This article is an exerpt from The Best of Ang Pinaka published by Summit Books. Available in bookstores for P250!
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It’s no secret that the question-and-answer portion is always the most interesting part of beauty pageants. Sabi nga nila, ang deserving na beauty queen ay maganda ang mukha at maganda ang sagot. Here’s a list of the most memorable answers from the likes of Ruffa, Venus, and Shamcey.
10. Jeannie Anderson
WHEN: 2006 Binibining Pilipinas
QUESTION: “If you were given the chance to be beautiful but not so smart or very smart but not so beautiful, which would you prefer?”
ANSWER: “Well, I’d rather choose to be beautiful. To be beautiful, it’s natural. But being smart, you can learn. You can learn a lot of things. You can learn from a lot of experience. You can learn from a lot of things to be smart.”
9. Miriam Quiambao
WHEN: 1999 Miss Universe
QUESTION: “If Miss Universe were to become pregnant during her reign, should she be allowed to continue as Miss Universe?”
ANSWER: “That’s a very difficult situation to be in, and I believe that if Miss Universe becomes pregnant, she should continue with her reign if she has been a good example, if she has pursued all the goals that she had in the first place.”
8. Ruffa Gutierrez
WHEN: 1993 Miss World
QUESTION: “What would you tell a girl who’s suffering from low self-esteem to make her feel better about herself?”
ANSWER: “I’ll tell her to believe in herself, because it’s not only physical beauty that’s important but also inner beauty. Like what the Little Prince said, ‘What is essential is invisible to the naked eye.’ And I believe that character and personality are more important than physical beauty.”
7. Shamcey Supsup
WHEN: 2011 Miss Universe
QUESTION: “Would you change your religion to marry the person you love?”
ANSWER: “If I had to change my religious beliefs, I would not marry the person that I love, because the first person I love is God, who created me. And I have my faith and my principles, and this is what makes me who I am. If that person loves me, he should love my God, too.”
6. Charlene Gonzalez
WHEN: 1994 Miss Universe
QUESTION: “How many islands in the Philippines are there?”
ANSWER: “High tide or low tide?”
5. Margie Moran
WHEN: 1973 Miss Universe
QUESTION: “Let’s make believe that you have a million dollars. What would you buy?”
ANSWER: “A house and lot, because it’s the most expensive thing and I can’t afford it. If I had a million bucks, I’d buy a house and lot and live by myself and other people, of course. ”
4. Melanie Marquez
WHEN: 1979 Miss International
QUESTION: “What part of your body would you change?”
ANSWER: “I won’t change my legs, because I’m contented with my long legged.”
3. Janina San Miguel
WHEN: 2008 Binibining Pilipinas
QUESTION: “What role did your family play for you as a candidate in the Binibining Pilipinas pageant?”
ANSWER: “My family’s role for me is so important, because there was the… they’re…they was the one who’s very…oh, I’m so sorry. I’m okay. I’m so sorry. I told you that I’m so confident. Heto, uhm, wait. (Laughs nervously) Sorry, guys. Because this was really my first pageant ever because I’m only 17-years-old and I did not expect that I came from one of the top 10. But I said that my family is the most important persons in my life. Thank you.”
2. Venus Raj
WHEN: 2010 Miss Universe
QUESTION: “What was the one big mistake in your life, and what would you do to make it right?”
ANSWER: “In my 22 years of existence, I can say that there is nothing major, major, I mean, problem that I’ve done in my life. I’m confident that my family, with the love that they are giving to me. Thank you so much that I am here. Thank you, thank you so much.”
1. Gloria Diaz
WHEN: 1969 Miss Universe
QUESTION: “If a man from the moon landed in your hometown, what would you do to entertain him?”
ANSWER: “Just the same things I do. I think that if he has been on the moon for so long, I think when he comes over, he wants a change, I guess.”
