THE MISS UNIVERSE SAGA – THE PHILIPPINE EXPERIENCE (SERIES 3 OF 5 PARTS)

The Decade of Adjustment – 1991-2000

 By Rolando Rafael

From the faltering decade, we can see that the candidate the Miss Universe is looking for is a complete package – beauty, poise, fitness and wit. In that period we saw some pearls but they were not that polished and hence, they did make an etched into the pageant fans’ consciousness but in general there is the feeling of emptiness for a performance that could have been much better and worth it.

I cannot even find a term to describe this decade as there are so many things happening during this time. But I placed it as a period of adjustment. It is a long adjustment because the organization did not seem to learn from its lessons. The decade was highlighted with the following:

First: In 1991, they crowned a petite lady oozing with sex appeal. She is a bomb. She is radiates the X-factor but later she was dethroned because of questionable papers. This episode was to be repeated 7 years after with Tisha Silang. And the year thereafter, it was followed by another similar occurrence. They say history repeats itself but such event occurring three times in a decade means something. It does not bid well for an organization because the mistakes are repeated all over and over again. I do not have anything against foreign-bred Filipinas joining the national competition. In this open and competitive world let them compete and eat the pie if they are qualified but to undermine the screening process, that is the question. The screening committee should have placed their foot forward at once so as to give way for more preparations for the candidates chosen. Given for example those replacements for the title holders, they had the least preparation for their pageants. The one most important thing is being psychologically prepared for the pageant – but some are just lost when they are there.

Secondly:  There seem to be no hard and fast rule to who should be the replacement if someone is dethroned. In the case of Anjanette Abayari, she was replaced by Miss Alou Gonzales who seemed ill-prepared to take on the role as the new competitor for Miss Universe. During that time, the representative to the Miss International was Patty Betita, a seasoned fashion model who was practically ready to take on the role. But an unheralded Alou Gonzales who was remarked by one Filipina who judged during that time that she gauged the unpreparedness of our candidate that time. Alou ranked miserably in the preliminaries. On the other hand, during the time of Tisha Silang, the first runner-up Jewel Lobaton replaced her and went on to compete in the Miss Universe with disastrous results. The year after, Miriam Quiambao who was Binibining Pilipinas-World replaced Janelle Bautista with remarkable results. It is understandable that the organization reserves the right to send the appropriate candidate to the international pageant but pageant observers say that there should be a guiding rule so that it may not appear that such was just a result of whims and caprices.

Thirdly: Note that in 1991, 1992, 1993, 1997, 1998 and 2000, our candidates registered very low scores in the evening gown segment. In 1994, pageant followers even said that Charlene was overly scored in the evening gown segment as she was much better in other gowns that befit her physique. Liza Berroya’s scores are in average. But I am not going to discuss here her interview scores. Her evening gown score is just average and she used a gown that is not really fashion forward. Same goes with Dindi Gallardo in 1993. In 1997, Abbygale Arenas would have been in the Top 10 had she used a much better and appropriate gown for herself. The moment that they saw Abbygale in her gown during the preliminary competitions, many already thought that it would be her downfall. That gown was described as hideous to say the least. The composite scores tell us that she did well in the swimsuit and the interview. In 1998, Jewel Lobaton defied conventions. The organization was said to be as irate with her as she did not use the prescribed gown. She used the gown of her designer friend, a simple white corset gown that did not do her justice in the midst of formidable competition which Wendy Fitzwilliam of Trinidad and Tobago won during that year. Her so-so performance was again the source of the battle cry of pageant fans they said there were more girls that were much deserving than her to be sent to the Hawaiian edition of the Miss Universe. It was also because of what Jewel did that the organization started having all the girls sign a contract which stipulates that all the outfits that they will use will be provided for by them and any deviation to what is dictated in the contract will be dealt with legally. In 1999, they provided a Halston signature gown for Miriam Quiambao with almost a victorious result. But in 2000, they sent a strong girl but clothe her freakishly  and the result is also freakish.

