Miss Universe 2011 Leila Lopes of Angola!
As I type this, I have several screens around me – The live stream of Ao Vivo, the StarWorld broadcast, the ABS-CBN broadcast and the UStream of Third Crown for Philippines – so that I can drown myself in Miss Universe 2011 fever!
My commentary is based on the Livestrea of Ao Vivo which is in Portuguese…
OPENING HELLOS: Loved the opening! With the individual greetings from each Miss Universe 2011 contestant – brings back so MANY memories from my Miss Universe 1985 experience! I love the gowns! Production so far is great, with inserts of pageant activities!KUDOs to Brazil!
STAGE: My golly, beautiful stage and an even more beautiful audience all around it with even more beautiful MISS UNIVERSE 2011 CONTESTANTS ON the stage! I like the feel better than last year… with Las Vegas two years ago being the worst out of the lot.
HOSTS ENTER – Nice, they promenaded down a ramp giving me the feeling of things constantly MOVING!
VIDEO OF CONTESTANTS DOING STUFF IN BRAZIL: This is making we want to fly to Sao Paolo NOW! Well, okay, after I found out who Miss Universe 2011 is…
TOP 15 plus 1 chosen online:
1) France – Laury Thilleman
2) Kosovo – Aferdita Dreshaj
3) Colombia – Catalina Robayo
4) China – Luo Zilin
5) Angola – Leila Lopes
6) Australia – Sherri-Lee Biggs
7) Puerto Rico – Viviana Ortiz (its her bday today!)
8) Brazil – Priscila Machado (oh, wow the crowd cheered even if she had gotten lots of booes in the Prelims!)
9) Netherlands – Kelly Weekers
10) USA – Alyssa Campanella
11) Ukraine – Olesya Stefanko
12) Panama – Sheldry Saez
13) Costa Rica – Johanna Solano
14) Portugal – Laura Goncalves (won via online votes – geeez, and all the local news articles kept saying Shamcey Supsup of the Philippines was leading in the polls. But this is good. Shamcey didn’t enter the semi-finals because of a popularity vote but because the Miss U prelims judges and the Donald Trump group chose her!
15) Philippines – Shamcey Supsup (omg i am about to cry here! QUE LINDA!!!!)
16) Venezuela – Vanessa Goncalves
TOP 16: The girls in RED are in my Top 16 – not baaaaad… I got 10 girls in the semi-finals, I am so thrilled that the Philippines’ Shamcey Supsup is in the running. My hands are cold and my heart is beating like the hooves of all the horses in Lord of the Rings. I am trying to contain my excitement so I can write this!
JUDGES INTRODUCTION: Most beautiful judges – isabeli fontana, amelia vega, leah salonga, italo zanzi…
REVIEW OF THE FIRST MISS UNIVERSES: Gloria Diaz was in the video, warms my HEART!
VIDEO OF NATIONAL COSTUMES: They announced the Top ten and here they are:
10) Japan
9) Nigeria
8) Bolivia
7) Tanzania
6) Trinidad and Tobago
5) Curacao
4) Venezuela
3) Thailand
2) Mexico
WINNER OF MISS UNIVERSE 2011 BEST NATIONAL COSTUME: PANAMA!!!
This is the first time I’m seeing Miss U choose ten national costumes… but then again, I only started watching closely two years ago… can anyone verify if this is the first time they are doing this? I love it!!! Congratulations to all the designers!
Got this comment from someone – hi ms joyce just some clarifications about national costume competition.. yes MUO did chose 10 best costumes in the past, the one closest to my memory was in 2005 where gionna cabrera made it to the top 5… this happens randomly in MU but u can review editions of 2003-2005! MABUHAY SHAMCEY! CHEERS!!!
VIDEO OF CONTESTANTS ON THE CATWALK & GETTING DOLLED UP: GOOD job Brazil, great Supermodel feel!
SWIMSUIT COMPETITION WITH LIVE PRODUCTION NUMBER: I just wanted to leave my laptop and wiggle my Bootie! The live number – Locomotion by Claudia Leitte was WILD!
France – big hips…
Brazil – too skinny for me
Colombia – thigh city…
China – wow, so beautiful I looooove her legs!
Angola – Stunning in a swimsuit!
Australia – nice pwet!
Puerto Rico – slinky babe…
Brazil – a bit top heavy?
Netherlands – legs too skinny… hip bones stick out too much…
USA – WOW, what can I say? Ang sexy nito!!! but could gain a few pounds…
Ukraine – pretty…
Panama – lovely…
Costa Rica – nice tiny waistline, whatta babe!
Portugal – small hips but still sexy
Philippines – our girl is ALL NATURAL! She got the second highest fan score in swimsuit!
Venezuela – sashayed on the stage and stole the show! Venezuela got the highest fan score in the swimsuit!
