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. 

NICOLE SCHMITZ : A NEW HOPE FOR ANOTHER MISS INTERNATIONAL CROWN

by Raphael Porciuncula




“I would rather be someone respected. Because that means if you maintain your integrity, dignity and self-respect, and that means, in turn you will be loved by whoever matters and everyone loves you.” – Nicole Schmitz, Binibining Pilipinas International 2012

All this girl really needs is just the ticket to go to Okinawa, Japan this coming October since she’s very much ready to compete. Everyone is excited about her and when she was announced as the representative to the Miss International pageant, many pageant fans were upset because they were rooting for her to represent the country in the Miss Universe Beauty pageant. This girl was born in Sidney, New South Wales, Australia on June 28, 1988 to retired chef Udo Schmitz and Filipinas salesperson Leilani Maturan. Her mother is from the Queen City of Cebu.

Nicole is no stranger to beauty pageants. At the age of 16, she was Miss Teen Philippines First Runner-up and went on to win later the Miss Mandaue Philippines 2006 where she was Best in National Costume and evening gown. This was quickly followed the year after with a semi-finalist performance at the Binibining Pilipinas 2007. She was chosen as Miss Avon at that time. When she went back to Australia, she joined Model Quest Australia where she was adjudged as the winner in 2007. The awards she got were Best in Ramp, Best in Street Wear, Best in Swimsuit and Best in Evening Gown. A year after, Nicole joined the Miss Philippines-Australia contest where she was adjudged as the winner and with special awards such as Best in Long Gown, Best in Swimsuit, Best in National Costume and Miss Photogenic. The array of titles and awards speak for Nicole’s great performance onstage. Nicole does not only possess these pageant credentials, she had also ramp, print, TV Hosting and Presenting experiences. She was seen on numerous commercials and magazine layouts.

When asked why she joined back Binibining Pilipinas 2012, she answered that “It is something that she dreamt of for so long as she wanted to represent the other half of herself (Nicole has dual citizenship ; Australia and Philippines) in an international beauty pageant. Her winning the Binibining Pilipinas International title is her gateway to competing with other girls from different parts of the world. She said she had been passionate about this goal and the only way to make this a reality is join the contest once again. She said, she needs to get this out of her system before she gets older and cannot qualify anymore for any pageant.

Now that she had been crowned Binibining Pilipinas International, she will not rest on her laurels and believe the people that she is all ready to join the Miss International Pageant even it is to be held now. She takes the challenge with so much concern that she is ready to undergo the rigorous training Binibining Pilipinas will give them. She will also take a long look into her terpsichorean skills and will try to polish her dance steps to prepare her further in her international contest. She is an optimist and she promises all those who believed her that she will try as much as possible not to leave any stones unturned just to get ready for the contest.

By winning the national title, she says that this would open a lot of doors for her. Although there are so many opportunities knocking at the door now, her main concern is to prepare for her international pageant. Some people attribute her appeal to the combination of her Fil-German heritage and she is very thankful for the complement. Although she is a veteran on stage, she still looks at Rodgil Flores as the source of the confidence she essayed in the contest. Her training under him made her in good stead.

Nicole despite her Fil-European ancestry and generally grew up in Sidney, she always looks at Cebu, her mother’s birthplace as her second home. She looks at Cebu with so much fondness – the natural beauty of the place, the people and its colorful culture. Her stay in the Philippines is mostly in Cebu and life is always joy in every sense.

Nicole has adapted quite well with life in the Philippines. She is always thankful with all the people complimenting about her beauty. She says that she is a product of intermarriage and that you don’t define people by the way they look. The Filipino people are an intermixing of different cultures and thus there is no singular look of who and what a Filipina should be. We should celebrate this occurrence and thus project the new Filipina in the any world stage and be proud to celebrate that heritage.

