Shamcey Supsup, Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2011
It was very kind of Bb. Pilipinas Charities Inc. to let selected members of the press (including this blogger) to sneak in on Shamcey Supsup’s photoshoot. BPCI will be choosing photos from this session to send as her official registration photos to the Miss Universe Pageant 2011 which will be held in Sao Paolo, Brazil in September.
BPCI’s founder, Madame Stella Araneta was present in a mustard brown jacket and black pants. Her South American hospitality emerged when she personally opened the doors to let us into the Gateway suite where she proudly presented Shamcey Supsup and the rest of her court – Dianne Necio (Bb. Pilipinas International 2011), Isabella Manjon (Bb. Pilipinas Tourism 2011), 1st Runner-up Janine Tugonon and 2nd Runner-up MJ Lastimosa. Also present were Czarina Gatbonton (Bb. Pilipinas World 2010) and Venus Raj, the Bicolana who made us all proud when she placed 4th runner-up in Miss Universe 2010.
L-R Madame Stella Araneta, MJ Lastimosa, Venus Raj, Czarina Gatbonton, Isabella Manjon, Dianne Necio
After we all settled down, Shamcey Supsup made her entrance in an aquamarine Cumbia gown. Her figure was still slight as a whisper but I noticed more rounded shoulders and more shapely arms. During the Q&A session she had with the press right before her photoshoot, Shamcey Supsup admitted that “Trainer to the Beauty Queens” John Jay Cuay was pushing her hard in the gym – she’s not the exercising type but with all the tight bodies competing in Miss Universe, Shamcey needs to gain better muscle tone. So far, she’s gained 7lbs (since she won Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2011) by eating more protein and cutting back on rice which is a tough thing for Shamcey Supsup. She said, “I can’t live without rice. It’s the Filipina in me. I need two cups for every meal but now I only have one cup per meal.” She added that she needed to gain about 3 more pounds to reach the goal that John Cuay has set for her.
Shamcey Supsup, Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2011 handles questions from the press with grace!
As I listened to her field questions from the press, half my mind wandered to the first time I saw her in the line-up of final contestants for Bb. Pilipinas 2010. She was my choice for the Universe crown the second I saw her, mostly because of her stunning smile which lights up her face like the spreading an angel’s wings. Now I don’t want to turn poetic on you so let me just say I was pleased as pie when she won the Bb. Pilipinas Universe title that night.
After the pageant, I stumbled upon her Mother (Tita Marcie Supsup) and her Aunt Joan. I spent nearly an hour with these two ladies, partying at one corner of Shamcey’s victory party, rejoicing as we demolished hors d’oeuvres. We also fellowshipped together – I discovered that just like me, they were Born Again Christians and in the course of our conversation, Tita Marcie asked for prayers for Shamcey to always honor God and avoid all the pitfalls she meets on the beauty queen path.
Tita Marcie, who named Shamcey after a character in a Mills and Boon romance novel, said that her daughter was just like Esther in the Bible who was chosen over many other beautiful women by the King to be his bride. But Esther’s story doesn’t end there – she goes on to save her people the Hebrews by convincing the King not to kill them. I wonder if Shamcey Supsup will go on to do even greater things just like Queen Esther…
But my mind wanders. Back at the photo shoot, Shamcey Supsup deftly evades a touchy question – Will she choose to have a translator in the Miss Universe pageant or will she speak in English? After beating around the bush a little she said, “What matters most is the content and not really the medium or the language).” Then she went on in pure Filipino to say that both languages are important. Did she answer the question? Not really. Not even after they asked her a second time, “So will you have a translator?” She continued to hedge the issue most graciously. I think President PNoy should hire her to be his spokesperson.
So many beauty queens! L-R Czarina Gatbonton, Janine Tugonon, Venus Raj, Shamcey Supsup, Dianne Necio, MJ Lastimosa and Isabella Manjon
As she continued to answer questions, I got the feeling she wouldn’t be needing a translator and won’t be asking for one either. Hindi naman kasi talaga niya kailangan. The girl makes sense when she speaks and her grammar is solid. I don’t know why Filipinos are so finicky about English grammar when so many Miss Universe winners don’t even speak English!
Anywhoo, when it comes to Shamcey, I don’t think we need to worry about the Q&A portion. I was quite impressed by her answer to this question: Are there are any Architectural principles that you can apply to her beauty queen stint?
Without batting a lash extension, Shamcey quickly said,
“Yes, like symmetry and beauty – two important things in Architecture. Foundation is also very important. If you build a beautiful house, what use would it have if the foundation was weak? It would only be destroyed by floods and earthquakes.”
I told you she was a fast one!
But, as one commenter on my blog said, it’s not about how academically smart a contestant is; it’s about her beauty and competitiveness. I tend to agree with that opinion – Shamcey Supsup’s Magna Cum Laude honors in Architecture won’t win her the Miss Universe 2001, however, she will have to use her brains to strategize how to present herself before the judges.
