Miss Philippines-World 2008 Passes Her Crown

What is the real deal?

This is the deeper question to the reported backing out of Janina San Miguel, Philippine representative to the Miss World 2008 pageant to be held in South Africa later this year.

Janina became a household name when she humbled herself during her national pageant, Binibining Pilipinas, for "murdering the English language" at the final question and answer portion. She buckled and totally gave in to the unadaptive audience. It was probably the lowest point of her life but she managed to stand up.

You can watch the video by clicking this link on youtube.

Janina won the top honor by grabbing the top crown in the pageant, the Bibinibing Pilipinas (Miss Philippines) - World in March 2008. She was supposed to compete in South Africa this September but yesterday, it was announced she quit the title. The reason is because of the death of her grandfather.

The first runner up, Danielle Castano, will replace Janina.

This could have been the best opportunity for Janina to redeem herself during the Miss World pageant. By watching her videos and photos, this girl has what it takes to become a winner. Her beauty is exotic and with proper training she could have nailed down the competition.

What makes me sick is the reality that her people was never supportive of her instead they lambasted the poor girl 24/7. No doubt, the experience was a traumatic for Janina. The criticism is too much too handle for a 17 year old lady. Instead of helping her, she is figuratively pulled down by torturing her mentally, spiritually and psychologically.

I strongly believe Janina could have thought of using the opportunity to strike revenge by proving to the Filipino people she can deliver. At one time she was determined but the constant name calling from abusive beauty pageants fans put her down. She was beaten up - psychologically. She gave up. She succumbed under pressure. She got something that will forever haunt her - an incident that demoralized not only her but also her whole family.

I don't understand why the Filipino people put emphasis too much on the English language. Speaking the language fluently is a not a basis of intelligence. Janina is a Filipino who does speak not English but her mother tongue. So what is the big deal of requiring her to speak in English if she speaks Tagalog?

I feel for Janina. I fully understand her but I will not understand people who see putting a pinch of salt in an open wound something funny. May I ask the detractors of Janina. Can you speak Japanese or German or French or Afrikaans? Most of you don't but the world is not laughing at you. The world understands you. Why can't you give the same respect to a 17 year lady who does not speak English?

But what is the real deal here? Did Janina really quit or she was forced to resign. Did Janina really give in to pressure or is it the organizer who gave in to the pressure?

Whatever the real score is, something is clear here. There is a deeper reason other than the loss of a grandfather.

I am including a news on this which I copied from this link.

Bb. Pilipinas-World 2008 Janina San Miguel has decided to quit as the Philippines' representative to the Miss World 2008 beauty pageant that will be held on December 14 at Johannesburg, South Africa.

In a statement sent to the press by the Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) earlier tonight, September 29, San Miguel cited the recent death of her grandfather as the reason of her decision to back out from the competition.

The statement read: "The untimely demise of her grandfather, among other personal reasons, has caused her undue stress, thus hindering her from fulfilling her duties for the said title... BPCI wishes to express its gratitude to Ms. San Miguel for this act of graciousness and concern for the country. They also wish her well in her future endeavors."

As per the rules and regulations of the BPCI, Binibining Pilipinas 2008 first runner-up Danielle Castaño will take over Janina's duties as the country's representative to the Miss World 2008.

Janina made the headlines earlier this year during the Bb. Pilipinas competition when she fumbled in the question-and-answer portion. The critics lambasted her for "murdering the English language" while some found enjoyment watching the video of that particular moment in YouTube. But in the end, she still went home with the Bb. Pilipinas-World crown.

The Philippines has yet to win the Miss World crown. The closest we got to the crown was when Evangeline Pascual placed 1^st runner-up in 1973. Actress Ruffa Gutierrez became 2^nd runner-up in 1993.

Binibining Pilipinas First Runner up, Danielle Castano, replaces Janina San Miguel as Philippine representative to the Miss World 2008 pageant.

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