VIDEO PROMOTION OF BRAZIL and SAO PAOLO: This nation is HOT HOT HOT! I want to book my ticket NOW!
ANNOUNCEMENT OF MISS CONGENIALITY – Montenegro and MISS PHOTOGENIC – Sweden
ANOTHER VIDEO OF BRAZIL AND THE GIRLS: Showed some footage of the girls playing football and golf! And their SPA experiences… gotta make the sponsors happy!
ANNOUNCEMENT OF TOP TEN IN MISS UNIVERSE 2011
Australia
Costa Rica
France
Ukraine
Portugal
(my hands are freezing at this point, heart beating too fast… I need a downer please!)
Panama
Philippines!!!!!!!! WHOOOOHOOOOOOOO!
Angola
China
Brazil
The girls in Red are in my Top choices! I am VERY satisfied with the Top 10 but feel bad for the six girls left behind especially USA and Venezuela, the two powerhouse beauty queen nations. It might be better to be totally left out of the Top 16 if you are just going to be dropped out of the Top 10. I don’t know but that’s how I feel right now…
VIDEO OF THE MISS UNIVERSE 2011 CONTESTANTS IN THE TOP 10 TALKING ABOUT THEMSELVES WITH PHOTOS IN BRAZIL: Having a hard time focusing at this point, with Shamcey Supsup doing so well. The next cut is going to be a killer… I am DYING!
I love the Live Stream on Ao Vivo – they are showing the girls on stage getting ready for the Gown Presentation… primping themselves, fixing hems and chatting nervously… listening to last minute instructions from the choreographer… while the two anchors up front are keeping up the chatter – Portuguese I think is what they are speaking… beautiful language… beautiful women… beautiful Miss U show!
Could the Philippines be on it’s way to the crown? I am drying to find out if our Shamcey Supsup with grab the Miss Universe 2011 title!!!
PRODUCTION NUMBER FOR THE GOWN COMPETITION – Close Your Eyes” by Bebel Gilberto. While I totally love the voice, Bebel Gilberto should have worn a GOWN or something colorful!
Australia – Mermaid White Gown… see through legs, okay lang…
Costa Rica – Pretty like a debutante – red hot gown!
France – ooooo-lalalala! Nice cut, sexy lungs showing, aahahaha! So regal, I like but the audience voted it low.
Ukraine – Simple… flowling… with Gold edging… she looks like a Princess!
Portugal – Fuschia i think is the color. Simple. Maybe a little too simple. Fuzzy skirt.
Panama – White with giant gilittery squares here and there… hmmm… can’t make up my mind about this one.
Philippines – BEAUTIFUL SILVER SEXY MERMAID!!! See through gown, panalo!!!! Fan Vote 6.7… we placed second in fan voting!
Angola – White again! Silvery white with feathers on the hem… well, dirty white silver? or beige silver? Wow, she is like a Barbie Doll! Angola place first in Fan Voting via NBC.
China – Simple but perfect for her body. Red with beige decor…
Brazil – yellow flowing gown… waistline is peekabooing at the sides…
Oh Lord God please give us the CROWN!!!!!!! The Philippines remains consistent in performance and pride. But the next cut is going to be a tough one. I am hoping for Shamcey, Angola, China and Ukraine – they are my ultimate top favorites so far.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF TOP 5 – Okay, this is it. I am officially having a heart attack. I can’t stand it any longer. Lord please show your favor on Shamcey and the Philippines! Heeeeeeere goes!!!!! ——–
Ukraine!!!
Philippines!!!
China!!!!
Brazil
Angola!!!!!!!! The only one who dared to keep her hair swept up in an elegant bun…
Praise, GOD! We made it again this year! Into the Top 5 – we are so blessed! Shamcey is REALLY THE IT GIRL FOR THE PHILIPPINES! All of you who dissed her, you can NOW eat your WORDS!!!
Q AND A PORTION – Thirty seconds to answer. GREAT! Now who will use an interpreter?
Ukraine (Olesya Stefanko) - Amelia Vega asked the Q – If you could trade lives with anyone who would it be? Ukraine first did not make a choice and said she simply lives her life. But she ended up choosing Cleopatra – very powerful woman.
Philipines ( Shamcey Supsup- Would you change your religious beliefs for someone you love? Shamcey basically said no – her first loveirst person I love is God. Shamcey Supsup was the only one who answered in English. She doesn’t need to buy time!
China -(Luo Zilin) Beaches and environmental question? Interpreter – Couldn’t hear it above the Portuguese translation.
Brazil (Priscila Machado) – What would you do to avoid fighting in wars? Interpreter – she said hello to Sao Paolo first – would explain that the premier quality of human is respect. And no war is based on respect… its always based on misunderstanding and lack of education. People must respect each other.