Fourthly: One must understand that intelligence or wit alone does not make a Miss Universe. You must have the gift of the gab. Take for example, Liza Berroya, a publicized MENSA member. Her interview scores were not that astounding as compared to the other candidates. She did just fairly well in the evening gown and in the swimsuit which is her lowest score. Note that Santos even had a higher interview portion than Liza Berroya. In the case of Santos and Damiles who were within the striking distance of the Top 10, they could have benefitted with a Venezuelan training and personality development that would improve their overall chance to gain a slot in the semifinals. Damiles was said to have a low score in the interview portion. During the 90’s you have to get to have the ability to talk and communicate so that everyone will listen. It would have been the case for Charlene Bonnin also, if she could have understood the question so well, she would not have made that answer as inane as that. And that debacle where Miriam choked in the end, she would have been the 3^rd Miss Universe of the country had she prepared for the question. The issue on the question had been lingering during the contest because one candidate was sent home because she was pregnant. Candidates usually prepare for an eventual question, but it seems Mirriam was caught offguard of when the question was asked. On the other, the last candidate of the decade for whom everyone will finally clip the crown on her head did not make it. Although she had all the qualities to make it, good body, beautiful face and an intelligence that can match Lara Dutta, she failed to make it to the Top 10. Some say she is ranked number 12. Insiders say Nina Ricci was side stepped by the organizers because she has an attitude and it turned them off.

On the fifth note, during this decade, Venezuela is on the rise, assaulting the sensibilities of the times in terms of beauty standard. The Philippines was neither here nor there in this decade. Our candidates are always missing the mark. The 1999 experiment was a success and we were expecting that the next candidate after Miriam will have the same great support like her. However, the debacle after Nina Ricci made the Binibining Pilipinas organization probably think on another level and we will see how things went kaput in the next decade. 

THE MISS UNIVERSE SAGA – THE PHILIPPINE EXPERIENCE (SERIES 1 OF 5)

By Jetset Alejandro

I was 9 years old when Gloria Diaz conquered the universe and became the first Filipina to give the country pride about the famed beauty of its women. Pride was much greater in the paternal side of Gloria as she acknowledged half of her heritage that she was from La Union and that her father is from the idyllic town of Aringay. I can vividly recall all the elementary pupils from the town lined-up the streets where the motorcade will pass through and when the motorcade arrived, I broke from the line and ran to the old Spanish church of more than 400 years old where there will be a thanksgiving mass in her honor. Pride set in every one’s heart because she showed that she was one of us. More so, I was beaming with pride because I am part of those relatives rejoicing in a feat that someone from their kind won in an international contest.* People looked highly at Gloria because of the grandeur, cultured ways and spunk that emanated from her. There was never a sign of irritation from this girl who was catapulted to a Greek Goddess stature by her countrymen. As a young kid of 9 years of age, my passion for beauty pageants started with Gloria.

Every news item is lapped up whenever there is a pageant that is held in the country. We have to wait for the national newspapers to feature the results of the pageant. Televisions were black and white by then and slowly they evolved into colored viewing until this present time when the internet has almost taken over viewing pleasures in pageantry.

Year in, year out, we were monitoring what is happening in the pageant world. Beauty pageants all over the world are becoming popular and such rabid following can be felt in the Philippines. The turning point for Philippine pageantry is when the second Miss Universe from the Philippines was crowned in Greece, Miss Maria Margarita Moran. The following year, the pageant was held in the Philippines where Miss Spain Amparo Munoz Quesada was crowned as Miss Universe. Under the Marcos regime, the Philippines was being promoted as a new haven of peace, discipline and beauty. It is a place where the true, the good and the beautiful reside.

THE FORMATIVE PERIOD IS ALSO THE DEFINING PERIOD = 1964 – 1970

After Lalaine Bennet’s 4^th runner-up placement in the Miss Universe Beauty Pageant in 1963, Binibining Pilipinas became the new franchise holder for selecting the Philippine representative to the contest in 1964. For this seven-year period, the Philippines saw the entry of its representative three times to the semifinalist position. One eventually becomes Miss Universe which was in 1969 as we have discussed earlier. This period in Binibining Pilipinas history can be aptly called its formative years. I call it the formative years because it is a term for a period of growth and development. Some people say that a formative period is a transition period. But in more ways, it could be more of a defining period for the Binibining Pilipinas as their achievement in 1969 really established the foundation for selecting the most appropriate and deserving girl to represent us in the pageant.

