YES, MISS EARTH IS ON AN UPSWING!

by Rainier Abad-Santos

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

THE RISE OF MISS EARTH

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

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

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

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

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

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

     

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2012 RECORD IN PHILIPPINE PAGEANTRY

by Raphael Porciuncula

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FASHION REVIEW

BEAUTY QUEENS IN RED
By Lavinia Otilla

The color red is strongly linked with two major emotions – that of love, romance and sensuality  and that of aggression, rage and anger. It is the color that radiates different characteristics. In this outing, we are going to review some of the pageant candidates who wore red during their competitions. Apart from the two major emotions that red stands for, it  conjures  different characteristics such  as ambivalence, attention grabbing, composure, confidence, decisiveness, energy, fierceness, liveliness, passion, purity, joy , sensuality and celebration. In my research of twelve girls, I will try to show how these characteristics emanated from the candidate herself and how the constructed gown highlighted her or not. The discussion is arranged alphabetically according to the adjective that the red stood for.

The ambivalence of the color red emanates from the emotions that it stands for. It may stand for love but may be aggressive also in the end. It may stand for victory or it may stand also for failure. It could be seen as victory when the radiance of red is exemplified. It may stand as a failure when lots of blood is expended because of war, hence  the  ambivalence  of  the  color.  One  candidate that showed such characteristic is Anna Teresa Licaros, the Philippine candidate in the Miss Universe contest in 2007. Anna Teresa was using a bustier type of dress made of lace and a red train. The gown seemed ill-fitting and does not do her justice. Bustier type of gowns highlights the greatness of one’s bosom but alas she is wanting in this aspect. The gown’s design and made is so dated that she looked old and tired in it.  She may not love her gown after all because in her preliminary performance, she feels ill at ease while walking.

Red as an Attention-grabber. Red is a color that attracts the eyes of everyone into it. Mihilanie Texeira’s red gown won the World Designer award in the Miss World 2010. Because of the gown’s  design,  it  will  call  your   attention  to  the  candidate. Many candidates’ attributes are highlighted with a good or bad gown design. And in this French Polynesia’s candidate in the Miss World 2010 was exceptionally appreciated because of a beautiful gown. The gown was culturally distinct and yet it is fashion-forward. Mihilanie was simply radiant in this gown.

Stefania Fernandez Miss Universe 2009 was in red. It was a bouffant gown with all the feather contraptions at the skirt. When Stefania made the twirl, everyone was mesmerized by it.  It was simply red meaning  purity,  joy  and celebration. She  was a delight to watch and behold. She is the girl. She is elegance personified.

Who would not forget Lara Dutta’s countenance in the Miss Universe 2000 beauty pageant? She was simply resplendent in that Venus-cut red gown. She was composed, serene and yet she exuded sophistication. She was simply radiant exuding confidence and natural charisma in her performance .

Ximena Navarette, Miss Universe 2010 is a representation of confidence. She is a depiction of an angel in red that passed by. Although some pundits say that her performance in the gown segment is a bit dull, uninspired and dud, I would say something differently. Ximena was practically full of grace and demeanor. There were no excesses in her glide. She was simply overpowering in red. The problem with red is that it may overpower the wearer but with Ximena, she has radiated in red gown. And red for her is definitely confidence.

Mafae Yunon, Philippine representative to the Miss World Beauty Pageant in 2003 wore a red gown that made her exude glowing energy and dynamism. She is full of vibrancy. Her deportment was exceedingly superb and that she was appreciated because of a well-rounded personality.

Miss China Universe 2011, Luo Zilin is fierce in red. She donned a Scherri Hill evening gown with lace brocade on the bodice and a bouffant skirt. Miss China’s supermodel demeanor is a plus factor on her side. She has height. She has the poise. She is screamingly saying I am the “one” with her moves and projection.

Carlene Aguilar,  Miss Philippines World 2005 in this profile picture simply screams sultriness, sexiness and sensuality. Her body curves are highlighted in the gown and her personality radiates immensely. Too bad despite the number rating of pollster for her she just managed a semifinal encounter at the Miss World competition.