Angola (Leila Lopes) – Leah Salonga gave Q – If you could change one of your charactersitics what would it be? Angola greeted Sao Paolo in English. Interpereter – very satisfied with the way God created me. i wouldn’t change a thing. I am a woman endowed with beauty and i have principles. i would like to give advice – respect one another – bell rang.Aso greeted Sao paol – Intern
Very nice answers from all the contestants. I love them all but my major major choice is SHAMCEY SUPSUP of the PHILIPPINES – thank you girl for standing up for Jesus! Display your faith to the world, God gave you the chance to declare your faith to a billion people watching this show, you are a blessing!
MISS UNIVERSE 2010 XIMENA NAVARETTE’S FAREWELL MOMENT! A beautiful Queen, thanks for one year of gorgeousness! Lovely silver gray gown, a nice farewell gown… not too bright, not too dull… so gorgeous!
FINAL WALK OF THE MISS UNIVERSE 2011 TOP 5:
Ukraine – 6.0 fan vote
Philippines – 7.5 fan vote – we are number in the Fan voting!
China – 4.8 fan vote
Brazil – 4.1 fan vote
Angola – 7.0
ANNOUCEMENT OF MISS UNIVERSE 2011 WINNER AND RUNNERS-UP:
Argh! The hosts are saying their final thank yous!!! It’s killing me!!! Here comes the envelope! I am having a headache from the excitement!!!!
4th Runner Up -China
3rd runner up -Philippines!!!
2nd Runner up – Brazil
1st Runner-up – Ukraine!!!!
Miss Universe – ANGOLA!!!
im sure lea salonga made shamcey down in the question and answer portion. of all the top 5 i still think ms philippines has the best answer.
don’t blame lea salonga. angola deserve the title.
it should be the ms.Philippines … everyone will agree ….
Hi arr, lea is a friend and I can vouch for her integrity. I am sure she was a fair judge. In fact, outsiders looking in might accuse her of favoring the philippines. Which I trust is not true either…
Being 3rd runner up is not bad.
Congratulations to Ms. Shamcey Supsup!
[...] And… THE MISS UNIVERSE 2011 IS ANGOLA’S LEILA LOPES!!!!… [...]
congratulation to ms. shamcey not bad for us we made it to top 5 for 2 cnsecutive years.
Ms. Philippines could have done better if her answer was more deep and universal. we saw people changed their religious beliefs for love and succeeded
Well, shamcey answered truthfully, she is a born again christian and for her the real crown was the chance to share her faith before one billion people watching miss u. She could have given a universal answer but then it wouldn’t be true to her faith. I am satisfied with third runner up and the chance to stand up for faith….
Joyce — I agree. She could have given a more “politically correct” answer but Shamcey answered what was in her heart and spoke her faith truthfully. She did not compromise her faith, so to me, that was real victory indeed.
Critics also have to remind themselves that this year’s pageant was very competitive. For Shamcey to break into the top 5 ahead of the likes of Venezuela, Puerto Rico and Kosovo (to name just a few of this year’s “powerhouses”) was just incredible. Shamcey more than exceeded expectations with her top 4 placement and the fact that she did not have to rely on online votes to push her into the semifinalists’ circle is to her credit. What more could anyone want from her?
With the Philippines’ top 5 placement in two consecutive years in MU after a 10-year drought (when it rains, it pours!), I hope this signals a new renaissance for Filipina international beauty queens. I simply can’t wait for what’s in store next year!
I called up Gus de Castro after Shamcey’s win and he says that the Philippines is back as a beauty queen Powerhouse! The search for the next Bb. Pilipinas has to be thorough and the winner has to be seriously trained – like a month under someone bigtime beauty queen maker… I am SO thrilled!
Glenn you are absolutely right about her ranking higher than the likes of Venezuela and even the US! Incredibly indelibly stupendous!
We should be happy for being 3rd runner up. Conratulations to Ms. Chamsey Supsop…Let us rejoice…
another reason to cheer…GO PHILIPPINES! we are proud of you Shamcey Supsup…!!!!
Philippines always seem to get a hard question that only honesty would satisfy…I AM VERY PROUD OF SHAMCEY & VENUS. It’s very rare that someone in “that” spot would stand up for the TRUTH! Not minding the crown…GOD BLESS YOU SHAMCEY!
Yes, so happy she was able to stand up for her faith even if its not the popular thing to do. Btw, I would like to thank the Brazilian audience for cheering for her after she gave her answer. They are a people of faith and understand where Shamcey is coming from !!!
I bowed my head to Miss Supsup, you’ve did a great job. God is more important than any one else. A crown will only last for one year but your faith with GOD will last forever…Congratulation!
The judges point that leads to the third places is in her answer. “The first person she love is GOD” God is not a person, He is a spirit.
