the competition. You want to be confident, not self-depreciating.
36. Does this pageant charge you to compete? Then forget about it. It's only a scam.
37. Make sure your talent is not too long. If you have to change it the day before competition you might not perform very well.
38. Form opinions on EVERYTHING, from your opinion on the death penalty to what your favorite color is.
39. Use the bathroom before the interview and before the show. Trust me, you'll appreciate it.
40. Keep your clothes organized and hung up so you can find things and they remain unwrinkled. When you have to change fast you won't be stressing out about where you put your strapless bra or that your suit is wrinkled.
41. Don't drink any carbonated drinks on competition day to prevent bloating.
42. Always maintain excellent posture. Shoulders back, chin parallel to the ground, and back straight, whether you're sitting or standing.
43. Keep your walk slow and elegant during evening gown. Remember, it's at this point the judges will be able to see who that crown will fit on best.
44. Search online for a good "pageant hairstyle". Look at pictures of all the current Miss America or Miss USA contestants for ideas. NO PROM UPDOS!! They just don't work.
45. Don't fuss with tons of jewelry. A large pair of rhinestone earrings can be all you'll need. Search stores like Icing or Claire's for cheaper accessories because when they have sales they mark some gorgeous jewelry down for dirt cheap.
46. Make sure your gown fits perfectly. This sometimes means waiting until a month or two before competition to buy it because if you lose or gain weight in the meantime, it may not fit right and you don't want to find that out two weeks beforehand.
47. You don't need to spend hundreds of dollars for a "pageant swimsuit", either. Stick with solid colors that complement your skin tone and hair color. Something that has a touch of sparkle to it will look great.
48. Your evening gown shouldn't look too much like your typical high school prom dress. Look at the type of dresses Miss America contestants wear. They are elegant, often with long trains, and they have at least a touch of sparkle. You can find these gowns among the many prom-type gowns but it can take a lot of searching to find the perfect one.
49. Do your research. There are lots of good pageant resources online, but finding them can be tough. Google will be your friend.
50. Talk to the current title holder about what she does to prepare for competition. She's already done it so she's bound to have some excellent pointers for you.
51. Don't do a pageant just because someone else wants you to. You won't win and you won't be happy. You have to want it.
52. Want a pretty crown? Buy one on ebay. Being a title holder can often be a big responsibility, so be prepared.
53. Don't spend thousands on cosmetic dentistry. Get some Crest Whitestrips if that will make your smile more confident. If you're worried about the appearance of your teeth, see an orthodontist. Braces aren't all that bad and you'll be happy you had them because your mouth will be prettier and healthier.
54. Show your personality both in the interview and on the stage.
55. Get plenty of beauty sleep during pageant week!
56. Never get yourself down because you think the other girls are "better" or "prettier". We're all more critical of ourselves.
57. You don't to sing or play an instrument to win. Dancers and monologues do quite well, also. A unique talent will really set you apart, too. Are you a baton twirler? Juggler? Yodeler? Give it a shot because you're bound to stand out among all the boring song and dance routines.
58. Afraid to go to the beach in your swimsuit? Probably not. So why is the stage any different? Those heels are just like sandals and at least on stage you can wear some sort of body makeup, boob pads, and butt glue. That stuff won't fly down in Daytona and I bet you wouldn't let that stop you from having fun there, either.
59. Make friends with the other girls! Don't be catty or talk behind backs. Miss Congeniality is an even more honorable title than Miss America.
60. Don't stay out late the night before the pageant. Dark circles under your eyes can only be covered up to a certain extent.
61. If and when you win, you are representing a group of people. Be a good representative and don't do anything you might regret later or that might force the pageant to strip you of your title.
62. 99.9% of your interview will probably be based on your fact sheet. Just FYI.
63. Even though most of your interview will be based on your fact sheet, still be aware of your current events just in case they pop one of those questions on you. Don't know what's going on in the world most of the time? Then fill up that fact sheet so they've got more things to ask you.