THE FORMALISM PERIOD = 1971-1980

If we look at the years of 1971 -1980, there is a common denominator of the Philippine candidates that participated in the Miss Universe. This is a year where formalism among the candidates is observed. When we talk about formalism, it refers to the adherence to structured standard of the time as dictated by culture, tradition and mores. Take the case of Vida Doria in 1971. She was described as saccharine sweet, lovely and a paragon of primness, beauty and grace. Fashion designer Luis delos Santos describe her as very classy and beautiful in a Filipina way. In 1972, we sent Armi Barbara Crespo who was in every essence the paragon of the “Dalagang Pilipina” immortalized in the song with the same title. Armi was every inch the prim and proper type. She wore a long-sleeved polka dot dress with her hair made in a bun at the topmost side of her head. She moved with grace and fine movements. In 1973, Margie Moran continued the trend. She was simple yet graceful. She is structured and organized and she on that stage in Greece, she exemplified the gracefulness of a swan for which to some writers the Gods and the Goddesses of Greece bestowed her crown because of her Goddess upbringing.

 In 1974, Guadalupe Sanchez represented the country in the pageant where she played host.  Guada was described as snobbish yet regal as she exuded the air of royalty. In 1975, another favorite of mine was crowned Binibining Pilipinas Universe Rosemarie Chiqui Brosas who was 4^th runner-up in the Miss Universe during her time. Chiqui was very cultured. She has this very sweet and vibrant countenance and she moves with queenly demeanor. In 1976, Lizbeth de Padua, summa cum laude from UP Los Banos represented the country in the Miss Universe Beauty Pageant held in Hongkong. She was fashionable. She walked with grace. She talked with so much eloquence. In 1977, Anna Lorainne Kier jolted the pageant world winning the Bb. Pilipinas Universe title with a short hair. But still she was every inch the candidate that exemplified the regality of the Filipina at that time. She exuded grace and elegance.

In 1978, Jennifer Cortez was adjudged as the winner. It would seem that this is the transitional year to a decade of realism. Jennifer is spunky and egregious. She was practically a deviation of the formalism years. Although Jennifer was a very gracious person, she did not shine in the pageant.

Tempered probably by the result of the choice in 1978, in the year 1979, Criselda Cecilio who was simple, charming and refreshing was chosen to represent the country in Perth, Western Australia that year. She has a pleasant and a beautiful face with matching wit and eloquence but with the formidable competition at that time, she failed to make a dent in the competition.

In 1980, the Binibini went back to the time and tested “formal” beauties with the selection of Ma. Rosario Silayan. She was an epitome of grace and queenly demeanor. She was adjudged 3^rd runner-up in the pageant.

Note that in the formalism years, 1972, 1973, 1974 and 1975, the Philippines had a 4-year streak in the Top 5. After 4 years, the Philippines was back in the scene when the Chat Silayan garnered a 4^th place position in 1980. In 1971, it is also noteworthy that our candidate was chosen by the press to be Miss photogenic. In the formalism years, we had a 50% batting average in entering the semifinals and the Top 5 and we had a 10% performance rate in garnering the title of Miss Universe.

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* On the side, recalling those years, I feel the angst of my town mates when the majestic church crumbled during the July 11, 1991 earthquake that happened in Northern Luzon.

2012 12 HITS FOR QUEENTESSENCE

by Jestset Alejandro

12. Miss Philippines=Earth 2012 Long Gown review hits the number 12 spot in both in readership and viewership. This article showcased the different gowns worn by the candidates of the different municipalities and provinces in the Philippines. What probably interest the readers about this article is the thought that these are made by Philippine designers and that they would want to see how they compare with other designers of international status.

11.  The topic on pageant prototypes hits number 11 in readership in Queentessence. Many believe that certain pageant organizations follow a certain criteria of choosing a candidate in a certain mold. But results of 2012 pageantry seems not to adhere to this molded criteria as it seemed that these organizations veered away from the usual way of choosing the best candidates for their pageants.  

10. Lavinia Otilla’s article on Timeless swimwears takes 10^th spot. The swimwear competition has basically evolved –from the usual 1 piece swimsuit to the two-piece swimwears. Even the two-piece swimwears evolved into the tankinis and to the present very low waist bikinis. Generation per generation showed us different styles of bathing suits that is a measure of a good physique for a beautiful body.

