Friday, March 14, 2008 Serna: Janina, making waves By Roger Serna sounds & images
SEVEN months or so from now, the Philippines will be in a jovial mood, no not for any welcome surprise in the political scene but for producing another international beauty queen after a long wait.
Yes! Bb. Pilipinas-World 2008 Janina San Miguel will be proclaimed Miss World 2008! No kidding!
Before that, though, I have to confess that I failed to watch the beauty pageant last Saturday. I was in the residence of David and Ely Dickinson in Sitio Bachao, Catmondaan, Catmon.
The couple hosted dinner for parish priest, Father Jarrel Chua and company. The priest excused himself early for a requiem mass that he had to administer shortly but since the mood was set for a night of sing-along, my cousin Ely and the rest of the singing relatives (Lorvie and Gaudiel) decided to sing our hearts out till midnight.
That was in between sips of rum-soda (for David and Gaudiel), vodka-tonic (for me and nephew Steve Zamora) and plain water with abgaw leaves soaked in it for Ely and Lorvie. The herbal concoction is said to have therapeutic effect on the respiratory cavity, take note.
So I only knew of Janina’s blooper the day after the pageant and saw this on YouTube recently. She was immediately given the title as “the next Melanie Marquez.” (remember the “long legged legs” line and all the other “melanisms”?).
Come to think of it, Janina was beside herself when she delivered her now widely ridiculed answer. She was not a picture of a little girl lost, though, nor somebody who wished the ground would open up and swallow the entire Araneta Coliseum or even just the portion where she was standing.
Although she found it hard to articulate her thoughts, she did not look like someone who wished she would be struck by lightning nor would evaporate in thin air right that very moment.
She was able to just be herself, laughed at her predicament and still managed to deliver what was expected of her—inadequate it may turn out to be.
Having judged similar tilts before, I always presume candidates, especially in prestigious pageants as the Bb. Pilipinas, as equally beautiful. That the question and answer portion is not the real gauge for a candidate’s intelligence (how can a single question go to such extent?) but to test how well a contestant can maintain her poise under such grueling and extremely difficult situation.
Former Ms. International Melanie Marquez defended Janina that she has the right to commit that mistake if she’s beautiful or words to that effect. Former Ms. World second Princess Ruffa Gutierrez challenged Janina to make use of the seven months to study, undergo speech lessons and prove to those who ridiculed her that she can shine in the Ms. World pageant.
And so, seven months from now, the country will produce the first ever Filipina Miss World titleholder! Janina, are you out there? Did I hear you say: “Magdilang angel ka sana, Roger.” O-ha!
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About the same time last year, I was in the company of some friends (Rechielyn, Meydge, Baviel, Mario, Cheryl, Janjan, Leo Patrick and others) spending Holy Thursday and Good Friday in the St. Therese Shrine in Barangay Obispo in Calubian, So. Leyte upon the invitation of Rey Martinez.
Far from the hassle and bustle of an urban setting, the place was perfect for meditation and other activities aimed at spiritual enrichment. This year will be no different for the group (except for a few who had other plans).
Some improvements have reportedly been added to make our stay there better and more comfortable. With or without those, however, I still look forward to the occasion.
Thanks again, Rey, for the invitation. May God bless you even more!
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Two days before the official start of the Holy Week, Rosemarie Gaisano will play her usual role as gracious host to visiting stars. This time it will be young stars Empress Schuck’s and Dino Imperial’s turn to savor Gaisano’s hospitality.
The two are the celebrity guests for the third draw of A Million Thanks Raffle Promo tonight at the Gaisano Country Mall which goes with a Blowout Sale until Sunday, Mar. 16. Earlier, they entertained the crowd that gathered at the Balamban gym.
A shopper will have a new Mazda car as grand prize. Will it be me? Why not?