Absent ka yata theology mo maam.
Guys, thanks for being kind with your words… let’s not have a religious debate here… not the right venue for it. I totally respect Annaliza’s belief that God is not a person but a spirit. Just like how I respect Shamcey for standing up for her faith and not giving a Universal answer. And Michael, while i agree that God is a person too, in the form of Jesus Christ, don’t make alaska Annaliza, she is a guest on this blog. Promise me guys, no fighting over religious issues because love is the law!
shamcey was the best….she stood on who she is.yes, as being a Christian country and the practices we all have from our four fathers that faith is always a priority not the heart ..
Totally agree with u!!!
congrats shamcey! we are proud of you!
way to go Shamcey! God’s love is your real crown. and the whole UP-Diliman community is so proud of you, Iska
Congratulations to Ms. Lelia Lopes on winning the 60th Miss Universe. You walked down that runway like a Nubian Queen of the Nile in the ancestral footsteps of Queen Nzingha an ancient African Queen from Angola. Your response to the question posed to you, confirmed your confidence, brains and class. Your natural charm came through and through. Dear one, let me leave you with this message, as a woman of the African Ark you have made women of African descent on the continent and in the African Diaspora proud, you are one of a kind, continue to wear your crown of royalty ever so proudly, continue to be a confident trailblazer and affirm your inner beauty and principles.
God bless you…long live the people of Angola
What a lovely description, I could not have said it better! Long live the Angolan People!
Joyce — One “criticism” I have of international pageants like MU is the use of so-called “interpreters.” For example, Miss Angola speaks English fluently (after all, she is a Business Management student in London), but was allowed a Portuguese interpreter in the Q&A. I mean, how on earth could you go to a London business school and not speak English?!
Likewise, Miss Brazil speaks English but also opted for an interpreter. Of the top 5, only Miss Philippines answered her final question directly without the advantage of a few seconds break to collect her thoughts before giving her answer through an interpreter like the other 4 finalists.
I also noticed that by using an interpreter, the candidate’s allotted time is extended way beyond the 30 seconds that is supposedly alloted to her because her answer is then divided into two or more parts, giving the candidate breaks in between, while the interpreter translates parts of her answer. I would call this “cheating-lite” if the candidate actually is fluent in English — and especially when it is obvious to everyone that the candidate speaks fluent English — like last year’s winner from Mexico… oh well.
By the way, I just read somewhere that Miss World Philippines 2011 will have an official interpreter with her when she competes in London later this year. Well, I guess if you can’t beat them, join them. Somebody finally got smart in this “I need an interpreter” game. Obviously, the strategy pays off.
PS – my above post is not a personal criticism of Miss Angola. She is absolutely gorgeous and she was from the beginning on my top 5 list and I was not suprised at all that she won. My criticism is about the unregulated use of interpreters at pageants — how it adversely impacts some contestants while giving undue advantage to others.
I understand your frustration. But I don’t think its unfair. Its the choice of the contestants (and their strategic teams ) whether to use interpreters or not. They have the freedom to choose. and I still think TeamShamcey’s choice to speak in English was better than choosing to use an interpret. However, I am not against the use of an interpreter per se. If any future candidate from thr PI chooses to have an interpreter, I would still be very supportive.
i don’t think so. have you watched miss angola’s videos? she can speak english but not very well. maybe that’s why she opted for an interpreter. or maybe she felt more comfortable thinking and speaking in portuguese. a candidate should be allowed to think and speak in the language that she is most comfortable, even if she can understand and speak englsh.
I remember that video quite clearly and u are right, Leila is not english savvy but can communicate well enough. But I still think that shamcey didn’t need an interpreter. Even for strategic purposes.
Yes, I’ve seen Miss Angola’s official web interview video. She does have a pronounced foreign accent, but it doesn’t mean she doesn’t speak English “very well.” Her sentences were well constructed and coherent, with very few grammatical mistakes. I consider that fluent.
just because someone can speak a language well doesn’t mean he or she thinks in that language. a miss u candidate is speaking in front of a worldwide audience, and there’s a lot at stake–politics, business, and the image of an entire nation. you can just imagine the pressure on her. there’s immense pressure even without the language barrier, so why force a candidate to speak english? if a candidate is most comfortable speaking her own language, then we should let her speak it. imposing english is very unfair.
as for the case of shamcey, she chose to speak english, and that was her choice. it wasn’t unfair for her because she was given the option to have an interpreter–all of them were–but she opted not to.
last point: the web interview is different. for all we know, the questions were given to them beforehand, and they brought scripts or memorized their answers. and even if we say the interview was spontaneous, you just can’t compare the pressure in a web interview where they were sitting down and probably facing just the interviewer, to that during the finals before a big audience, after standing and romping on stage for hours. that’s different.