As a pageant observer, she is my Top bet to win the Miss Universe Philippines crown. Although she did not win the Top plum, she won the Binibining Pilipinas International crown. She will be competing either in China or Japan where her mestiza features would be well-appreciated. Her communication skills are above par and thus it would prove her stead well when she delivers her speech in front of the judges.

Indeed Nicole is a very fine young lady who finished a bachelor degree in Psychology and is presently finishing her Law Degree at the Macquarie University in Australia. Kudos to my personal bet.

PHOTO CREDITS: Joy Ann Burton-Titular, Ron Titular, BPCI, Emerson Cebanico, WZ2012, Pinoystar blog, watchmisspageant.com, ABS-CBN, Mingsworldtravel.biz

QUEENTESSENCE FINAL HOT PICKS FOR BB. PILIPINAS 2012

By Jetset Alejandro

After a careful reckoning and watching the girls from afar and making notes for every movement and developments among them, the Queentessence staff gathered all their choices and using the formula that the rank 1 gets 5 points, rank 2 gets 4 points, rank 3 gets 3 points, rank 4 gets 2 points and rank 5 gets 1 point. We feel that at Queentessence, we should declare our say in our Final Choices and compare it with the final results come pageant Day. This is how we try to get the pulse of the viewing public, pundits and pageant fans compared to the choices of the judges sitting that fateful night.


Let us see how the staff made their choices:

Rose Ann Aguilar has this charming countenance. She has a beautiful demeanor that in the process of comparing one candidate to another, you get this consideration that you will choose her. From the other possible candidates that could possibly be Top 12, Rose Ann fills that spot and who knows, even if it is a shot, she will be a tough consideration that will matter in the end.

Ranked Number 11 is Sherlyn Gonzales. Sherlyn is despite being petite, shines through. She is very charming and she is always a favorite among pageant fans.

Elaine Kay Moll ranked 10th among the Queentessence Staff. There are those that who have misgivings with her. Most of the staff say that she lacks POWER - personality, dressing, poise and elan. The only Power that goes for her is height. But a thing of beauty is not only height. It is the totality of the person. And I just felt that she should have trained much more and joined when she is ready - very much ready.

Liezl Alcantara was pretty good in her outings. She is creating a big buzz among pageant pundits and fans. However, she ranked 9th this time as compared to our survey. There seem to be a nagging feeling that despite her beauty, charm and height, she seemed unprepared for the work ahead. Her lights seemed to be dimming. But it would not really hurt if she is the unexpected who would snatch the Bb. Pilipinas International title or a runner-up position at that.

Jillean Camille Orbina is a tall and lithe individual who when styled properly will be a force to reckon with in the pageant arena. However, Jill's weakness is that she seem not to care what her looks would be. In the Operation Smile activity, she had a bad hair day. In the Meet and Greet Activity, she seems just around clowning with her fellow contestants and the fans. She was not properly groomed. She started out just as right but pfft....If she would take a big stride and improve on her weaknesses, Jill can be a threat to the Top 5.

Gina Joy Howell is in our 7th position. She is such a beauty but lacks the great personality to come out really shining among the 30 candidates. This is the problem with her, she seemed to be marginalized when she is with other candidates. She should learn to put make up on herself and that she should contour her face to make it look fiercer as she looks so bland in the boobtube and on pictures. She has an ace in sleeve though. She can communicate and convey her thoughts.

Roxanne Joy Jesalva is in the 6th position. She is such a beauty but she never had the chance to really shine as her handlers are groping so much on what make up and styling should be done on her. They should have done that prior to the contest. Her performance in the primer showed that she would need to train more in terms of public speaking. She needs to heighten the level of her performance so as not be overshadowed by the first 5 candidates.


The results of our voting was very close as we had a triple tie for the Top post. And thus, we needed to deliberate on who should be sent for the Top pageants. There was triple tie among : Patricia Lae Ejercitado, Nicole Schmitz and Janine Tugonon. 
We discussed and we highlighted the positive points of every candidate and where they would be most appropriate to compete.

