Trivia: No Miss Congeniality has Gone to Win the Miss Universe Title

The Miss Universe is a prestigious international event that has grown since its inception from 1952. The international beauty pageant with participants from over 80 nations is bound to have some interesting trivia.

In this space we have provided you with such information that is not very commonly known. The origin of the Miss Universe beauty pageant was shrouded with a controversial start. The local bathing beauty contest, spearheaded by Catalina Swimwear in Long Beach, CA metamorphosed into the international annual tradition of Miss Universe 2008. It was when Miss America 1951 Yoland Betbeze refused to wear swimwear for Catalina Swimwear that the brand’s manufacturer Pacific Mills pulled out of the event and started Miss Universe beauty pageant.

The controversies related to the event began from the inception of the beauty pageant. Armi Kuusela of Finland, who became the first Miss Universe in 1952, gave up her crown shortly before her one year reign as the Miss Universe ended. The beauty from Finland did so as she wished to get married to a Filipino tycoon, Virgilio Hilario.

Another Miss Universe who resigned prior to the full one year completion as her Miss Universe reign was Miss Universe 1974, Amparo Munoz. Ms Munoz resigned her title in the six month of her reign.

Though the event is bases on global harmony and equity, there have been incidents in the past when protests have occurred against some of the contestants of the event. In 1993, Miss USA Kenya Moore was booed by the local crowds, when the event was held in Mexico. Fourteen years later in 2007, when the event was again organized in Mexico, Miss USA Rachel Smith was booed by the local crowds owing to what they saw as US unfriendliness toward illegal immigrants.

In another interesting incident Miss Universe 1996, Alicia Machado of Venezuela was warned by the Miss Universe organization as she had exceeded the maximum weight required during her reign.

In the year 1999, Miss Guam Universe Trisha Elaine Heflin was barred from participating in the Miss Universe 1999 for being pregnant. The Miss Universe 1999, Mpule Kwelagobe however won the title that year as she gave a fitting reply to the controversial question, whether a Miss Universe who became pregnant be allowed to continue her reign. The young lady from Botswana to the question replied that a Miss Universe should be allowed to continue her reign as being pregnant was a sign of femininity, which Miss Universe stands for.

The Miss Universe 2007 was also a hotbed for interesting and unique information. Miss Sweden, Isabel Lestapier Winqvist, unexpectedly pulled out from the event owing to complaints in her country that the beauty pageant degrades women. Sweden has won the coveted crown three times in the past.

It will be an interesting fact to note that no Miss Congeniality has ever gone to win the Miss Universe title.

The newly constituted nation Kosovo has sent its delegate for Miss Universe 2008 for the first time in the beauty pageant in Vietnam.

NOTE: In the picture is Miss China who won Miss Congeniality at theMiss Universe 2007 pageant in Mexico.

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International Beauty Queens Who Set their Feet in Philippine Soil

You may have read some of these in my previous posts but it is fun to collet them in  one article written to us by Ricardo Lo of Funfare. The subject is about international beauty queens who set their feet in Philippine soil. This is the  time when Philippines was a super beauty power in the world and the leading country in Asia.

Ricardo opened his article by saying "Celso sent the following nostalgia piece about Miss International beauties who visited the Philippines, plus an interesting sidelight about Gemma Cruz, the Philippines' first international title-holder."

• Maria Stella Marquez Zawadsky of Colombia, the first Miss International (1960), arrived in Manila on March 31, 1961 on Pan American Airways flight. She appeared in the Pageant of World Beauty Queens held on April 5 to 11 that same year at the Araneta Coliseum (where she and Jorge Araneta, now her husband, first met). Sponsored by The Manila Chronicle, the show was for the benefit of The Foundation for Gifted Children headed by then First Lady Leonila D. Garcia. With Stella were three of her runners-up: namely Iona Pinto of India (first), Sigridur Geirsdottir of Iceland (second) and Joyce Kay of England (third); semi-finalists Edita Vital (Miss Philippines), Michiko Takagi (Miss Japan) and Christl D'Cruz (Miss Singapore).

The two-hour presentation showcased elegant ternos created by Ramon Valera, costumes and ensembles worn by famous stars in multi-million dollar Hollywood productions such as Song Without End, Oklahoma, Desiree, The King and I and The Alamo. It also featured the reenactment of Stella's coronation as Miss International.