9.  It seems like Mr. Cezar Curti of Brazil and Mr. International of 2011 gets his dose of fans in Queentessence. He took the number 9 slot based on readership among Queentessence followers. It is such a pity that we have not focused much on male pageant winners because as you know we are called Queen=essence and that beats the icing on the cake. However, we would like to focus on future articles about our Philippine Male representatives who had been successful in their international pageants like Manhunt Winner  Jhun Macasaet and first runner-up in Mr. World, Andrew Wolfe.

8. Nicole Schmitz created great big hopes for pageant fans yearning for a 5^th Miss International Crown. This article landed 8^th in popularity amongst our readers. But alas, she managed only a 15^th semi-finalist position in a very long pageant with results creating a lot awes and sighs.

 7. Our regional feature about La Union was a hit probably because of its unique presentation. The candidates are in their town costumes and are riding electric decorated floats. It was an ingenious way to present the genius of the Ilocanos. The town costumes were awesome and that it underscored the fact that Filipino designers are not only creative but are really best in dressing up their countrymen.

6. If our regional feature underscored the need for Filipino designers to dress Philippine representatives, the article on Diversity and Creativity among Filipino Designers further bolstered this contention. It took the number 6 in reading circulation along with the article who should dress our Philippine Representatives. This is not a problem with other organizations but pageant pundits and fans point our to the Binibining Pilipinas Organization who sends the Philippine representative to Miss Universe. Pageant fans were up in arms when they saw the gown to be used by Miss Janine Tugonon in the contest. They said it was an ugly gown based on other candidates’ gown standards. Thankfully, the Philippine candidate represented herself exceedingly in the gown competition such that her feat was more acknowledged than the ugly gown. This topic causes bitter discussions among fans but it should now be a time that the Binibining Pilipinas should focus on this issue. Or is it a non-issue for them that they seem not to be affected at all.

5.  It was such a surprise; we got very high viewership on our article about Miss La Union 2012, Aiyana Camille “AJ” Mikiewicz . She is such a beauty. With many provincial and regional titles to boot, Miss La Union 2012 is a cinch for a national crown. If she joins the Binibining Pilipinas 2013 which she is aspiring to, she should get a good handler who knows the ins and outs of the pageant. With such a great following, we here in Queentessence wish her good luck.

4.  Janine is probably the most maligned beauty winner in other pageant forums but she is well-loved in this blogspot. Why do I say that? When we came out of an article about her winning the top plum at the Binibining Pilipinas, she chalked up a lot of readers’ viewing and went on to top the reading chart that month. Subsequent articles almost always make her a good read such as the probability of making a repeat of history for her. To Janine who made us proud last December 19, 2012 in Las Vegas, you have ended up as first runner-up in the eyes of everyone but deep inside their hearts you are their Miss Universe.

3. A Decade of Long Gowns in Miss Universe took the 3^rd slot in terms of readership. Whoa!!! Way to go Miss Lavinia. This is your third article in the Top 12 articles at Queentessence. Pageant pundits and fans are not only talking about personalities. They talk also about fashion and dresses. And we are happy Queentessence is trying to fill-in the gap of your reading or even probably research needs.

2. Binibining Pilipinas is still the pageant to watch among other Philippine pageants. It ranks number 2 among our Queentessence readers’ interest. From the time we launched our coverage, the articles have chalked up a very sizeable number of readership. May it, know the candidates, survey of preferences and all other activities; it is something we cannot ignore.

1. The continuing debate on what the Philippine candidate should wear as her national costume takes the center stage as the number one topic that took readers to the Queentessence blogspot. We surmise that they are not just pageant fans but are researchers who are looking for articles that will also support their contention on what our national costume should be. 

There you are folks. We wish everyone a 

HAPPY NEW YEAR. HAPPY 2013! 

A SECOND LOOK AT MISS ELAINE MOLL: PHILIPPINES’ REPRESENTATIVE TO MISS SUPRANATIONAL 2012

By Dominador Agbayani

The buzz prior to the selection of the winners of the Binibining Pilipinas Beauty Pageant 2012 is that there is a 4^th crown which is the Miss Supranational Philippine title. As the pageant night is nearing the buzz is becoming a great noise until it has evaporated into thin air. Only three titles were announced with corresponding winners crowned. But I have this feeling that there is still an ongoing negotiation in acquiring the franchise because another organization is said to have been awarded the franchise and that they have also announced that they are in the process of selecting their representative as they did in the previous year.