64. Keep your answers short and concise. If you're asked, "Do you take criticism well?" don't answer with a one minute speech about the time when you were criticized and it made you feel bad. No one word answers, though. The more questions the judges can ask you, the more they get to know you, and the better you'll do.
65. A little extra padding can go a long way. I think that statement's self-explanatory.
66. Make sure you have extra nylons. You never know when you'll get the runs.
67. Don't be afraid to make the judges laugh a little! Sharing something humorous will lighten the mood and make them feel more comfortable.
68. The judges are often just as nervous as you are, or even more so. They have a huge decision to make that could change the lives of the girls competing.
69. Still feeling nervous? Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Deep breathing relaxes the body. Another thing you might try is listening to a favorite song or watching an episode of your favorite comedy on your iPod beforehand.
70. Only tell a story if it is relevant and doesn't take too long to tell. Remember, you've only got a matter of minutes for these judges to get to know you.
71. Read books that are geared towards people looking to improve your job interview skills. A pageant is just like a job interview. You are being interviewed for the job of Miss Whoever.
72. Have your friends and family pop interview questions on you. The more practice, the better.
73. Is there a local title you really want to win but don't have much experience? Try entering an open pageant (one in which anyone in the state can enter). The competition will be MUCH tougher and it will give you some valuable experience. The girls competing may be quite experienced and can give you plenty of advice.
74. Watch pageants on TV. See just how these girls do it.
75. Still don't feel like a queen? Buy a plastic crown and wear it while you practice that evening gown walk. It may seem silly, but it can be a confidence booster!
76. You don't need to be 5'9", blonde, and have a white gown to win. You can win no matter what your size, shape, color, or social status. The judges don't know how much money you have or if that's really your natural hair color or not.
77. Make sure you have tons of fun! If you aren't having fun, maybe this pageant thing isn't for you. It shouldn't seem like a chore. You should enjoy it.
78. While working on your platform, make sure you know the names of organizations that are somehow connected that you can get into contact with. If you've got such connections it'll be very impressive to the judges.
79. Search Yahoo or any news site for current events relating to your platform. If your platform's cancer and someone very famous died of cancer last week, you might want to know this. If your platform is AIDS and they've discovered a new treatment a couple of days ago and if you can include that in the interview, it'll wow them.
80. The competition is a performance! Put on a good show. You want to entertain as well as impress.
81. You should use some sunless tanner to get some color in your skin if you're very pale. The color accentuates your muscle tone and makes you appear to be thinner.
82. If you're still feeling self-conscious about something "jiggling", rub Preparation H on it. It tightens the skin temporarily so use it before you go on for swimsuit.
83. Use a shimmer lotion on the front of your legs and your arms for a slimming effect.
84. If you want to know how you're doing, ask the pageant directors. Hopefully they'll be honest with you.
85. I know it's ridiculous, but... "BE THE CROWN!! You ARE the crown!!"
86. Wear heels everywhere. It'll help your walk immensely.
87. Pump iron. Weight training along with cardio will keep you toned and burn more fat. If you're in good shape you'll be more confident!!
88. Remember that often times the judges are at foot level. Have a nice, neat pedicure. Use a light pink polish if you are unsure as to what color to use. It looks classy and goes with everything.
89. Keep double stick tape and super glue in your dressing room. You never know when it'll come in handy.
90. Your talent costume should be comfortable but also a little flashy. In the pageant world, a little sparkle here and there (or a lot of sparkle, whichever you like best) goes a long way.
91. Pageants are a great way to earn scholarships. Look for pageants that reward scholarships for all contestants participating so you're guaranteed to get something back out of it.
92. Fake eyelashes are great for the stage, but don't wear them in the interview. The interview is a much more professional setting so wear a nice suit, small earrings, and little makeup. Your makeup should be just as much as you might wear on an average day.
