YES, you read it right: not that I don't like the pageant, but I also do not have much interest about it either. This does not mean, however, that I realized nothing out of it.
But maybe, my indifference was moved a little when another Miss Philippines was crowned as the new Miss Universe. I guess my Filipino pride was a little stronger than my indifference *chuckles*
Aside from my patriotism taking pride in our candidate's and our country's win, I also have a few shotgun realizations.
***
Various Australian tabloids claimed that Catriona Gray should not be Miss Philippines but Ms. Australia.
One tabloid, The Courier Mail, in their headline about Cat's win, even crossed out Philippines and changed it to “Queensland.”
The Aussie outlets claimed that Gray was born in Australia and that his Father is from the country.
But what really makes one a candidate to represent a country?
Is it the genes programmed by one's supposed nationality? Is it one's birthplace?
Sure, Cat has that long, slender body that made the slow-mo turn cannon. But you definitely can't win Miss Universe on face and body alone -- even with one's Australian features.
***
Aside from her gorgeousness, Ms. Cat will be much remembered because of her answer in the question and answer portion of the event.
“What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your life, and how would you apply it to your time as Miss Universe?”
She began her answer with her experience in Tondo, Manila and in her communion with the poor people of this land.
Given that, it wasn't necessarily her genes that dictated which country she should belong. It was where she had more affinity with.
In her answer, she saw what her people needed.
Don't forget also that it wasn't Australia that trained and molded her to walk, talk, and fight as the Miss Universe that she is now.
Behind her success is a team of Filipino creatives.
These Filipinos had an equal share of hard work to raise Cat to the crown: from her trainings to the clothes she wore on stage.
The world has seen what Filipinos can do, and these potentials are not only limited to the ramp.
***
Your genes do not dictate who you should be.
The moment Cat chose to contend as Miss Philippines in the Pageant, she has already chosen to become a Filipino.
***
Pageants, despite the glitz and glamour, is starting to take a more humanitarian face.
I do hope that people will, more and more, see the reason why Pageants such as Miss Universe exist not for beautiful women to claw their way up to be named the fairest of them all.
Miss Universe should highlight more on their efforts to bring goodness to those who need it around the globe.
Candidates should also be briefed more on not just the competition on poise, brains, and body, but also to the needs of the most vulnerable in the planet.
These could be further done through the Q&A portion.
(rizsunio@gmail.com)