IS THERE a new standard of beauty? The relevance of this question brings us to the much anticipated Miss Universe 2016.
We heard comments like, “she is so beautiful inside and out” as they talk about Pia Wurtzbach.
Miss Universe 2015, the confidently beautiful with a heart, replied that she is just being honest and truthful… “Nagpakatotoo lang.”
The poet Edgar Guest wrote On Being Myself To Me. It would be worth their while for those intending to join beauty pageants to learn a thing or two from this poem. You can find the poem online, but here are some lines to give an idea:
“I have to live with myself and so. I want to be fit for myself to know. I want to be able as days go by. Always to look myself in the eye... Whatever happiness I want to be. Self-respecting and conscience free.”
A food for thought while our beautiful guests from countries all over the world enjoy the visit and tour of our country, considered the Pearl of the Orient Seas.
Beauty queens who were interviewed said beauty entails a whole lot, meaning a total package… brain, beauty, how she carries herself, and how she reacts to a given situation.
We have seen the contestants in their swimsuits and in their national gowns. In fashion shows they wore the evening gowns designed by our different local couturiers.
Some contestants planted trees, packed food to feed the hungry, visited a children’s hospital, promoted their advocacies and joined in the national gift auction for Miss Universe charity.
Candid shots or photo shoots, at the end of the day, what have they gained out of this undertaking? What is their overall impression of the Philippines?
Initially, ravished by the scenic beauty of our islands, contestants were all praises for the warm hospitality accorded them. We hope that the hosting of the Miss Universe pageant in our country did not only bring goodwill but also an opportunity to promote tourism and our products, particularly our different handicrafts which showcased the creativity of Filipinos to make something out of trash… the amazing project of the women from Smokey Mountain.