93. Whether you're an A cup or a DD cup, you don't need plastic surgery to win a pageant. Don't be like those girls on MTV's Tiara Girls who think they need lip injections to do well. Have you noticed that those girls usually don't win?
94. Don't scoff at first runner-up. First runner-up means you beat out everyone else except one, and that's nothing to cry about!
95. You never know what's going to happen. Don't prepare to win or to lose. This set of judges might make one decision and another set of judges could make an entirely different decision!! A girl who was fourth runner-up at a local pageant was awarded the crown when the winner was stripped of her title for some reason and the three girls ahead of her were ineligible because they'd already won other titles. This girl recently became Miss Kentucky.
96. If you make a mistake, try to act like it never happened. The audience may not notice and if the judges notice but see how quickly you can pick up your composure quickly afterwards they might be impressed.
97. Be on time. There is no such thing as fashionably late in the pageant world.
98. Not everyone is as nice as they appear. Be nice to everyone during the pageant and if someone turns on you don't seek revenge. No matter what, always strive to be Miss Congeniality. It will take you far not only in pageants but also in life.
99. Be prepared for everything. I suggest bringing a large Rubbermaid container and pack everything but the kitchen sink because you never know what you might need backstage.
100. Don't change anything during pageant week. Make all of your final wardrobe decisions beforehand and you'll feel prepared and confident!
101. Last, but most certainly not least...
HAVE FUN!!!
Credits: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/101-beauty-pageant-tips.html
Friday, November 18, 2011
WHO SHOULD DRESS THE FILIPINA BEAUTY QUEENS?
By Lavinia Otilla
Another point in case is Jewel Mae Lobaton a replacement for Tisha Silang who competed in the Miss Universe edition in Hawaii, defiantly used a gown by Larry Espinosa against the wishes of Binibining Pilipinas. She used a corset type of gown that did not accentuate her queenly bearing. Jewel got very low scores in the evening gown preliminaries and spelled her doom in the contest. Did she insist on using that gown because she was Best in Long gown during the Binibining Pilipinas 1998 finals?
One candidate that most pageant fanatics revered and still now showed their frustration is on the evening gown albeit including the national costume is that of Nina Ricci Alagao. The gown was uninspired, ill-fitting and simply lacks class. Many pageant pundits theorize why Miss Philippines lost in that edition of the Miss Universe pageant but everything seems to point out to her poorly looking evening gown.
Another very interesting case is Cara Subijano’s gown during her Miss World stint. Many would agree that Cara is another Miss World in the making. There were implied innuendos that her gown was lost or was stolen so that she would use a borrowed gown that is not competitive enough to show her best. But if reports are correct and true that she was the one who unilaterally decided to use the much dreaded gown that made her downfall in the pageant, then Stella Marquez Araneta had every right to impose what gown should the candidate representing the country should wear. It was said that Cara decided to use that gown because there were a lot of candidates using white and that with the black and blue combination gown, she would attract more attention. Truly she attracted more attention but for a different reason – a disastrous gown.
I can go on enumerating what other pageant pundits and fanatics have pointed out in the past. But still the question is left unanswered. Should Filipino designers clothe our pageant queens? In my earlier treatise, I said there is no magic formula because it may be good for someone (Quiambao) and bad in some (Lobaton). But Filipino designers are leading the pack in the field of designing. We have Oliver Tolentino, Michael Cinco [1], Jojie Loren [2], Rajo Laurel [3] and Inno Sotto [4] to name a few. Oliver Tolentino [5] designed and made the gowns used by Gwendoline Ruais who came out as First Princess in the recently held Miss World 2011 with astounding results. Ruais came out stunning in those gowns. The gowns were made to complement and make Ruais radiate in them. And there are still those that have made the fashion world more significant in the name of Pitoy Moreno, Renee Salud, Louie Mamengo and Goulee Gorospe. These stalwarts have made the Filipino fashion world more memorable and exciting as we venture into the new world.
