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.

THE PHILIPPINE PAGEANT CULTURE

By Jetset Alejandro

 (Editor’s Note: In our readings, I came across our old blog [essentialbeautiesphil.blogspot.com, March 4, 2006] which was dormant after so many years. There is an article written by yours truly in March 4, 2006 and found it still conforming to the present realities of beauty pageants. I am reposting this article with minor revisions to be more up-to-date.)

Beauty pageants galvanize the Filipinos and they troop to the pageant arena carrying their fanaticism that would literally cause pandemonium in the coliseum. The yearly pageant Binibining Pilipinas in search for the Philippines’ representative to the Miss Universe, Miss International and Miss Tourism Beauty pageant is no different. At the homestretch pageant fans seem to be more in the know and heated brickbats appear on message boards sometimes becoming so irritatingly repetitious.

Beauty pageants have become ordinary and have practically become a way of life among Filipinos. Adding more color and pizzazz to the activity is the penchant of pageant fans of pitting one candidate to the other; of pitting one supporter against the other supporters. Filipino pageant fans never seem to acquire the innate objectivity of looking at beauty. They speculate. They gossip. They destroy others’ personalities. They denigrate the contest to a cockfighting mode. They scorn about the results of the pageant. They shout “lutong-macao” if they do not like the outcome of the judging. They concoct conspiracy theories. They mouth invective.  As you hear more, you admonish them but the more they say something more. Say it and you will find it in the Filipino pageant fan. Then they settle down.

When the international pageant comes to the fore, you will find them either lambasting their own candidate or yet quietly supporting them through text or internet votes. And when the candidate loses, it is a heyday of brickbats and criticisms. Yet when the candidate wins, even the biggest critic sings alleluias and praises hosanna to the candidate. Some others would still exhort their bitchy tongues and say the unkindest words. Just take Janine Tugonon’s first runner-up finish and sterling answer to the Question and Answer portion; she was still thrown the worst criticism: “They do not need a cum laude as Miss Universe, they needed a beauty and she is not!” But still you can’t argue with victory. For victory is sweet. Janine has proven that she is made of sterner and better stuff. She has proven the doubting Thomases that she has the qualities to make it to Miss Universe after all. She may not be the winner but she is part of the last two standing there. She is not a clapper after all. So the Filipino pageant fan retreats for awhile in silence, only to spring back with utter loudness and hue.

This phenomenon had become cultural. Nowhere probably in the world would you see this reaction except in the Philippines. Not even in the United States who had the recent Miss Universe gloated over their victory. Only in the Philippines this happens. Even a first runner-up enjoys the adulation of the crowd with matching motorcade and confetti to boot. She graced all most all TV shows. She made courtesy calls to different offices. She graced political gatherings. She was given Congressional Resolutions for making the country stand tall among all others. 

The Filipinos penchant for beauty pageants might have been ingrained on them when Miss Gloria A. Diaz, a 17 year-old petite lady was crowned the first Filipino Miss Universe in 1969. Since then, the people went gaga over beauty queens. Slowly, beauty pageants were institutionalized even in the smallest political sub-unit. Pageants have become an ordinary fare for every Filipino. There is a Mutya ng Palengke, Mutya ng Ngiti, Mutya ng Busilak, Mutya ng Niyog-Niyogan, Binibining Sapatero and many other variations. Then, they even start so young like the Little Miss Philippines, Little Miss Barangay and the like. Filipinos loved to be called beautiful. In the days of the Conjugal Dictatorship, only the Good and the Beautiful was espoused. And practically, the great days of beauty pageants were basically rooted in the philosophy that “To be beautiful is to be great.”

Beauty pageants are political statements so to speak. In all reality, the Filipinos would like to excel in the world of beauty because it is a very good cover-up for the rotten inside of what really is happening to the country. We may be beautiful outside but rotting in the inside. Truly, the brickbats and foul-mouthing are but symptoms of a greater problem in the country and is greatly rooted out in its malevolent culture.