Shamcey Supsup, Bb. Pilipinas 2011 (left) with Adventures of a Beauty Queen blog author Joyce Burton Titular
If I were in her shoes, this is what my strategy would be – I wouldn’t focus much on announcing my coconut’s contents. Instead, I’d maximize my best physical assets by being fierce on stage. When off-stage I’d be Miss Congeniality. And when facing the judges, I’d be smiling like there’s no tomorrow, enjoying my beautiful self and the people around me.
So, Shamcey Supsup has her work cut out for her – she still has days of training to go before she leaves for Miss Universe 2011. Currently, she’s studying Spanish and Portuguese, working out and dieting, practicing her catwalk and posing, and – dig this – she’ll be undergoing some further training with ABS-CBN. No details were given about it but it was confirmed by Stella Araneta that ABS-CBN will help her get comfortable strutting her stuff in front of TV cameras. Sounds exciting to me!
Shamcey Supsup, Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2011 (left) with Venus Raj, 4th Runner-up Miss Universe 2010. Venus is training Shamcey in her catwalk and posing techniques.
While I (and all pageant fans are excited) Shamcey says her own excitement is tempered by the pressure of meeting expectations – specially since Venus Raj gave us a major, major 4th runner-up victory in Miss Universe last year. I know it’s not fair to compare because we all have our own journeys to walk but it is very human to want our current queen to do better than previous one. I think it’s okay to want that, but I don’t think it’s okay to expect it.
Well, so there, we’ve gotten to know Shamcey Supsup a little more – here’s looking forward to the Miss Universe 2011 pageant and millions of TV channels all over the world flashing her smile on screen… a smile that’s just like the spreading of an angel’s wings.
Thanks to Madame Stella Araneta, Tessa Mangahas, Gus de Castro and Liliana of BPCI for your awesome hospitality!
Shamcey Supsup, Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2011... the best of luck to you!
Good luck Shamcey
I agree that we cannot compare her to Venus–> last year was such an amazing year for pageant fans… Im still at owe with how Venus managed to snatch the world’s attention. We fell in love with Venus not just because of the controversies but because she has the beauty and brains to support her campaign to win Ms U
Let’s admit that this year–there is no much drama and excitement for us to follow– well so far. Let’s just hope Shamcey wins everything quitely like the Gloria…or even Precious
after all Shamcey is very much in the mold of these women
Goodluck Ms. Shamcey, you can do it, I wish to be like you someday. You’re amazing. GO PHILIPPINES!!!
That was indeed a brilliant answer to the “architecture” question, wasn’t it? I knew she didn’t expect that kind of question when I asked her that, but I wasn’t surprised at how she impressively handled it. I kinda expected she’d give a brilliant reply to it. I’ve long wanted to ask her that. And I must say I’m not only satisfied with the response that I got from her, but also excited for the coming Miss Universe. Although I’m not only basing it on that single answer.
If in most cases we’d wish people to look beyond the physical attributes of a woman, in Shamcey’s situation I hope people would look beyond her intellect and see that she’s exceptionally beautiful as well. She really has it all. I’m certain she will make us proud.
Armin, thanks for asking it! And I am already proud of Shamcey as it is
she is both beautiful and intelligent, and it’s really nice if you have both attributes diba? Let’s give her all our support as she prepares for the Miss U 
Shamcey’s super smart. But I hope she catches up on highly controversial social and political issues in the U.S. — last year, Miss Jamaica was asked what she thought of the death penalty. This year, who knows — it might be the gay marriage question (recently passed into law in New York). These will be the type of questions asked. Maybe regularly read the New York Times (Mr. Trump’s hometown newspaper), especially the headline news, politics and editorials. My 2 cents.
Wow, that’s if she will have time to read the papers. The schedule of the candidates is killer. THey hardly have time for sleep, but you are right. Maybe she can do this during rehearsals… it does take so much time to organize 80 girls from all over the world with different languages…
Oh, by the way, that was my lanyard with the “Miss Universe” print on it. That was the first time I used it. Had it since this summer
I really planned to use it for my digital recorder.
And you’re right, I hope everybody supports her in her bid to become the country’s third Miss Universe titleholder.
BTW, you were GORGEOUS in the Boardwalk show. Saw you on TV last night. Totally mesmerizing. Way to go Miss Joyce!
Forgot to add: Your assessment of Shamcey also applise to you–”both beautiful and intelligent”
Venus was fierce during the Bb. Pilipinas and Miss Universe Pageants. You’ll notice her right away in all her photos. Even Miss Australia said that Philippines went there to win. She overshadowed other finalist and distracted the judges especially during the SS competition. Czech Republic was still strutting the catwalk pero na distract na mga tao kay Venus na nagpo pose sa likod. So, for me, iyon ang kailangan ni Shamcey, dapat mapansin siya without making an effort. I think it’s what you call the x-factor.