The Filipino designer has been in the forefront of fashion ever since. They have shown apparels which are fashion forward and is highly competitive in all fronts. It is about time that we give them the chance to dress up our pageant queens. What Cory Quirino did in the recently concluded Miss World 2011 is a step in the right direction.
When the topic of who should dress our Filipina pageant queens comes to a point of discussion, every pageant fanatic has a say. The discussion becomes heated to the point of being too emotional. Pageant fanatics have different standards of fashion. Quite understandably, it is because we all have different fashion senses. Fashion sense is not universal. It demands a cultural milieu hence, the apparent dislike of pageant gurus to foreign designers clothing our Filipina queens.
One of the common assertions of pageant fans about foreign designers clothing our pageant queens is that they have a conflict of interest. Take for example, Barraza clothes both Miss Colombia and Miss Philippines. In essence, Barraza will favour Miss Colombia. In Barraza’s previous outing for the Philippines, pageant connoisseurs aptly termed the creations “bazzura” which can aptly be translated to trash. Even the gown used by Miss Shamcey Supsup in the recently concluded Miss Universe 2011 where she eventually ended up 3rd runner-up was a re-creation of the unthinking and unimaginative Barraza probably from an unused bale of clothing that she used for a fashion show.
There is no magic formula however on what pageant gown to use. Mirriam Quiambao used a Halston gown with great success. She was simply resplendent and oozed with immense elegance during the gown competition. Venus Raj showed what is supposed to be the dictum in carrying gowns. ”It is not the gown but the lady in it.” The gown was extremely looking bad but Venus carried it with aplomb. However, she would have etched a higher ranking if the gown was well-made and conceptualized.
One candidate that most pageant fanatics revered and still now showed their frustration is on the evening gown albeit including the national costume is that of Nina Ricci Alagao. The gown was uninspired, ill-fitting and simply lacks class. Many pageant pundits theorize why Miss Philippines lost in that edition of the Miss Universe pageant but everything seems to point out to her poorly looking evening gown.
I can go on enumerating what other pageant pundits and fanatics have pointed out in the past. But still the question is left unanswered. Should Filipino designers clothe our pageant queens? In my earlier treatise, I said there is no magic formula because it may be good for someone (Quiambao) and bad in some (Lobaton). But Filipino designers are leading the pack in the field of designing. We have Oliver Tolentino, Michael Cinco [1], Jojie Loren [2], Rajo Laurel [3] and Inno Sotto [4] to name a few. Oliver Tolentino [5] designed and made the gowns used by Gwendoline Ruais who came out as First Princess in the recently held Miss World 2011 with astounding results. Ruais came out stunning in those gowns. The gowns were made to complement and make Ruais radiate in them. And there are still those that have made the fashion world more significant in the name of Pitoy Moreno, Renee Salud, Louie Mamengo and Goulee Gorospe. These stalwarts have made the Filipino fashion world more memorable and exciting as we venture into the new world.
The Filipino designer has been in the forefront of fashion ever since. They have shown apparels which are fashion forward and is highly competitive in all fronts. It is about time that we give them the chance to dress up our pageant queens. What Cory Quirino did in the recently concluded Miss World 2011 is a step in the right direction.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
THE CONTINUING DEBATE ON THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL COSTUME
by Dominador Agbayani
In a write-up by Mina Roces, entitled “Gender, nation, and the politics of dress in the 20th century Philippines” she chronicled how the barong Tagalog and the terno became political tools and a statement for the powerful and mighty during the Marcos regime. [1] The many photographs of the then First Lady Imelda Romualdez in her dazzling terno showed how she promoted the country – as she adhered to her “only the good, true and the beautiful” concept. [2, 3]
Undoubtedly, the terno was promoted very actively most especially in pageants. Although the Philippine costume was less successful in the Miss Universe and Miss World beauty pageants, the terno was very much promoted and accepted in the Miss International beauty pageant.