Dissecting our thesis further, the dissolute gay culture in the country which had been tolerated and proliferated to no end has contributed a lot to this kind of status with regards to beauty pageants. Gays are gays. They are a creative lot. Their dreams of becoming beauty queens have come into realization in gay beauty pageants. But becoming beauty queens even just gay queens is not real. And always, the effect is subliminal and is always reflected on their work. They start grooming girls to become beauty queens. They create these girls in their perceived likeness and ergo they fight for these girls when they compete because it is in their feelings that they are the ones competing. I know of someone who had groomed so many in girls in beauty pageants and comes the Question and Answer portion, he imagines being the one grilled during this segment. Philippine beauty pageants have become life itself.

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. 

WILL HISTORY REPEAT ITSELF?

by Jetset Alejandro

Aringay is a sleepy town in the province of La Union, Philippines. It is located in Northwestern Luzon. It is bordered by the towns of Caba and Burgos in the north, Agoo in the South, Tubao and Pugo in the Southeast and the foothills of the Cordillera central mountain range to the east and the South China Sea to the west. The town’s economy is primarily based on agriculture producing rice, tobacco and fruit crops.

Despite being described as a sleepy locality – quiet and dull, it boasts of its esteemed history. It has never been that boring whenever we talk of Aringay’s history. It has a highly regarded history of people and even beauty title holder’s history.

In 1969, Aringay’s collective memory was centered on a Filipina’s victory in Miami, Florida. She was crowned Miss Universe of 1969 and the people of the Philippines rejoiced about this conquest. Every newspaper and magazine publication was triumphantly telling everyone that a Filipina conquered the universe. Who would not be proud anyway?

But Aringay was much prouder because when Miss Gloria Diaz arrived in the Philippines and after her courtesy calls in Manila, she then travelled to La Union, the home province of her father Jaime “Jimmy” Diaz to pay respect to the other half of her heritage. After a courtesy call to the Provincial Governor, she was feted with a victory caravan in her father’s hometown, Aringay, La Union. She was met by then Mayor Moises Dulay who by Aringay’s history was the longest staying mayor of the town. Since then, whenever the town would have its beauty pageant, there is always a reference to repeating the feat of what Gloria Diaz had down in the world of beauty pageants.

Some Aringay beauties tried following her footsteps. Sheryl Lou Dacanay Franco entered the semi-finalists circle of the Binibining Pilipinas in 2001. She was crowned Miss Philippines-Water in the Miss Philippines-Earth Beauty Pageant in 2003. She later represented the Philippines in the Miss Tourism-World Beauty Pageant in Zimbabwe in 2004 where she won Best in National Costume and one of the semi-finalists. Truly, Aringay is underscoring the fact that it had beautiful girls of international beauty caliber.

Just recently, debates on the new fame of the recently crowned Miss Universe Philippines Janine R. Tugonon grew rabidly. What is the point of the discussion? Balanga, Bataan or Aringay, La Union? There is no point of discussion really. The Filipino people in general had its penchant for owning everyone even if they slightest relationship with the person. Well, as for Aringayeños, they accept the fact the Janine was born and grew up in Bataan as her mother hails from Bataan. That is a real fact. But Janine’s half of heritage is rooted down in Aringay since his father hails from the place. His father comes from the Dulay clan and a direct descendant from former Mayor Moises Dulay who gave a grand celebration for Gloria Diaz after she was crowned Miss Universe of 1969. Will Janine acknowledge this part of her heritage? The Aringayeños hope so very much.

There are already parallelisms being made. And what are these? Gloria Diaz father is from the Diaz clan of  Aringay. Janine Tugonon’s father is from the Dulay clan of Aringay. Gloria is known for her wit and intelligence. Janine is known for her ardor and intelligence. Gloria competed in Miami Florida and Janine is competing also in Florida. Gloria came out victorious. Will Janine repeat history after 43 years? The people of Aringay hopes so and they are wishing upon the stars.

Photo Credits: Google Maps, Feelingphotographer.blogspot.com, gloriadiaz1969.tripod.com, juliusnoora.blogspot.com, nakupotheydidnt.livejournal.com, philippineheritage.com, infofashion.ro, skycrapercity.com, Ron B. Titular