But further, I have also inkling that the Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. had already acquired the franchise. They have not included title among major titles because, eventually, the first runner-up can eventually come back and compete for the major titles at stake. Giving Ms. Elaine Moll a major crown during the pageant will eventually disqualify her to contend for the major title of Miss Universe Philippines or Binibining Pilipinas International, titles that every Filipina beauty queen wannabe wants to have in her head if the Supranational title has the same equivalence with the two titles.

With this scenario therefore, does this mean that Ms. Elaine Moll is being groomed by the organization to be crowned with a major title probably in 2014? An example of a previous candidate that went through this route is Maricar Balagtas. She competed in the Miss Globe International and won during her attempt and then she came back and participated again in the Binibini to finally clinch the Miss Universe Philippines title.

It seems that Miss Moll is going through this route. She will have the Supranational Pageant as her test case – training ground. As we all know, Miss Moll seems to have lost focus at times in her competition and that she gets muddled also during the Question and Answer portion. However, no one can object to the fact that with her height, beauty and proper styling, she will stand out among others. These characteristics may have been the reason why the organization is nurturing this beauty. We are hoping therefore for the best for Miss Moll in the Miss Supranational Beauty Pageant. The Miss Supranational Beauty Pageant activities have started in Sopot, Poland and Miss Moll arrived with the signature look of the Binibining Pilipinas. When most of the candidates are seen as going out of the box, our very own Miss Elaine Moll arrived in her so prim and proper persona. Will this strategy work for her? Let us see as the pageant draws near on September 18.

REGIONAL FEATURE: A TIT FOR TAT WITH MISS LA UNION 2012

by Airwind Bautista

In a tally of how many beauty queens the different regions have produced, Central Luzon, particularly Pampanga tops the list. Unknown to many however, Northwestern Luzon had approximately equaled their number of national beauty queens and La Union had its share of the glory. In 1970, a youthful lady from San Juan, La Union in the person of Carmencita Cita Hufano Avecilla was crowned Binibining Pilipinas Young International and landed second runner-up in the international pageant in Japan. In 1979, Criselda Dang Cecilio was crowned Bb. Pilipinas-Universe. Criselda’s mother is from the big Flores clan of San Fernando City. In the same vein, Miss Denille Valmonte, Binibining Pilipinas-International 2006 traces her roots in Bacnotan, Union. The triumphs of Shamcey Supsup whose maternal grandparents are from Bauang, La Union as well as Janine Tugonon whose father is from Aringay, La Union is now tilting the balance towards Ilocana beauties. 

Miss Shamcey Supsup's maternal grandparents are from Bauang, La Union and Janine Tugonon's father is from       Aringay,  La  Union

But La Union prides itself further from her beauty history. Aside from Gloria Diaz of Aringay, the two Miss Philippines -Universe of  2011 and 2012, other Ilocanas made their mark in national beauty consciousness and to name them, we have  Mutya ng Pilipinas World, 1990 Antonette Ballesteros, Bb. Pilipinas - World 2001 Gilrhea Quinzon, Miss Philippines Tourism-World  2004 - Sheryl Lou Dacanay Franco, Miss Philippines- Eco-Tourism  2004 Keithly Ann Campos and Miss Philippines Eco-Tourism 2007 - Anna Katrina Bautista . Others made similar attempts and created an impact on the national consciousness.

Cita Avecilla - San Juan  Criselda Cecilio - San Fernando City  Denille Valmonte- Bacnotan    Gilrhea Quinzon - Bacnotan/San Fernando City  Antonette Ballesteros - Bauang, La Union Sheryl Lou Franco - Aringay  Keithly Ann Campos - Agoo  and Ana Katrina Bautista - Rosario/San Fernando City

Significantly, the two Miss Universe Queens trace their heritage in the Northern Provinces. - Gloria Aspillera Diaz of Aringay, La Union, Miss Universe 1969 and Maria Margarita Roxas Moran of Rosales, Pangasinan, Miss Universe 1973. Gloria Diaz’ victory was not only well-received by the country but also by her province when she received a hero’s welcome from the Province of La Union led by then Governor of La Union & later on Associate Chief Justice of the Supreme Court- Juvenal Guerrero.