In 1972, 1976 and 1979, the Philippine candidates in their terno won honors as the Best in National Costume. The Philippine candidates were much luckier in the Miss Maja International beauty pageant. In 1979, 1980, 1981, 1983, 1985, 1986 and 1988, Philippine representatives won the award. In the defunct Miss Young International Pageant, Dorothy Sue Bradley in 1979, won also the Best in National Costume. [4] Would it be an understatement if we say that the terno’s popularity was seen and felt during the Marcos’ years? Yes, maybe but for every Filipino competitor, if the National Costume wins, then it becomes a matter of national pride in whoever’s regime it was. The names of the following designers- Pacita Longos, Juanita Roa, and Ramon Valera were said to be the fashion trendsetters when the terno is concerned. [5] The terno had become the fashion fare for state functions and affairs such as the rigodon de honor. It had become the staple of Flores de Mayo processions, coronation nights and stately functions in Malacanang Palace. [6]
I have read in forums referring to the Maria Clara type of costume as Filipiniana and the other Philippine costumes as that of the Igorots, Manobos, Subanon and other regional costumes as ethnic or folk costumes. These forum writers are misled into believing that the Maria Clara dress is the real Filipiniana costume because in essence, all these costumes which originated in the Philippines are all lumped up in a singular term called “Filipiniana.” The reference to the Maria Clara costume as the only Filipiniana is maybe derived from the fact that it is referred to as the Philippine National Costume for females. [3] Furthermore, the original female national costume is the baro at saya which through the years has been transformed into the Maria Clara dress that eventually transformed into the traje de mestiza. [5, 7] Eventually the traje de mestiza was transformed to the present appearance of the present terno.
When pageant fans bicker about the kind of national costume our candidates will have to wear in their international contests, we start to wonder why they have to do this. Even foreigners are apt to ask this question. It does not surprise me because the national dress identifies the national identity. I have been to different parts of the world and when you see a person with the way he/she dresses, you can easily identify where that person came from.
Even dresses are made to convey a particular statement. In one pageant I have watched, there is a portion that the girls parade in their safari costumes. The aim is to project that they are for wildlife preservation – something that I found ironic because the costumes were made of wildlife parts and thus, it would seem that the creators of the costumes devastated wildlife instead of preserving it.
Undoubtedly, the terno was promoted very actively most especially in pageants. Although the Philippine costume was less successful in the Miss Universe and Miss World beauty pageants, the terno was very much promoted and accepted in the Miss International beauty pageant.
In 1972, 1976 and 1979, the Philippine candidates in their terno won honors as the Best in National Costume. The Philippine candidates were much luckier in the Miss Maja International beauty pageant. In 1979, 1980, 1981, 1983, 1985, 1986 and 1988, Philippine representatives won the award. In the defunct Miss Young International Pageant, Dorothy Sue Bradley in 1979, won also the Best in National Costume. [4] Would it be an understatement if we say that the terno’s popularity was seen and felt during the Marcos’ years? Yes, maybe but for every Filipino competitor, if the National Costume wins, then it becomes a matter of national pride in whoever’s regime it was. The names of the following designers- Pacita Longos, Juanita Roa, and Ramon Valera were said to be the fashion trendsetters when the terno is concerned. [5] The terno had become the fashion fare for state functions and affairs such as the rigodon de honor. It had become the staple of Flores de Mayo processions, coronation nights and stately functions in Malacanang Palace. [6]
Criticisms abound when beauty queens parade in front of a foreign audience using the so-called national costume when they feel that it does not represent the true culture and identity of our nation. Critics bewail the organizers use of foreign designers doing our national costume. They agree generally that those done by foreign designers do not embody the Filipino soul and thus what is being paraded is a costume which is not authentically Filipino. The question of the national costume in international pageants has become not only a cultural one but has become political as well. Since the franchise holder for Miss Universe in the Philippines is Miss Stella Marquez Araneta, a former Miss International and a Colombian by birth, she is being accused of favouring her compatriots in the creation of the Philippine National Costume. She probably believes that the essence of the National Costume is in the person who wears it and not the designer who made it.