• Constance "Stanny" van Baer of Holland, Miss International 1961, arrived in Manila on Dec. 13, 1961 for that year's Pageant of World Beauty Queens also at the Araneta Coliseum. The show was part of Christmas Cavalcade topbilled by American balladeers Jerry Valle and Don Cherry. Adding glitter to the show were local beauties Pilar Arciaga (Miss Philippines-International 1961), Cynthia Ugalde (Miss Press Photography of the Philippines 1961) and Helen Gamboa (first runner-up Miss Press Photography of the Philippines 1961); together with Sigrun Ragnarsdottir (Miss Iceland and fourth runner-up Miss International 1961), Renate Moller (Miss Germany and semi-finalist Miss International 1961), Carmen Anze (Miss Bolivia 1961), Julie Koh (Miss Singapore 1961 who failed to compete in the pageant because she was ill of hepatitis), Sharon Wiley (Miss Oregon 1961) and Marlene Loren (1961 Miss California and third runner-up Miss USA 1961).

• Nine days after she was crowned as Miss International 1964, Gemma Cruz and her mom Chitang Nakpil headed for Manila for her much-awaited homecoming. During a stop-over in Honolulu, Gemma bought a grass skirt for herself. On board the same flight were the members of Bayanihan Dance Troupe fresh from their triumphant world tour. At exactly 7:02 a.m. on Aug. 24, 1964, PAL-operated KLM Flying Dutchman (dubbed as "Miss International Flight") touched down at the Manila International Airport. Over 200,000 jubilant Filipinos (the largest ever to welcome a returning Filipina international beauty queen) lined up the streets from the airport to Escolta to her house in San Juan.

Then Manila Mayor Antonio Villegas declared that day Araw ni Gemma and awarded her a golden medallion as Outstanding Manilan (the first time such an award was given by the city). A song titled Gemma (a "habanera") was specially composed in her honor by Prof. Felipe Padilla de Leon (translator of the original lyrics of Lupang Hinirang from Spanish to Tagalog and National Artist for Music, 1997) which was sung by Tony Toledo during the reception given by Mayor Villegas. Late that afternoon, Gemma paid a courtesy call to Pres. Diosdado Macapagal who bestowed on her the Golden Heart Presidential decoration. A formal tea party was tendered by First Lady Eva Macapagal and was graced by beauty queens Stella Marquez de Araneta, Cristina Galang-Caedo (Miss Philippines 1953), Monina Yllana-Fernando (Miss Philippines 1963 and semi-finalist in Miss International that year), Bessie Ocampo-Buencamino (Miss Philippines 1954 and semi-finalist in Miss Universe that year) and Edith Nakpil-Rabat (Miss Philippines 1956). Composer and public school teacher Alice Doria-Gamilla presented to Gemma the lyric sheets of her compositions, Gemma and My Wonderful World is You.

A Letter From the First Miss Universe to the Filipinos

From the same newspaper where I got my earlier post on Armi Kuusela, here is another published letter from our first Miss Universe winner who obviously loved the Philippines.

Message from ARMI WILLIAMS

(former Hilario, former Kuusela)

Miss Universe 1952

I arrived in the Philippines in February 1953 as a young and impressionable Miss Universe to attend the official opening ceremonies of the first international fair in Manila. I was completely overwhelmed by the outpouring enthusiasm, warmth and adoration of the crowds of people wherever I went. I had never expected anything quite so magnificent – nor the extraordinary and special arrangements that were made to make me feel welcome and comfortable.

I was invited to stay in the Presidential Suite of the Manila Hotel. I had my own Miss Universe committee to take care of my every need and to provide advice and companionship throughout my stay. Among the many exciting events that I particularly remember, was the party in my honour in Malacanang Palace given by the President of the Philippines, President Quirino. It was truly like living a dream. I remember shedding copious tears as I waved my final goodbyes to the many who came to see me off. Little did I know then that I would return so soon.

When I returned to the Philippines some months later as a young bride, married to Virgilio Hilario a new chapter in my life was to unfold. I was faced with a great many challenges and obligations – many of which I had not foreseen. For one, I had naively thought that I would live a quiet and peaceful life of a wife away from the limelight, responsibilities and obligations of the first Miss Universe. That of course was not to be. I soon began my first public appearances in charity events and involvements in many facets of the community, adjusting to the totally different environments, climate, culture, customs of the country and my new home in Malate. It was exciting, but not without its problems and demands. Virgilio’s family and friends were always kind and ready with their advise – a big help to an inexperienced and often perplexed newcomer.