MISS PHILIPPINES 2011: Her Beauty and Brains Beyond Universal
By Ariel Allera
Much as I’d like to blog about something new, I can’t afford to let go of my own share of retrospect on last September 6′s Miss Universe 2011 event. Quite understandable, because aside from being a pageant fanatic, a frustrated beauty queen, and a mentor to aspiring beauty queens, I will always be proud of every Filipino, past and present, who has made a mark in any international beauty quest.
Miss Philippines Shamcey Supsup may not have come home with the coveted Miss Universe 2011 crown, but she’s brought pride and honor to our country by placing 3rd runner-up. Talks and blogs have it that she should’ve placed higher. As far as I’m concerned, she could have either clinched the crown or gotten the first runner-up position had most of the judges been receptive to and respectful enough of her honest-to-goodness answer to such a make-or-break question asked during the final round. However, I’d like to think that the result was fair, and I highly respect the judges’ decision.
In all fairness to Miss Angola Leila Lopes (the winner), she had the most beautiful face among the 15 semi-finalists. She reminds me of her fellow exotic beauty from her continent, Nigeria’s Agbani Darego, who won the 2001 Miss World crown in South Africa, but had been misplaced at Miss Universe 2001 held in Puerto Rico a few months prior (Denise Quinones of the host country won the night). Anyhow, Miss Ukraine Olesya Stefanko (first runner-up) was also seductive and glamourous.
Shamcey Supsup was exceptional. She’s a dead ringer for Binibining Pilipinas-International 1996 Yedda Marie Mendoza Kittilsvedt and Binibining Pilipinas-Universe 2007 Anna Theresa Licaros mixed. She had the best walk and the best style. She displayed the most grace and elegance, and delivered the most substantial answer in terms of honesty and conviction. Moreover, who wouldn’t have been impressed by the fact that, of all the five finalists, she was the only one who needed no interpreter? For that she should’ve been given extra points.
Any true-blue Filipino everywhere would be proud of and happy for Shamcey’s feat at the pageant. But because we can’t please everybody, some may have blamed her for sounding too fanatically religious in her response to the final question:”Would you change your religious beliefs to marry the person that you love? Why or why not?”
She replied, “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. I have my faith and my principles, and this is what makes me who I am. And if that person loves me, he should love my God, too.”
I could hardly see anything wrong with that, with being honest and humble in a beauty pageant. It’s just so unbecoming that some title-holders won in their respective competitions owing to their answer that the judges and the audience wanted to hear. Hence, most contestants are pressed to answer against their personal choice and opinion, because they’re afraid to lose their chance of winning.
Please spare Shamcey, for she stood her ground with conviction as a God-centered human being and pride as an exemplary Filipina. Born brainy and bold, she did not come through a traditional method of training wherein beauty-queen wannabes are taught to lie and be politically correct for the sake of winning.
I reviewed the pageant a few days ago. Donald Trump was right about choosing Brazil as this year’s host country, because its culture is so rich as it was evident in the pageant’s stage. It might not be as majestic as that at Miss Universe 2000 in Cyprus (crown won by my all-time favorite beauty queen, India’s Lara Dutta) or as big as that at Miss Universe 2004 in Equador (Australia’s Jennifer Hawkins was crowned), but Brazil’s production was awesome. It was festive that they let each of the candidates introduce herself onstage, rather than having the segment pre-taped from a separate location. It could, however, have also been taped onstage beforehand, but to the televiewers worldwide it looked as if it was done live.
I wish the present organizers could create an opening production number again that’s as visually enthralling as that of Miss Universe 2004, wherein USA’s Shandi Finnessey brought the house down with her hip-swaying. Such dance number may be a good ice-breaker for all those delegates coming from different countries and competing for one coveted crown. Plus, let’s face it: It’s pleasing to see all equally beautiful women dancing together, isn’t it? If I may remember it right, legendary pageant choreographer Scott Grossman did it and made it classy. He’s the hot man onstage, during his terms with the organization, who was tasked to hand bouquets to special award winners, the runners-up and, of course, the Miss Universe.
This year’s production number into each segment (the swimsuit competition as well as the evening gown competition) was eye-popping. What I like about Miss Universe compared to other pageants is that, like science, it undergoes change and development, as the structures of the universe. Gone are the days when girls dilly-dallied in their evening gowns. Such old-school style is common in neighborhood and municipal beauty contests, and even in some national and international pageants except for Miss Universe and Miss World. I found this year’s host Andy Cohen as delicious as his voice and accent. To me he’s the hottest host that Miss Universe pageant has invited.