“I don’t know why Filipinos are so finicky about English grammar when so many Miss Universe winners don’t even speak English!”
Right, but the Miss Universe winners who didn’t speak English all used translators in the Q&A. And some past winners (like Miss Mexico in 2010) spoke English but opted to use a translator during the final Q&A anyway — this allowed her to snatch a few more moments onstage to think through her answer before opening her mouth. In the end, the English translator smoothed out her answer along with any gaffs she might have committed. A smart strategy I think.
LET US SUPPORT CHAMSEY 100% , HER VICTORY IS THE FILIPINO RACE TRIUMPH. SHE WILL BE A GOOD MISS UNIVERSE! GODBLESS!
Let us pray for Shamcey as she will compete in this years’ Ms Universe pageant in Sao Paulo Brazil. Sana lang mapansin nila ang angking ganda at talino nya. I heard na hindi sya kasali sa mga magpopromote ng Ms Universe, as we all know those who are chosen to promote Ms Universe usually advance as semi finalist. Good luck Shamcey we know you can make it no matter what..Go Philippines!!!
God bless you Shamcey…
Hi Ms Joyce, I didn’t see you at Shamcey’s sendoff
ARMIN! I saw you article on SHamcey’s departure though… I am Super Busy With A NEw Job kasi!!! More details next time.. mwahhhh
Wow! new job? Congratulations! Now we’ve something else to talk about other than pageants, LOL! See you around. Take care
Im a dubbing director now… assistant dubbing director… part time (it ate up part of my personal time, ugh) a perfect job for me since I have been voicing commercials etc for 15 years na
I am THOROUGHLY enjoying it!
Hoping for the best for Shamsey Supsup. Sana umeksena sya nang gusto para mapansin sya. Kaya lang sa mga TV interviews nya,nangangapa sya sumagot, pano pa kaya sa Q & A?
Talaga? She seemed confident answering questions during the few times I saw her. But it’s very diff when facing the cameras… anyway, let’s throw our support behind her!!!
Ever since, I am aware that Shamcey and her family is actively involved and part of our church, Victory, with a local congregation in GenSan, but now she’s based here in Manila for her Miss Universe preparation, I heard from my girlfriend’s friend that Shamcey and her family is currently attending our local congregation in Metro East and is regularly getting involved and visible every Sunday.
More than a month ago, we launched a church-based activity and to my surprise, Shamcey was there too. Later on, I found out that her mom and her boyfriend even signed-up for a “small group”involvement. That was the first time I’ve seen Shamcey in her simplicity—portaying simple tops, skinny jeans and flats—but all I can say is, she’s gorgeous. It was also my first time to see how she looks like without make-up, her skin is flawless, no face blemishes! And she really looks different now from the time she won BBP-Universe. A week after I got a chance to have a fellowship with Shamcey’s boyfriend in one of our weekday gathering and from there I learned from him more about Shamcey’s eagerness to train hard for the coming Miss Universe pageant. I also got a chance to speak with Shamcey’s mom and even got her number. ‘Twas amazing!
Moving on, just last July 31, Sunday, of course, excited to hear from God through the message from the preacher and from praise and worship, morning service schedule is my personal preference to attend. Just right after the first “praise” song, I didn’t noticed that Shamcey has already arrived until I saw her mom and her boyfriend. They were seated parallel to my seats. After the “praise and worship” and service transition, one of the pastors told us to greet and and have fellowship with others and get to know them. So, that’s what me and my girlfriend did, until I reached Shamcey’s mom’s hands for a handshake. After that, the moment I’ve been waiting for…..standing few inches away from me is Shamcey Supsup, the reigning Miss Universe Philippines in her simplicity and humility. I introduced myself to her then I extend my hand to her for a handshake…. …then she smiled back , and say, “I’m Shamcey!”, then I said, “I know”…hehe… sabi ko na lang, “September…Go for IT!”. That’s it!
After the service, it’s as if Shamcey’s in a hurry, I guess she has an appointment pa, kaya she waved na lang to us to say goodbye.
Simple but Great experience and encounter to share!
Ever since, I am aware that Shamcey and her family is actively involved and part of our church, Victory, with a local congregation in GenSan, but now she’s based here in Manila for her Miss Universe preparation, I heard from my girlfriend’s friend that Shamcey and her family is currently attending our local congregation in Metro East and is regularly getting involved and visible every Sunday.