Karen Agustin, Miss Universe Philippines 2002, used a red gown with a modified Venus-cut design. Some finds it stylish and flattering. Some finds it rubbish. Some finds it passé.  But when worn by Karen, I find sweet, cute and exudes passion; cute because it turned Karen into a doll and passionate because Karen exuded lovely charms despite her being imperfectly facially beautiful.

Johanna Solano, Miss Costa Rica Universe 2011, paraded a red gown when she was called to the Top 10. She used a red gown with a raspberry dipped in chocolate theme. Some pageant critics say that it just did not work on her although it accentuated her exquisite torso and show off her legs.  Another critic said that it was one of the worst gown performances in the recent years. The gown is unconventional and risky. And for that alone, the lingering meaning of red here emanates.

Truly, red connotes a lot of meaning.

INSIGHTS: BEAUTY FROM WITHIN

By Dominador Agbayani

It is such a surprise to hear a lot candidates during the Question and Answer portion when egged to answer to the question, “what edge do you have over other candidates for you to win this contest?” The candidates often answer, “I have beauty from within” without even trying to expound on their answers.

As one of the greatest philosophers of all time, Confucius has said: “Everything has its beauty but not everyone sees it.” We have different standards of beauty and it is not only based on physical characteristics and but something insightful and much deeper. In other words, the likeability of a person is shaped by our experiences, perceptions and the dictates of our upbringing. To quote further what Ruffa Gutierrez, Miss Philippines-World 1993 when she was asked how would she tell a girl suffering from low self-esteem to feel good about herself? She answered: "I would tell her to believe in herself because it is not only physical beauty that is important but also inner beauty. Just like what the Little Prince said, 'the essential things are invisible to the naked eye.' Definitely, character and personality are more important than physical beauty."

Miss Philippines World 1993, Ruffa Gutierrez during the final question and answer portion at Miss World 1993.

Definitely, everyone would want to become physically attractive. And definitely, the first basis in getting attracted to someone is through physical attraction. But eventually, in somebody’s search for someone really beautiful, they are gauged on their personality and reactions to certain situations to eventually ferret out the candidates’ beauty from within. Thus in the final analysis, the lady or woman who has the most beautiful face does not end up winning the plum because she was measured less in terms of her beauty from within.

Take for example, the Miss Universe Beauty Pageant, the girls are initially judged according to their beauty and physical attributes. They are measured according to their ability to carry themselves in bikini or in  bathing suits  as well as show elan in their evening gowns. But further, they are trimmed to the semi-finalists in their ability to respond to questions that would bring out how personable they are. They are not really judged based on how intelligent they are but how ready and witty they acquit themselves in bringing out the best in them during the interviews. In the recent Miss World Competition, the candidates participated in different events and they were rated based on their performances in those events. The candidates’ capability to espouse the agenda of the organization had the most bearing on who should win it all. On the other hand the Miss Earth Beauty Pageant is in search of someone who is not only beautiful but someone who can champion the cause of environmental preservation and protection.

Left to right: Miss Universe 1973 from the Philippines, Margarita Moran; Miss Universe 1994 from India, Sushmita Sen and Miss Universe 2002 from Russia, Oxana Fedorova (dethroned).

In the recent years, we notice that pageants go through a cycle. In the past, organizations look for pretty, intelligent and witty women. The 1990’s is the era where distortion of what is beautiful came about. The term “enhanced beauty” came to fore and many nations resorted to advances in cosmetic surgery and dermatology just to achieve the perfect beauty. Venezuela topped the list in creating such beauty and many nations followed suit. But if you notice the recent choices in most international pageants, the fresh, the seemingly untouched and natural beauties are beginning to be noticed again in the international arena. There is not steadfast rule therefore of what perfect beauty should be.

A beauty in one era may not be a beauty in someone else’s time. Beauty contests are still relevant and we cannot avoid it, physical attributes of a participant would still be the primary criterion in choosing the winner. The so-called beauty from within still remains to be the method in segregating the chaff from the grains.

101 BEAUTY PAGEANT TIPS

By Janna Seliger

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