Second Runner-up - Analie M. Forbes

-Analie is great. She is full of charms. She embraces the great notion of beauty and thus she practically has the beauty that said it all.
As we have said, we may be wrong and our choices just remains to be our choices and that matters, we have voiced out our preferences.

First Runner-up - MJ Lastimosa

-After a great soul-searching I feel MJ did not rise up to the occassion. She is so tense-filled and it showed in her perfomance. Her uneasiness and anxiety said it all. I know she is dying for the MUP crown but we greatly think she is not ready for it. There are other girls that might even upstage her. We may be wrong and we hope we are wrong.

Bb. Pilipinas Tourism 2012 - Janine Tugonon

- Although a lot of people says she's the one for the MUP, most of our staff think that she does not fit the mold for that contest. Her oriental appeal may not also be appealing for the Miss International Pageant. The MTQI is best suited for her. Her oriental features and her haughty demeanor is just the right fit for this contest.

Bb. Pilipinas International 2012 - Nicole Schmitz

-Nicole though has all the trimmings for the Miss Universe Philippines title. However, her mestiza features is much fitter and better for the Miss International Competition. She would be able to espouse her ideas much better in the speech section of the contest.

Miss Universe Philippines 2012 - Patricia Lae Ejercitado

- This girl is exotic. She is incarnation of the kayumangging kaligatan Philippine Goddes. She is simply radiating and glowing. No amount of criticism dampened her appeal. She is therefore the fittest candidate to be crowned Miss Universe Philippines title.

TIMELESS AND QUINTESSENTIAL BEAUTIES

by Raphael Porciuncula

Throughout the years, people try to define what beauty is and up to this present day, there is no consensus among people as to its meaning. Even pageant connoisseurs do not have a standard meaning for beauty as they have different tastes, cultural upbringing and experiences. However, there seem to be an agreement that something beautiful provides perceptual experience of enjoyment, delight and contentment. The results of our survey on Timeless Beauties underscored the saying “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” We sent out more than 20 survey letters and 10 beauty pageant aficionados responded. They came from all walks of life – newsmen, academics, healthcare specialists, entertainment and ordinary folks. They all have something to say about beauty. And by the results of the survey alone, beauty can not be standardized. Beauty in every culture has a different standard and this overwhelming majority can not be achieved, unless probably, the questionnaire will have a preselected list of beauties and respondent will just have to tick his or her choices. In our survey, we wrote our responders to enumerate 5 international beauty queens which they think is timeless from orders 1 to 5 -one being the highest order of their choice. There were 10 respondents and we can see that only 30% of our respondents agree to the number 1 choice. The same is true with the number 2 choice. We have such a varied response that we feel our respondents see beauty in all. What may be beautiful for one may not be for the others.

Our survey results are as follows:

17 POINTS

Stephen Diaz  - 5

Khristianne Luna Bernardo – 5

Jetset Alejandro - 5

William Prendiz Jurado – 2

Oxana Fedorova, dethroned Miss Universe 2002 fills the number 1 position. Oxana despite being dethroned still lingers in everyone’s consciousness among pageant enthusiasts. Who would not forget this blushing lady who captured the hearts of everyone when she set foot in San Juan, Puerto Rico? Everyone was mesmerized by her classic and angelic beauty.  She  was  full   of charms and correspondingly witty. She had the body everyone ogled at and she walked fleetingly onstage. She was everyone’s dream girl.

She however, had a short reign and was replaced by her first runner-up Justine Pasek of Panama. Whatever reason Oxana had or the organizers for her dethronement, Oxana continued to be of interest to everyone’s fancy. Many pageant wannabe’s idolized her. They aped her walk, her gown and monitored her career. She had become the standard of what beauty should be. Some even elevated her to a “goddess” status. She had become a beauty that through the years, in every pageant or beauty discussion, her name is always a topic that cropped up. Oxana later on pursued higher education in a field where men dominates. She however, showed that women can be strong and formidable in the police force and she shine through her endeavors. It is no wonder, she topped Queentessence survey. She is not only timeless but a quintessential beauty.

