On Beauty Queens

The newspapers in the Philippines recently covered many issues about the recently concluded Miss Universe Pageant. Miss Philippines, who had an equal shot at getting the title, did a 'major, major' blunder in the question and answer portion. For someone who is suppose to be top of her class, Venus Raj's reply was short of being impressive.

To add insult to injury was the statement made by a former Philippine Miss Universe (saying her name just makes it stinky) insinuating that 'Cebuanos hardly speak English' is just a denigration to the dignity of a Bisaya.

Any Cebuano's reaction to that statement must have blown their top thinking what an A.H she was. I too was not spared from being angry. But then again, what if Pokwang ,Annabelle Rama, or Pilar Pilapil , true bloodied Cebuanas, would have said it, will we be as offended as we are now?

How is it when the blacks insult their kind or that the gays make fun of themselves, it is okay. But if someone other than their kind makes fun of them, it is derogatory and discriminating?

In his book, “the Four Agreements”, Mexican author Don Miguel Ruiz advises on truths that lessen the sufferings of men.

One of the agreement is to speak impeccably the truth and without malice. Which probably the ex-Miss Universe failed. If she meant that beauty queens should speak in a language and manner comfortable to them, then she should have said it in clearer way instead of saying what she did, as seen in the video being circulated.

Another agreement from the book states that we should not take anything personally. What most people normally say and do is a projection of their own reality, and is as much a scenario in their own dream. When one is immune to the opinions and actions of another, then one can not be a victim of suffering. How many of us are often victims of statements not really intended for us, yet we take it as if it were our own. In my Philosophy class in college I remember Madame Quisumbing and Miss Hernando make statements of “If's...thens...” So if given the statement, “Cebuano's hardly speak English”....and I rephrase that statement to , “I am Cebuano,but I speak English.” is the statement true or false?....

Although ex-beauty (in her follow up statements) erred in her words about the language, the gist of the matter is that Cebuanos have hard tongues---oh! So that's it! Didnt someone say she has a Cebuano boyfriend? In case of power failure, he has the--- Oh! Oh!!! and OOOOHHHh! See that's why our Cebuano men are great lovers...hehehehe!

Making assumptions in any situation often leads to misunderstanding. The word 'assume' has the acronym phrases that when you make assumptions, you make an ASS out of U and ME. It is better to clarify than conclude. The reporter who re-interviewed the ex-beauty should have showed her the video of her statements. Not only has she earned the title of EX-Beauty, she has now garnered the title, “MISS DENIAL QUEEN”.

It is very difficult to unscramble a beaten egg, or to collect back feathers that flew. It is even harder to take back what has already been said. And added to that, the three most difficult words to say is ,”I AM SORRY.” Pride has its cost, and could be a very expensive one.

As a Cebuano, I can forgive what Ms. Gloria Diaz said,(there I gave her name) but the pain I have with my fellow Cebuanos can only be healed through time. I do not know how long this scenario between the Cebuanos and GD will end, but I hope it will be a happy ending. We are after all Filipinos.

And I do like what MARGIE MORAN ,Miss Universe 1973 replied when she was asked : "What’s the difference between being Miss Universe and being a Filipina?" Her reply: "Being Miss Universe is like having a birthstone, you may lose it. Being a Filipina is like having a birthmark, its forever."

Now that's what I call ….good answer!...good answer!!!...and being Cebuana to me is just icing on the cake....




the one and only beauty queen of my heart...gorgeous..stunning...