Some years later we started a family which eventually grew to include five children: three boys and two girls – a great joy to both of us. I was a busy mother as well as a business partner as I was always included in our business ventures. One of them being the Gilarmi Apartment Hotel, our first effort together as partners. It is still in existence and doing well, I hear, under new ownership. We were active in the Barrio Leaders Association movement and traveled the country as Gil was for many years the President of the organization. Our social life was busy with a great deal of entertaining for business and friends. We were even busier after Gil was named the Honorary Consul of Finland, a great honour that he was very proud of. He loved Finland and its people. The position gave us the opportunity to meet many important Finnish people from the world of business and diplomacy. One of our principal responsibilities was to arrange their schedules and official meetings with the leaders of the Philippines. We were able to bring together key representatives from both countries to further our mutual interests.

The years from 1953 until 1979, when we lived in the Philippines, were years of great personal growth, fulfillment and happiness for me. I will always remember the great kindness and affection of the Filipino people, and will always be grateful for the opportunity to have had this experience to live among these extraordinarily hospitable and generous people. I never lost touch with Finland as we were frequent visitors there.

When the children were old enough to travel, they came with us almost annually for long visits. Now the children live in five different countries: Arne in Santiago, Chile with his wife Carol, a son Cristobal (23 years) and daughter Maria Elisa (16 years); Anna-Lisa lives in Barcelona, Spain with her husband Luis, a daughter Katrin (18) and a son Alejandro (16); Jose/Jussi lives in Vancouver, Canada with his wife Jaqueline; Eva-Maria in Foster City, California with Carl, a daughter Natalie (14) and a son Eric (11); and Miguel/Mikko lives in Manila, Philippines.

The children have their roots in the Philippines where they grew up and will always feel a part of the country although they live so far away now. Mikko is the only one who remained there. They, however, feel also great affection for Finland and its people whom they admire.

They have happy memories of their visits there. Now, having lived most of their lives abroad, I believe they feel like citizens of the world, but enriched by their multi-cultural and multi-national backgrounds.

As for keeping in touch with the news of the Philippines, I do have the opportunity through my friends who live there and who keep me informed of the current political events and new developments. I always read with great interest all the news I find in the press or see on television.

My wishes for the Philippines are that people live in peace, prosper and continue to live by the democratic principles and succeed in all their aspirations both at home and in the global arena.

~Armi Helena Williams~

1952 Miss Universe and her court

Armi Kuusela and his husband, Filipino Virgilio Hilario and their five children

Armi Kuusela Had to Give up her Crown to Marry Filipino Virgilio Hilario

It is a common knowledge in the world - especially for those who are beauty fanatics - that the first Miss Universe, Miss International and Miss Asia were all married to Filipinos. Coincidence? Or is it because the Filipinos are one of the great lovers in the world?

The first Miss Earth also from Denmark had a Filipino boyfriend in the name of Jomari Yllana but they did not end up marrying each other.

Let's pay tribute to the first ever Miss Universe, Armi Kuusela from Finland who married a handsome Filipino businessman, Virgilio Hilario, in Tokyo, Japan.

I was able to dig up a topic written by a Filipino writer, Ricardo F. Lo of The Philippine Star. The article was published on 28 June 2006 for his column, The Funfare.

A misty-eyed look at Armi Kuusela, the 1st Miss Universe

Fifty-four years ago today, a beautiful 17-year-old girl from Finland was crowned (by Hollywood actress Piper Laurie) the first Miss Universe at a glittering ceremony at The Municipal Auditorium in Long Beach, California, with a court of honor composed of Hawaii’s Elza Kananionapua Edsman (first runner-up), Greece’s Daisy Mavraki (second runner-up), Hong Kong’s Judy Dan (third runner-up) and Germany’s Renate Hoy (fourth runner-up).

Her name: Armi Helena Kuusela.

Nobody could have imagined that Armi would become an adopted daughter of the Philippines when she married Virgilio Hilario. Their love story was immortalized in a movie entitled Now and Forever.

On March 9, 1953, nine months after she won the Miss U title, Armi was invited by the Philippine International Fair Committee to crown that year’s Miss Philippines. During her stay (until April 11, same year), Armi paid a courtesy call on then President Elpidio Quirino, Supreme Court justices, senators and congressmen; laid a wreath at the Bonifacio Monument; visited Maryknoll College (now Miriam College), UP, Ateneo de Manila, the Balara Filtration Plant and Baguio City where she met Virgilio through a blind date.