13 PONTS

Bonner Lasquite – 5

Khristianne Luna Bernardo – 4

Jetset Alejandro – 4

Jennifer Hawkins came in second. Who can not forget this lady who had unassumingly led the Miss Universe candidates in 2004 held in Quito, Ecuador. After being crowned Miss Universe 2004, pageant co-owner described her as the “most beautiful Miss Universe in many many years.” Who would not say that? Everyone sees her as saccharine sweet, loveable, beautiful and chic. If Oxana is said to be enigmatic, Jennifer  is  said  to  be  candid. During her reign, mishaps happened during one of Jennifer’s functions where her skirt was accidentally removed when she stepped on it. It revealed her in G-string to the awe of the people watching her. But instead of losing her star, it added more luster to it and Jennifer was well loved by everyone. She became a popular commercial model and now a businesswoman.

11 POINTS

William Prendiz Jurado = 5

Zarly of Veestarz = 3

Bobby Baradi     = 3

Gemma Cruz is the first Miss International Beauty Queen from the Philippines who garnered the title in the fifth edition of the pageant in 1964. She came in third in our survey. In the fifth edition of pageant, actress Arlene Dahl, a member of the board of judges noted that Gemma had an unmistakable air of class that set her apart from the other. She is very regal and she had an exceptional breeding and bearing that the judges saw. Gemma further endeared herself to everyone when she donated all her cash prize earnings to the Boys and Girls Town, an orphanage in the Philippines. For those who know her well, it was not a surprise for them to hear that Gemma did donate her cash prizes. However, for ordinary Filipinos, Gemma’s feat in the pageant is something they hold up in steam and donating her cash prize to the needy is a great and valued character of a person. When Gemma became the Tourism Secretary during the Estrada administration of the Philippines, every pageant observer still gets awed by the enthralling presence of Gemma. Her formidable height, her resplendent beauty and her presence are enough get star-struck with this beauty queen. This beauty queen really aged gracefully and how exceptional she did.

9 POINTS

Peter Sereno = 5

Giovanni Yazon = 4

Miss Universe 1991 Lupita Jones came in 4th in our survey. In 1991, this beauty showed so much grace and elan as she romped away with the crown against 72 other candidates in Las Vegas, Nevada. She eased through all the rounds by topping all the scores from swimsuit, evening gown and the interview.  It was the first time a Mexican won in the Miss Universe Beauty pageant. A graduate of Business Administration, she founded a company and created Nuestra Belleza Mexico. After 13 years she produced a winner in the person of Priscilla Perales as Miss International 2007 and remarkable the most, she produced another Miss Universe for her country in the same place where she won the title – Ximena Navarrete, Now she's single and has one son with ex-husband Simón Charaf.

8 POINTS

Zarly of Veestarz = 4

Bobby Baradi = 4

Another Miss Universe completed the 5 timeless beauties in our survey, 1973 winner Maria Margarita Moran from the Philippines. She won the title in Athens, Greece among other   candidates. Just like Gemma, Margie came from a pedigreed clan and this clearly showed in her competition during the Miss Universe Beauty Pageant. She won Miss Photogenic during the preliminary judging. During the pageant itself, she became the darling of the crowd because of her regal bearing and class. She was exceptionally graceful, refined and polished.   It   was   no  surprise  for  everyone that she was crowned the winner in that fateful day. Margie soon became a wife to another well-known political person in the Philippines. And as wife of a politician, she started different advocacies such as Mothers for Peace, Friends of Habitat, Foundation for Arts, Culture and Ecology and Save Davao Gulf Ecology. Truly with these advocacies, she is a Quintessential beauty by its meaning.

There is something notable among the choices of our respondents. They did not only select beautiful and lovely women but they chose women who after their reign became successful in their chosen endeavors.

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