The "identical" long gowns of Dayana Mendoza and Jennifer Barrientos, Miss Philippines Universe 2008

I was browsing video clips of Miss Universe 2008 in Vietnam when I took notice an odd similarity on the gowns of Miss Venezuela Dayana Mendoza, who eventually won the title, and Miss Philippines Jennifer Barrientos, who didn't make the semi-final.

I am expecting you will disagree with me since most of us are very critical when it comes to the dresses and wardrobes of any Miss Philippines titleholders. Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Incorporated (BPCI)has the reputation of providing mediocre or outdated long gowns to their girls. I still remember the comments of fans on Jennifer's gown during the pageant - the gown was a mess and 80-ish.

Miss Venezuela Organization, on the other hand, under the leadership of pageant guru, Osmel Sousa, is known with its stylish and fashion-forward long gowns. The organization gives their girls only the best wardrobes in the pageant.

So, you might probably think that comparing the gown of a Miss Philippines to a Miss Venezuela is an insult because it is like putting a diamond side by side with a stone. But try to see the video clips after the pictures.

This is the yellow gown of Miss Venezuela, Dayana Mendoza.

This is the Alfredo Barraza gown of Miss Philippines, Jennifer Barrientos. It is very obvious, this gown is much inferior with that of Dayana.

Now look on their evening gown presentations during the preliminary competitions.

Here is Jennifer with her evening gown in motion.

Here is Dayana with her evening gown in motion.

So, what have you seen? The gowns are identical onstage except for the colors. The effects or the amount of lights on the stage could also be the reason. Jennifer carried the gown well. She had a fantastic presentation although the gown was a trash. But definitely, Dayana had a better performance in a better gown.

While Jennifer was trying to be regal and sophisticated in her moves, Dayana opted to be more fluid with her flirty walks. She was like dancing the way she swayed her hips and her shoulders. She also gave emphasis on the slits of her gowns with her twirl and the position of her legs when she paused.

Pinay beauties' edge over Latin ladies: Warmth

I have been observing how beauty pageants are being taken for the last 20 years. I have heard lots of backstage stories of most of the contestants. It is countless. One thing I have observed is the diversion of what could be the original purpose of the pageant which is to build friendship and camaraderie among the participating countries. It is supposed to be for fun but things aren't the same nowadays.

Beauty pageants, though this are really contests, has reached a new dimension. This is being taken uber now. Contestants usually bitch other contestants not to mention also the fact that pageants fans insult, bash, and criticize heavily every candidates and even supporters of a particular country. Racist comments are thrown to each and everyone. This is pathetic. The purpose is now defeated.

I don't see something wrong in being so competitive but not to the point of bitching around. A friendly atmosphere should always be observed since this is one of the reasons for the staging of the pageant. Candidates should still learn to befriend each and everyone.

I want to share an interesting article about an interview of the three Binibining Pilipinas winners this year. Miss Philippines-Universe Jennifer Barrientos (who competed in Vietnam last Miss Universe pageant), Miss Philippines-World Danielle Castano (who replaced Janina San Miguel as Philippine representative to the Miss World 2008 pageant in South Africa) and Miss Philippines-International Patricia Fernandez had an interview with a Philippines local television show.

In the interview, Jennifer Barrientos talked about the difference of Filipina beauties to other beauties especially the South Americans. She said her contemporaries are friendlier to their fellow candidates.

Pinay beauties' edge over Latin ladies: Warmth

SOURCE: LINK

For years now Latin ladies have dominated the world of international beauty pageants but Filipino beauties are unfazed.

Reigning Binibining (Bb) Pilipinas Universe Jennifer Barrientos, Bb. Pilipinas World Danielle Castaño and Bb. Pilipinas International Patricia Fernandez said Filipino beauties are unique.

In an interview on “Mornings@ANC,” the three women said Filipinas have their own style.

“We show more warmth and friendliness,” Fernandez said.

It is not easy being a beauty queen though. Before they can represent the country in international competitions, the winners of the prestigious beauty contest are required to undergo rigorous trainings.

Barrientos emphasized the importance of preparing for the competitions.

“The secret is how you prepare and how you keep the power within. It’s how you concentrate, keep your focus,” she said.

Castaño, on the other hand, said: “Just finish school first before you go into something like beauty pageants and then that’s when you focus. If you want something and just keep dreaming, just be strong and you’ll succeed.”

The hard work though pays off even if the country’s representatives fail to bring home the crown.

Barrientos, who represented the country in Miss Universe 2008 held in Vietnam, for instance, said because of the experience she got to meet new friends from other countries.

“The whole experience was very fun. I got to meet new people, new friends from other countries. And I got to experience all of the things that other beauty queens experienced,” she said.

Fernandez and Castaño are set to compete in Macau and South Africa, respectively, in the coming months.

“I really pray that I will be able to bring honor to our country but, of course, I could only prepare,” said Fernandez who is leaving the country next week for the Miss International competition in November.

For Castaño, she said she has been undergoing trainings to prepare her for the Miss World pageant in December.

Ever wondered what’s up with beauty queen hand wave? The three beauties said it is for picture taking.

In the first picture is Miss Philippines-International Patricia Fernandez and in the second picture is Miss Philippines-Universe Jennifer Barrientos. Photo credits to OPMB and Binibining Pilipinas.