Gloria Diaz of Aringay, La Union and Margie Moran of Rosales, Pangasinan heritage

The point of this article is that in the recent past, La Union is making a impression in the beauty pageant arena. Last March 2, 2012, La Union crowned her own Mutia (means Lady or Miss in Ilocano) in the person of Aiyana Camille "AJ" Mikiewicz. Many would probably be surprised with her last name. In reality she is of Fil-Chinese-Polish-Ukrainian descent but she is very Filipino is upbringing having grown all of her life in the country.The latest holder of the title has a string of beauty titles to her name because she is so blessed with beauty, wit and charm. No one doubted her capability to win the most coveted title of “Mutia ti La Union 2012” because of her inherent qualities. Aside from being involved in modeling, socio-civic activities and participating in the regional pageant circle in Baguio City, Pangasinan, Ilocos Norte and La Union, she is also an A-student at the St. Louis University in Baguio City. 

Tucked in her belt are different pageant titles like Miss Dagupan Fashionista 2010; Miss San Carlos City Catwalk Diva Fashionista 2011; Miss Pnagbenga 2011; Miss Agoo, La Union 2011; Miss Silka Baguio 2011; Miss Laoag City International 2012 and Miss Magic 2012. It is not surprising therefore that she has gained a lot of following and admirers in the pageant world. With a beautiful frame and an acceptable height of 5’6-3/4”, she is being groomed to try her luck in the national level.

Dagupan Fashionista 2010 and Catwalk Diva 2011

This writer sent Miss La Union 2012 a set of questions to answer and for them to know her more – her aspirations, dreams and motivations. Here’s our interview with her:

1. When did you discover that you have the inclination of joining a pageant?

"It wasn't until my 3rd pageant Miss Panagbenga 2011, that I realized I wanted to go ahead and go further with it and see if I could go all the way to national pageants. I honestly never saw myself being in pageants before because I have this "boyish" factor as others say. I'm definitely very thankful & blessed to be where I am at now because I know not a lot of girls my age can experience some of the things I've gone through so I'm happy & thankful to God for all the blessings He has given me."

2. What motivated you to join and eventually win pageants?

"There are many reasons why I join pageants and one of the motivations I would definitely say motivated me was my mom. Seeing the look in her eyes every time I won was priceless. Being the eldest of four and the only girl, I knew it made her proud and happy for her to tell others her only daughter is a beauty queen. I know its a rare opportunity that other moms get to say that about their daughters so she's one of the reasons behind my winnings." 

3. What is one thing that people will be surprised to know about you? Something unusual for a beauty queen like you.

"One thing I believe people will be surprised to hear about me is that I used to be a hiphop dancer way before I actually learned how to dance belly when it came to my talent competitions during pageants. It started in elementary that I would always get picked in class to be the head choreographer whenever we had dance recitals. Once I was in high school I stopped dancing for awhile and got into sports instead hence thats where I got my "boyish" style or personality from. I was a sprinter in our highschool's Varsity Track & Field Team. I still do hiphop once in awhile whenever people ask me to teach or show them. But now that Im in college I focus more on belly dancing." 

Miss Panagbenga 2011 and Miss Silka Baguio 2011

4. How do you deal with detractors questioning your being a FILIPINA?

"I deal with detractors questioning about me being a Filipina with respect. Remembering that in life we cannot always please everyone. People may have their own views/opinions but as long as I know I have my family and friends behind me and supporting me all the way in everything I do then their comments about me being a Filipina isn't a big deal to me. I'm just happy to be proud of who I am & how far I've come in joining pageants to have made it this far. I may look like a foreigner on the outside but I am a true Filipina at heart. "

5. How do you balance your time between pageant and studies? Especially if your pageant is during school days?

"One of the ways I balance my time between pageant and studies is that I inform my instructors ahead of time if I know that a pageant of mine will interfere with my school days specially if I have a quiz or exam that day. I always request to my instructors if I can go ahead and take it in advance or if not ask to take a special one after my pageant to make up for what I've missed. "