To Shamcey Supsup, thank you for uplifting the image of our country. The same goes to Maria Venus Raj, for placing fourth runner-up in last year’s edition of Miss Universe pageant: You paved the way for aspiring Filipina beauty queens. On the other hand, it’s quite interesting to note that it was also in (Sao Paulo) Brazil where our very own Chat Almarvez bagged the first runner-up award in the prestigious Ford Supermodel of the World 2010 competition. A big thanks to her as well.
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To those who were not able to read, let me share an article that I wrote about Shamcey Supsup before she left the country to compete in the Miss Universe 2011 pageant. I hope that, through this, you will get to know more about our very own beauty queen and admire her brains beneath those Chi-done waves, not to mention have a glimpse of her inner being through the grace and elegance of her tsunami walk. Thank you.
SHAMCEY SUPSUP: Beauty, Brains and Beyond
By ARIEL ALLERA
A beauty-and-brains combo can be hard to find among pageant contestants. More often if a candidate is too pretty, her Intelligence Quotient is scarcely high enough to match. There may be others who are blessed with a little bit of everything — lovely face, smooth skin, curvy figure, height of five-feet-seven or better, or just enough guts to say something during question-and-answer.
But if you’re judging a beauty contest, and there’s one girl onstage standing before you, alongside her equally gorgeous fellow contestants, and you knew that she graduated with Latin honors and she was a board topnotcher, why would you have to look around and find someone else?
This year, our country has chosen its national queen whose charm is as unquestionable as her wit. Recently crowned Binibining Pilipinas – Universe 2011, Shamcey Supsup has proven a woman’s worth by defining beauty at par with brains.
She’s not the first title-holder who has graduated Magna Cum Laude (from the University of the Philippines-Diliman), but her placing first in the 2010 Philippine Architecture Licensure Examination is what makes most of us hold her in higher esteem — than winning that coveted crown of the night. In a country where kids are told to study hard as soon as they start going to school, Supsup will serve as a role model for young girls out there who want to make a stride into the world of pageantry.
While most national beauty contests require girls to be at least high school graduates who are between 18 years old and 25, a completed undergraduate educational attainment will still be the best preparation, let alone weapon.
Not only will it have molded their minds, thus making them more confident throughout the competition, from pre-pageant interviews to the final question-and-answer in the coronation night, it will be easy for the winner to fulfill her duties and responsibilities during her reign. And then, she can pursue her long-term dream, be it in show business, or in the corporate world, or in the medical profession. It depends, though, on the girl’s physical potentiality and mental preparedness. Mutya Ng Pilipinas 1993 Michelle Aldana was still studying Speech and Drama at the University of the Philippines-Diliman when she joined the pageant. Her stature, spontaneity and fresh Filipina beauty won for our country the last Miss Asia-Pacific title.
Supsup will be competing in the Miss Universe Pageant come September, to be held in Sao Paulo, Brazil. There’s no question to the way former Miss Universes have been selected, but almost always the Miss Universe Organization is hounded by controversies about their basis for selection of the semi-finalists. Many pageant experts and analysts have wondered how come that lousy lady from Europe made it to the semi finals, while this elegant lass from Asia barely did.
It goes without saying that results are always unpredictable and that we can only expect the unexpected. However, as soon as the semi-finalists start strutting their stuff and pivoting their way onstage, we cannot help noticing one or two finalists looking so out of place in swimsuit and in evening gown. Our country has sent sexier and prettier delegates to all international beauty pageants out there, but to no avail. We might as well support someone like Shamcey Supsup whose resume is as eloquent as her personality, a representative who can interact well with her co-candidates, the press, the sponsors, the organizers, the bigwigs of the host country.
Never mind the Final Question segment, for we cannot blame delegates who answer in their mother tongue. Intelligence is not measured by someone’s command of English, in a country where they’re using their native language as medium of instruction. But if we talk about a non-English speaking finalist’s gist of her answer, only the interpreter can admit to either translating her thoughts as is, or glossing over its content to make it sound more sensible.
And if, God willing, Shamcey Supsup brings home the crown this year, then she will be the third Miss Universe from the Philippines since Margarita Moran won in 1973 and Gloria Diaz in 1969. But all the same, she will always be a full-fledged, one-of-a-kind icon of beauty and brains, born to be our country’s cream of the crop, donning the sash as the Philippines’ most beautiful woman, wearing the medal for being the most intelligent architect around…
Shamcey Supsup had the best stage presence was No.1 in Catwalk, best in the Top 5 Final Walk, AND OFFICIALLY GAVE THE BEST ANSWER. Angola is extremely beautiful and I do think she deserved it, but Philippines had the BEST answer of all the girls. Angola’s was good, but not as good.
I love Shamcey and I love Leila too. Philippines definitely nailed the Q&A and was stunning the whole show. IMO, Shamcey deserved a higher placement.