Others however, insist that the national costume should be Philippine and Filipino made to embody the ideals of a unified nation. On the other hand, sticking to one type or derivative of a costume makes other regional or ethnic groups marginalized. There has been a clamour amongst Filipino pageants fans to show other Philippine costumes because these too are more Filipino in essence compared to the Philippine terno which had great influences of Spain and once marked the thrust of the Marcos dictatorship. Although, it was Manuel L. Quezon who started the nationalist sentiment that the Barong Tagalog and the baro at saya should be our Dress Emblem when he was fighting for our independence from the Americans. It is not surprising therefore to see ethnic costumes paraded by our pageant queens in their international competitions. To a certain extent or degree, such show of the national costume demonstrates that we are a heterogeneous mix of culture and not a pure race as other countries would like to project. The great question has evolved in this debate of what national costume should be used for our candidates – is it the harmonized costume as exemplified by the terno or will it be a representation of our regional or ethnic costumes? I really don’t mind showcasing any of our Philippine costumes in the international arena as long as it is authentically Filipino...
Others however, insist that the national costume should be Philippine and Filipino made to embody the ideals of a unified nation. On the other hand, sticking to one type or derivative of a costume makes other regional or ethnic groups marginalized. There has been a clamour amongst Filipino pageants fans to show other Philippine costumes because these too are more Filipino in essence compared to the Philippine terno which had great influences of Spain and once marked the thrust of the Marcos dictatorship. Although, it was Manuel L. Quezon who started the nationalist sentiment that the Barong Tagalog and the baro at saya should be our Dress Emblem when he was fighting for our independence from the Americans. It is not surprising therefore to see ethnic costumes paraded by our pageant queens in their international competitions. To a certain extent or degree, such show of the national costume demonstrates that we are a heterogeneous mix of culture and not a pure race as other countries would like to project. The great question has evolved in this debate of what national costume should be used for our candidates – is it the harmonized costume as exemplified by the terno or will it be a representation of our regional or ethnic costumes? I really don’t mind showcasing any of our Philippine costumes in the international arena as long as it is authentically Filipino...
DECEMBER 2011 EDITORIAL: BEING OF THE HIGHEST ESSENCE
The idea of coming out of an e-zine has been in the drawing board four years ago. Time and changes have taken over this plan. Even people on the drawing board have come and go. It looked like we are never going to get off the ground. But the idea persisted. The fire that is flickering of getting out of an e-zine that will be a celebration of pulchritude remains to be there. And so, despite the fact that its members are around the globe, we decided to give it a go……..and hence we initially thought of naming this e-zine, QUINTESSENCE…
Why the name quintessence? Well, quintessence simply means the pure, highly concentrated essence of a thing. In ancient and medieval philosophy, quintessence is the fifth and highest essence after the four elements of earth, air, fire and water. It is thought to be the substance of heavenly bodies and latent in all things. If applied to beauty, it is the most……….it is superlative………it is best of all the best.
As things eventually shaped up, we came up with the conjoined word of QUEENTESSENCE, instead of the original word of quintessence for the simple reason that this e-zine wants to dedicate itself to women not only of pulchritude but of achievement -women who in one way or another described as queens in their own rights. Many of them have made their presence felt and yet not an iota of praise has been heaped on them. It is about time that we look into these women that have made the difference for the world.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
COVER STORY: GWENDOLINE RUAIS
MISS WORLD FIRST PRINCESS 2011
by Raphael Porciuncula
Suddenly, pageant fans from the Philippines went agog when Miss World Philippines Gwendoline Ruais snatched the First Princess crown in the recently concluded Miss World 2011. She placed second to eventual winner Miss Venezuela – Ivian Sarcos.