More than a month ago, we launched a church-based activity and to my surprise, Shamcey was there too. Later on, I found out that her mom and her boyfriend even signed-up for a “small group”involvement. That was the first time I’ve seen Shamcey in her simplicity—portaying simple tops, skinny jeans and flats—but all I can say is, she’s gorgeous. It was also my first time to see how she looks like without make-up, her skin is flawless, no face blemishes! And she really looks different now from the time she won BBP-Universe. A week after I got a chance to have a fellowship with Shamcey’s boyfriend in one of our weekday gathering and from there I learned from him more about Shamcey’s eagerness to train hard for the coming Miss Universe pageant. I also got a chance to speak with Shamcey’s mom and even got her number. ‘Twas amazing!
Moving on, just last July 31, Sunday, of course, excited to hear from God through the message from the preacher and from praise and worship, morning service schedule is my personal preference to attend. Just right after the first “praise” song, I didn’t noticed that Shamcey has already arrived until I saw her mom and her boyfriend. They were seated parallel to my seats. After the “praise and worship” and service transition, one of the pastors told us to greet and and have fellowship with others and get to know them. So, that’s what me and my girlfriend did, until I reached Shamcey’s mom’s hands for a handshake. After that, the moment I’ve been waiting for…..standing few inches away from me is Shamcey Supsup, the reigning Miss Universe Philippines in her simplicity and humility. I introduced myself to her then I extend my hand to her for a handshake…. …then she smiled back , and say, “I’m Shamcey!”, then I said, “I know”…hehe… sabi ko na lang, “September…Go for IT!”. That’s it!
After the service, it’s as if Shamcey’s in a hurry, I guess she has an appointment pa, kaya she waved na lang to us to say goodbye.
Simple but Great experience and encounter to share!
http://missosology.info/forum/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=93639
Hey ther, i TRULY appreciate you sharing this story! It gives us a deeper look into who Shamcey really is. Bless your heart for sharing this and hope to see you AROUND!
I do agree with Glenn”s comment earlier that all those latin ladies that won Ms Universe in fact the past successive years did not answer the Q & A in English although I am sure they know how to speak the language as they all have degrees. They all spoke in their native language & had an english translator. I think this a good strategy for the contestant to have a few seconds to think & compose her answer to the question, then the translator presents it in English in a more sophisticated articulate form & manner thereby making the contestant look more intelligent & articulate.
Yes, it is a wise tactic… but I am predicting that if she reaches the Q&A portion Shamcey will speak in English. And I don’t think it’s professional for translators to ‘improve’ the answer – I’m betting that they are instructed to stick to direct translations
but you have so many great pieces of advice for Shamcey – let’s keep praying that she’ll go far!
You see no matter how intelligent a person is, we have to remember that we are also human. It is normal to be “nervous” especially when you are in such a situation like competing for Miss Universe. I watched a lot of contestants who lost their poise & confidence when they started getting rattled & stuttered trying to answer a difficult question. With a translator, a contestant can avoid that. But then the contestant needs to listen to the question carefully … then think for few seconds to formulate her response before opening her mouth.. meaning: she needs to have the right content/substance in her answer to the question, then the translator can elaborate it or present it in a flawless manner.
To Ms Supsup: GOOD LUCK!!! YOU GOT THE BRAINS & THE BEAUTY! no doubt about it!
Please stay current on what is going on in the world today, know who are those judges & where they are from, what are their vocations & passions. In other words you & your team should try to anticipate as to what are the most likely questions that will come from these judges.Practice, Practice, Practice on how to answer all these possible questions. Last but not least, leave it to the hands of our Almighty Father above. Pray & pray hard.Nothing is impossible with God. If you win this contest, then just like Queen Esther, our Father above has a “calling for you”. Please don’t forget to give back to those who need the most.
The world is seeing the beauty of the Filipina.It is hers to win.
[...] took Shamcey Supsup’s official registration photos for Miss Universe 2011 and here’s the article I wrote for her. And here is my post the night she [...]
Though I’m from gensan, without being biased, I am 100% positive that our Shamcey will make it in Miss U 2011. Though she does not know me, all my prayers for her success. If she will, then Gensan has it all!
Shamcey at least should update herself with current issues. She’s naturally intelligent and what matters most is the sincerity in her opinions. I don’t know why filipinos can’t get over with grammar-issues. Shamcey is exactly right, it’s the sense of what you say and how confident you are in conveying your message.
If we really want Shamcey to seize the crown for Philippines, do you part – VOTE and PRAY.
Go Shamcey! I love you.
VOTE and PRAY everyone!!!!
[...] Shamcey Supsup was named after a character in a romance novel! Read more here! [...]
Congratulations! Job well done Miss Universe 3rd runner up, truly you touched our hearts. To God be the glory.
[...] to send Isabella Manjon to an international competition. SMA told me herself months ago, during the send-off of Shamcey Supsup to Miss Universe, that Isabella Manjon would be sent to an international pageant but Madame Stella did not specify [...]