MISS PHILIPPINES 2011: Her Beauty and Brains Beyond Universal
By Ariel Allera
Much as I’d like to blog about something new, I can’t afford to let go of my own share of retrospect on last September 6′s Miss Universe 2011 event. Quite understandable, because aside from being a pageant fanatic, a frustrated beauty queen, and a mentor to aspiring beauty queens, I will always be proud of every Filipino, past and present, who has made a mark in any international beauty quest.
Miss Philippines Shamcey Supsup may not have come home with the coveted Miss Universe 2011 crown, but she’s brought pride and honor to our country by placing 3rd runner-up. Talks and blogs have it that she should’ve placed higher. As far as I’m concerned, she could have either clinched the crown or gotten the first runner-up position had most of the judges been receptive to and respectful enough of her honest-to-goodness answer to such a make-or-break question asked during the final round. However, I’d like to think that the result was fair, and I highly respect the judges’ decision.
In all fairness to Miss Angola Leila Lopes (the winner), she had the most beautiful face among the 15 semi-finalists. She reminds me of her fellow exotic beauty from her continent, Nigeria’s Agbani Darego, who won the 2001 Miss World crown in South Africa, but had been misplaced at Miss Universe 2001 held in Puerto Rico a few months prior (Denise Quinones of the host country won the night). Anyhow, Miss Ukraine Olesya Stefanko (first runner-up) was also seductive and glamourous.
Shamcey Supsup was exceptional. She’s a dead ringer for Binibining Pilipinas-International 1996 Yedda Marie Mendoza Kittilsvedt and Binibining Pilipinas-Universe 2007 Anna Theresa Licaros mixed. She had the best walk and the best style. She displayed the most grace and elegance, and delivered the most substantial answer in terms of honesty and conviction. Moreover, who wouldn’t have been impressed by the fact that, of all the five finalists, she was the only one who needed no interpreter? For that she should’ve been given extra points.
Any true-blue Filipino everywhere would be proud of and happy for Shamcey’s feat at the pageant. But because we can’t please everybody, some may have blamed her for sounding too fanatically religious in her response to the final question:”Would you change your religious beliefs to marry the person that you love? Why or why not?”
She replied, “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. I have my faith and my principles, and this is what makes me who I am. And if that person loves me, he should love my God, too.”
I could hardly see anything wrong with that, with being honest and humble in a beauty pageant. It’s just so unbecoming that some title-holders won in their respective competitions owing to their answer that the judges and the audience wanted to hear. Hence, most contestants are pressed to answer against their personal choice and opinion, because they’re afraid to lose their chance of winning.
Please spare Shamcey, for she stood her ground with conviction as a God-centered human being and pride as an exemplary Filipina. Born brainy and bold, she did not come through a traditional method of training wherein beauty-queen wannabes are taught to lie and be politically correct for the sake of winning.
I reviewed the pageant a few days ago. Donald Trump was right about choosing Brazil as this year’s host country, because its culture is so rich as it was evident in the pageant’s stage. It might not be as majestic as that at Miss Universe 2000 in Cyprus (crown won by my all-time favorite beauty queen, India’s Lara Dutta) or as big as that at Miss Universe 2004 in Equador (Australia’s Jennifer Hawkins was crowned), but Brazil’s production was awesome. It was festive that they let each of the candidates introduce herself onstage, rather than having the segment pre-taped from a separate location. It could, however, have also been taped onstage beforehand, but to the televiewers worldwide it looked as if it was done live.
I wish the present organizers could create an opening production number again that’s as visually enthralling as that of Miss Universe 2004, wherein USA’s Shandi Finnessey brought the house down with her hip-swaying. Such dance number may be a good ice-breaker for all those delegates coming from different countries and competing for one coveted crown. Plus, let’s face it: It’s pleasing to see all equally beautiful women dancing together, isn’t it? If I may remember it right, legendary pageant choreographer Scott Grossman did it and made it classy. He’s the hot man onstage, during his terms with the organization, who was tasked to hand bouquets to special award winners, the runners-up and, of course, the Miss Universe.
This year’s production number into each segment (the swimsuit competition as well as the evening gown competition) was eye-popping. What I like about Miss Universe compared to other pageants is that, like science, it undergoes change and development, as the structures of the universe. Gone are the days when girls dilly-dallied in their evening gowns. Such old-school style is common in neighborhood and municipal beauty contests, and even in some national and international pageants except for Miss Universe and Miss World. I found this year’s host Andy Cohen as delicious as his voice and accent. To me he’s the hottest host that Miss Universe pageant has invited.
To Shamcey Supsup, thank you for uplifting the image of our country. The same goes to Maria Venus Raj, for placing fourth runner-up in last year’s edition of Miss Universe pageant: You paved the way for aspiring Filipina beauty queens. On the other hand, it’s quite interesting to note that it was also in (Sao Paulo) Brazil where our very own Chat Almarvez bagged the first runner-up award in the prestigious Ford Supermodel of the World 2010 competition. A big thanks to her as well.