No Filipina has won in the pageant’s history of 60 years. With Gwendoline’s feat, she equalled the placement of Miss Evangeline Pascual who almost made it as Miss World in 1973. Other runner-up winners of the elusive crown were actress-talk show host Ruffa Gutierrez who placed third in 1993. It must be noted that Cecilia Amabuyok was fifth place in 1968. Noteworthy also were the performances of Maria Rafaela Yunon in 2003 and Karla Bautista in 2004 who both ended up in the Top 5.
by Raphael Porciuncula
Suddenly, pageant fans from the Philippines went agog when Miss World Philippines Gwendoline Ruais snatched the First Princess crown in the recently concluded Miss World 2011. She placed second to eventual winner Miss Venezuela – Ivian Sarcos.
Gwendoline’s ascent to the beauty scene started with the modelling world – what with her towering height of almost 6 feet and her slender physique that glides like a gazelle in the wilderness. She was one of the representatives of the country in 2010 Asian Supermodel Contest where she romped off with the Best in Catwalk Award. Although Mariana del Rio another Philippine representative ended up 2nd runner-up in the competition, Gwendoline’s presence was not completely ignored by the judges. She made her existence felt by the catwalk award.
Although Gwen was doing well in the runway, she took a leap and joined the Binibining Pilipinas 2010 where she made it to the Top 10. Although it was very obvious that she did well in the Question and Answer portion, Gwen was not the clear favourite that evening as it was a very competitive batch. At the early part of the pageant, Gwen is being touted to become Bb. Pilipinas-World. But alas, another girl was crowned that night. After the Binibining Pilipinas pageant, Gwen was left with three choices – to continue her modelling career, join next year’s Binibini Pageant or join another national pageant like Miss Philippines-Earth. At that point in time there were loud whispers that the franchise of Miss World for the Philippines will be given to another organization and that Binibining Pilipinas will relinquish the franchise. As the whisper becomes louder and became a reality, the Miss World Philippine franchise was awarded to Ms. Cory Quirino a well-known socialite in the country.
The change in the franchise holder might have been providential for Gwen. She was crowned as the first Miss World Philippines under the stewardship of Ms. Cory Quirino. What is admirable with Gwen is that we never heard any feedbacks from her regarding vociferous and even slanderous remarks about her winning the pageant. Brickbats concerning her looks, figure and even her communication skills surfaced and had been below the belt. But the new Miss World Philippines kept her cool and silent demeanour. She showed what is really to be a queen.
Top picture from left: Gwendoline during the Asian Supermodel contest where she bagged the Best in Catwalk award; right: During the Bb. Pilipins 2010 pageant. Bottom picture: During the Miss World Philippines 2011 pageant where she won the crown
There is a palpable hope that Gwendoline’s participation in the Miss World 2011 will give positive results. She was named a finalist in 3 Fast track events – the Beach Beauty Competition, Top Model Competition and Beauty with a Purpose Competition. Going into the Top 20, Gwendoline ranked number 3 after Puerto Rico and Venezuela.
Top picture left: Gwen at the Beach Beauty competition; right: Gwen at the Top Model competition. Bottom picture: Gwen together with the initial Top 10 for the Beauty with a Purpose award.
No Filipina has won in the pageant’s history of 60 years. With Gwendoline’s feat, she equalled the placement of Miss Evangeline Pascual who almost made it as Miss World in 1973. Other runner-up winners of the elusive crown were actress-talk show host Ruffa Gutierrez who placed third in 1993. It must be noted that Cecilia Amabuyok was fifth place in 1968. Noteworthy also were the performances of Maria Rafaela Yunon in 2003 and Karla Bautista in 2004 who both ended up in the Top 5.Gwendoline by the way is half-French (paternal side) and half-Filipina (maternal side), was born in Makati City, moved to Thailand when she was two years old, to France when she was five years old and back to the Philippines when she was 11. She holds a “Business Management degree (Honours Program) from Southville Foreign University major in Marketing.
Photo Credits: Bb. Pilipinas Charities, Inc., Miss World Philippines, Miss World Organization