6. What is the essence of finishing a degree? What is your course and why did you take it up?

"Finishing a degree is very important because having the honor & pride in telling others that you've graduated whether it be a 10 yr., 4 yr. or 2 yr. course is still a big accomplishment. This is also an accomplishment where nobody can steal it away from you.I'm currently taking up BS Psychology. I am really into the whole CSI, NCIS type deal where I want to solve cases and be physically involved especially if the case has anything to do with children being physically, emotionally & mentally abused. I find human behavior & personality studies very interesting and this is why I took up Psychology. I would like to pursue my education in medical fields to become a Psychiatrist."

Miss Agoo 2011 and Miss Laoag City International 2012

7. I noticed you always have that sincere smile in your face, no matter how tired you are so how do you maintain a positive outlook despite of the stressful pageant activities?

"How I maintain my smile & positive outlook despite the stressful pageant activities is by always giving thanks back to God because of Him I would'nt be able to be apart of any of my past pageants. Even if it's rehearsals, I always smile and think of happy thoughts. This is how I am able to maintain my smile at all times."

  

8. What is your opinion to people who looks down on girls joining pageants?

"My opinion to people who looks down on girls in joining pageants is one of the least of things I have to worry about. There are plenty of reasons why girls join pageants: either to gain & boost their self confidence, being proud in showing to others the beauty God has blessed them with, and to show that they not only have the beauty but brain as well and many more. Not all girls are qualified to compete just like if you are talented in singing or dancing, won't you be proud and share it with others?"

9. What is your opinion when people react about your joining of pageants in different places?

"I usually get a positive feedback especially if they find out that I have already won in a certain place. However, there are still people who are not aware that there are invitational pageants, meaning you technically don't have to be residing in that area or have family roots in order to join; it is open to anyone as long as you meet the other qualifications. Every pageant I joined had screenings and my handler made sure that I meet all the qualifications before even joining the pageant."

10. What is your notion about pageants before you join one of them?

"Usually for me before getting into another pageant I always pray to God. Once I pass the screening I make sure that I do not let my ego over ride my personality. I would always remain humble and act like as if its my first pageant again. By doing this, none of the other candidates can say that I am unapproachable or not friendly. I am not only there to go for the crown but also to make new friends."

Miss La Union 2012 and Miss Magic 2012

11. What are your passions and what motivated you to pursue it?

"I have a lot of passions in life. My current passion right now is to finish college and continue with my medical degree in becoming a Psychiatrist. Once I've accomplished this I would like to open an organization for abused children. It's one of the main reasons why I took up Psychology in the first place. I want to help children who are physically, emotionally & mentally abused. What motivates me further to pursue this is that seeing the children smile would make a lot of difference in their lives. I believed that this is my calling to do in life, helping children who are less fortunate and making sure that I put a smile not only on their face but in their hearts."

12. As far as I am concerned, you are one of the intelligent and beautiful beauty queens thus what is the biggest failure you have and how did you face it?

"I would not consider it as one of my biggest failure but one of the opportunities handed to me that I didn't take for granted. This opportunity was the chance in getting to know my biological father. I've done all I can in trying to get in contact with him but...... All I can say is that at least I've tried. I face this just by accepting where I am in life without him and being happy where I am right now. I know that God allowed these things to happen for a reason and I have no right to question Him but just to follow because He is the light of my life."

13. I noticed that you got a supportive family so if you will make a tribute to your family, especially your mother, what will it be all about?

"If I were to make a tribute to my family especially to my Mom, I would like to make a clip or powerpoint presentation and show it off at a huge dinner party inviting other family, relatives and friends for all to see. This is one of the ways I can show everyone especially my Mom of how grateful & thankful I am for all the undying support, love, & sacrifices she's done for me since day one of my first pageant. To make a clip of taken photos and videos that she's taken and put them together for everyone to watch is something I know she will be very touched and happy to see that I acknowledge all the things she does for me. And one thing that touches me every time she says it before our proper pageant starts is, " Anak, win or loss you will always be my winner." One of these days I have to make this party happen."

14. How do you value your supporters and what can you do for them to as a gratitude to their support?

"I value my supporters by maintaining my communication with them through facebook on my fan page: Aiyana Camille "AJ" Mikiewicz.  

