Thursday, May 31, 2007



swinging by a pageant

Miss Universe 2007 was indeed the most watched television show yesterday; featuring beautiful, witty women all over world, straight up from Albania down to Zambia. All 77 contestants were truly beauty and brains (and legs). I can say that (among the top 15) Ms Brazil, Ms Thailand and Ms Japan caught my eye-- they were true extraordinaires. Sadly though, our own Ms Anna Theresa Licaros wasn't able to bag a spot. But, true enough, God works in different ways and as the show progressed, I was happy enough to boast that our Ms Philippines did indeed win as Ms Photogenic-- and this is the second time around. I believe she was one of the prettiest ladies on stage (I am not siding with her just because she's a Filipina) and fit enough to be representing our country. As the show went on though, I was able to witness one of the tragic parts wherein Smith, Ms USA, was walking down the aisle (in her evening gown) and actually fell on her butt. The crowd went "awe" and Mexicanos (I think) were trying to put her down. But, she still got up (so quickly) and went through the runway. Surprisingly, this embarrassing moment didn't get her to feel too much insecurity. Just imagine tripping down in front of the thousands watching you live and the millions watching you through the television. My, oh my! If I was in her place, I would have even run backstage. So, I completely, completely admire her for still bringing up that smile and who would have known, she emerged as a fourth runner-up.

What really captivated me that night was the fact that Asian women kind of hit the spot this time. I mean, Korea got in top 5; Japan won Ms Universe 2007; Ms Congeniality was Ms China; and Ms Photogenic was Ms Philippines. So, why all Asian? No idea. Maybe, fate has turned to us this time, allowing the citizens of the largest continent to bag a title. True and fair enough.

behind its success

Yet, there are controversies behind the success of the Miss Universe 2007 Pageant. As the newspaper stated, there were indeed protests going on and one contestant backed-out-- complaining that it was against what is right.

I have had the chance to read something about all these pageant shows-- how unnatural and cruel it is because it gave an altered meaning to the word beautiful-- thin, tall, pretty-looking face; and if you are the opposite, then you are not pretty. How cruel indeed! I do not know whether I am to agree that pageant shows are inapproriate or whether to contradict the theory others proposed. Maybe, it is a point stated on each other's side. Pageants may have been, in a way, a source of insecurity because really, women featured in these types of shows are THIN, TALL and PRETTY. So, who would then make way for women who are neither thin nor tall? (I am part of that group)

Well, pageants may have their way but people should not allow themselves to be swallowed up by media influences and neither should they let themselves down. All people are created differently for varying reasons. We each have our own distinct personalities which make us unique from others. And what about being beautiful? OH C'MON, who is stupid enough to believe that beautiful means tall, thin and pretty-looking only?!? Better look at yourself first because true beauty comes from within not from without.

**Photo Courtesy of Miss Universe 2007