Funfare’s "other beauty expert" Celso Caparas (now working in the Middle East) recalls the rest of Armi’s memorable stay in the Philippines:

On March 12, the lawmakers discarded their usual "parliamentary sobriety" when Armi called on then Senate President Eulogio Rodriguez and Speaker Eugenio Perez. Smitten by Armi’s beauty, then Rep. Ferdinand E. Marcos (Ilocos Norte) introduced himself as the only eligible bachelor in the House and confessed that his knees gave way after meeting her up close and personal.

Prior to the Miss Philippines coronation night, Armi had a personal appearance in the Show of Shows topbilled by Dolphy, Katy dela Cruz, Bayani Casimiro, Chichay and Tolindoy at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. On March 20, Armi crowned Cristina de Leon Galang (1953 Miss Philippines), with Benigno Aquino Jr. as her escort. Cristina’s court of honor included Violeta Villamor (1953 Miss Visayas and Pearl of the Orient), Gilda Gruet Walstrom (Miss Mindanao), Norma Jimenez (Miss Manila) and Imelda Trinidad Romualdez (Muse of Manila).

Two days before her departure, Armi danced the rigodon de honor with the winners of the Miss Philippines contest and prominent social figures during the Farewell Ball held at the fair’s open auditorium. Shedding tears, Armi left the country on April 11 for Hong Kong and Japan with a heavy heart. She expressed her desire to stay in the Philippines because of the warm hospitality accorded to her.

Indeed, she won the hearts of the Filipinos particularly then 25-year-old Virgilio "Gil" Hilario who studied banking, marketing and foreign trade in Columbia University and at the same time worked with the Philippine National Bank in New York. Friends in the know believe that one of the reasons why Armi was swept off her feet by Gil was because of his dancing skills. Gil was an expert in mambo, samba, rumba and other ballroom steps.

Gil followed Armi on her trip to Tokyo where they arrived on April 26 on separate planes. Their romance blossomed in Tokyo until they mutually agreed to get married on her 19th birthday on Aug. 20. He gave her a three-carat diamond engagement ring. But love couldn’t wait. On the wee hours of May 3, Gil was involved in a scuffle when he defended Armi from a drunken American newspaperman who tried to harass Armi inside the Cosmopolitan Nightclub.

Before the incident, Armi chose to give up her Miss Universe crown and title, her plans to take up physical education and language and make more movies but decided to marry that day instead. Gil was sporting a black right eye when he exchanged marriage vows with Armi (who wore a blue nylon lace gown and carried a small bouquet of roses), officiated by Rev. Fr. Bruno Blitter, at the St. Ignatius Church in Yatsuya, Tokyo, with her sister Irma Kyromies as matron of honor and Roberto Villanueva (then VP of Chronicle Publications) as best man, Gil’s close friend. She received a brand new 1952 Cadillac as a wedding gift.

After their two-month honeymoon in the US and Europe, the couple settled in the Philippines. Their love story was immortalized into a movie, Now and Forever, which was shown on Dec. 29, 1953 at Center and Palace theaters.

Back home, Armi had a film under her name, Maailman Kaunein Tyttö (or The Most Beautiful Girl in the World). In 1955, Armi (with Gil) visited Finland for the first time since 1953, and the couple did a Finnish documentary film, Pohjolan Tähtitaivaan Alla (or Under The Northern Stars).

They had five children and six grandchildren who now live in different parts of the globe, namely: Arne, Anna-Lisa, Jose/Jussi, Eva-Maria and Miguel/Mikko (the only one based in Manila).

Gil and Armi were active in the Barrio Leaders Association of which Gil was the president. Gil was even named the Honorary Consul of Finland which elated Armi no end. From 1954 to 1956, Gil played the role of John in the passion play, Martir sa Golgota, staged at the Manila Grand Opera House, with Gloria Romero as the Virgin Mary. Armi became a Camay Girl and she posed with her family for print and commercial ads.

Gil died on Sept. 7, 1975. Armi remarried, to Albert Williams, a US diplomat, on June 8, 1978. They are now living in La Jolla, San Diego, California, where she is active in various community undertakings and deeply involved in cancer research.