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Aiyana-Camille-AJ-Mikiewicz/220315234645440. 
Thanking and greeting them every time they leave me a comment on a photo or video of mine. Acknowledging how blessed I am to have supporters like them behind me every time they know I'm in another pageant. It amazes me sometimes that even thou most of them I've never met before but they have heard my name through other friends, relatives or even on TV (that they've seen me get interviewed a couple of times) they still support me all the way. 

One of the ways I get involved with my fans to show them I appreciate all the comments they write me is by writing them back on my page or if I do see them in person to take a picture with them. By this they can show others that I am friends with them and at the same time I can break the stereotype of beauty queens not being friendly in person. "

15. As I am aware of, you already went to Manila to meet a team to assist you in your way to clinch a national title, so kindly share some teaser about it, a teaser that will surely make your supporters be excited.

"Wow, I'm surprised how fast news got around but yes recently I was in Manila and have already met up with the team that will be willing to train me in preparation for the Binibining Pilipinas 2013. It was so funny because we had our first dinner meeting at Shangri-La then the following day I had my pictorial taken right away along with two other candidates who the team took as well to train for this year’s Ms. World Philippines 2012. It was so much fun working with them. Recently the team texted me and said all the photos turned out to be great and that they can't wait for me to see them again. My handler, mom and I will be meeting up with the team again to further plan future events that I need to accomplish before this November. I will definitely keep everyone up to date on what happens to me step by step as the days get closer of the actual pageant. "

16. What does being Mutia ti La Union had brought to your life?

"Being Mutia Ti La Union 2012 has opened so many doors of opportunities for me. I can't thank enough to all those who were responsible for making me and believing in me to become apart of such an event. This is another blessing I'm very greatful and thankful to experience in order for me to reach my goals in life." 

17. A message to your supporters?

"To all my supporters, I can't thank you enough for all the love and support you've been showing me.. Whether its a simple click of LIKE on my pictures and videos I upload on Youtube & Facebook, or to leaving me a comment on my wall. I truly appreciate all the love you guys show me. If it weren't for you I wouldn't be where I am today. I hope & pray that you will never get tired of supporting me. If I do make it to the nationals and international pageant, I will not only make you proud but the whole Philippines proud by doing my best in this next journey God had set ahead for me in my life. You will always be apart of my life and will always be greatful for all your undying support.

Remember to always give thanks to God. If at the moment you are going through a tough time whether it be with family or friends I want to leave you with one of my favorite bible verses from Ephs.3:16

"That He Would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthed with power through His Spirit into the inner man"

Whenever I'm down and feel all hope is lost. I always look back at this verse and remember what God's purpose is for me in life. I hope this will also help you too, He may not answer our prayers right away but in time we will see His work be done in our lives."

The question and answer portion is wrapped-up but what is left is such an amazing words emitting from a rising beauty queen, and it is really such an admirable  asset since it is very rare that a beauty queen will be so witty and amiable. Her charming smile will really make you admire her more but to know you are conversing with someone so smart is indeed a great thing to happen.

It is then a part of the prayer brigade of her supporters and pageant fanatics to wish the best for her and victory for an ILOCANA to clinch a title. The pressure is so high but no matter what will happen, she will indeed stay in the hearts of the ILOCANOS as the Rising Beauty Queen of the North who captivated them, not just thru her beauty and wit but also how good and beautiful person she is, who is wearing a crown not just on her head but also in her heart that radiates  her real beauty which is all about remaining as the humble girl who is a rising beauty queen.

Photo Credits: Airwind Bautista, I-biz Balaoan, Veestarz, BPCI, Misso Info, Miss Philippines-Earth, Joseph Tagle Photography

Editor's Note.: Mr. Airwind Bautista is from Sudipen, La Union and is a pageant enthusiast who is into photography and events organizing. He is also a training facilitator. He used to work as a guidance counselor and an educator and was connected before with Ann Harbor Montesorri at Binan, Laguna, Risen Christ Catholic School in Silang Cavite and Child Development Center of the Cavite State University in Indang Cavite. We highly appreciate this article about Miss La Union 2012 from him. We hope other contributors will follow suit and consider articles for posting at our blogspot. Again thank you very much.