**********************************************************************************************
To those who were not able to read, let me share an article that I wrote about Shamcey Supsup before she left the country to compete in the Miss Universe 2011 pageant. I hope that, through this, you will get to know more about our very own beauty queen and admire her brains beneath those Chi-done waves, not to mention have a glimpse of her inner being through the grace and elegance of her tsunami walk. Thank you.
SHAMCEY SUPSUP: Beauty, Brains and Beyond
By ARIEL ALLERA
A beauty-and-brains combo can be hard to find among pageant contestants. More often if a candidate is too pretty, her Intelligence Quotient is scarcely high enough to match. There may be others who are blessed with a little bit of everything — lovely face, smooth skin, curvy figure, height of five-feet-seven or better, or just enough guts to say something during question-and-answer.
But if you’re judging a beauty contest, and there’s one girl onstage standing before you, alongside her equally gorgeous fellow contestants, and you knew that she graduated with Latin honors and she was a board topnotcher, why would you have to look around and find someone else?
This year, our country has chosen its national queen whose charm is as unquestionable as her wit. Recently crowned Binibining Pilipinas – Universe 2011, Shamcey Supsup has proven a woman’s worth by defining beauty at par with brains.
She’s not the first title-holder who has graduated Magna Cum Laude (from the University of the Philippines-Diliman), but her placing first in the 2010 Philippine Architecture Licensure Examination is what makes most of us hold her in higher esteem — than winning that coveted crown of the night. In a country where kids are told to study hard as soon as they start going to school, Supsup will serve as a role model for young girls out there who want to make a stride into the world of pageantry.
While most national beauty contests require girls to be at least high school graduates who are between 18 years old and 25, a completed undergraduate educational attainment will still be the best preparation, let alone weapon.
Not only will it have molded their minds, thus making them more confident throughout the competition, from pre-pageant interviews to the final question-and-answer in the coronation night, it will be easy for the winner to fulfill her duties and responsibilities during her reign. And then, she can pursue her long-term dream, be it in show business, or in the corporate world, or in the medical profession. It depends, though, on the girl’s physical potentiality and mental preparedness. Mutya Ng Pilipinas 1993 Michelle Aldana was still studying Speech and Drama at the University of the Philippines-Diliman when she joined the pageant. Her stature, spontaneity and fresh Filipina beauty won for our country the last Miss Asia-Pacific title.
Supsup will be competing in the Miss Universe Pageant come September, to be held in Sao Paulo, Brazil. There’s no question to the way former Miss Universes have been selected, but almost always the Miss Universe Organization is hounded by controversies about their basis for selection of the semi-finalists. Many pageant experts and analysts have wondered how come that lousy lady from Europe made it to the semi finals, while this elegant lass from Asia barely did.
It goes without saying that results are always unpredictable and that we can only expect the unexpected. However, as soon as the semi-finalists start strutting their stuff and pivoting their way onstage, we cannot help noticing one or two finalists looking so out of place in swimsuit and in evening gown. Our country has sent sexier and prettier delegates to all international beauty pageants out there, but to no avail. We might as well support someone like Shamcey Supsup whose resume is as eloquent as her personality, a representative who can interact well with her co-candidates, the press, the sponsors, the organizers, the bigwigs of the host country.
Never mind the Final Question segment, for we cannot blame delegates who answer in their mother tongue. Intelligence is not measured by someone’s command of English, in a country where they’re using their native language as medium of instruction. But if we talk about a non-English speaking finalist’s gist of her answer, only the interpreter can admit to either translating her thoughts as is, or glossing over its content to make it sound more sensible.
And if, God willing, Shamcey Supsup brings home the crown this year, then she will be the third Miss Universe from the Philippines since Margarita Moran won in 1973 and Gloria Diaz in 1969. But all the same, she will always be a full-fledged, one-of-a-kind icon of beauty and brains, born to be our country’s cream of the crop, donning the sash as the Philippines’ most beautiful woman, wearing the medal for being the most intelligent architect around.
Thanks for the moment-by-moment recap
I was out at work today so your post enabled me to ride the emotional rollercoaster that the whole world was in.. especially Pinoys!
Mabuhay si Shamcey… Mabuhay ang Pilipinas… Glory to God!
Congratulations Shamcey Supsup and to all the Filipino People. I guess I was wrong regarding Shamcey. I have reservations before when she won Bb. Pilipinas because she’s a Magna Cum Laude and from UP. As you all know, there’s this tsika that Magna Cum Laude + UP beauty queen is a jinx in international competition.
I think faith goes beyond any jinx….
Listen up GUYS, we all know if Miss Universe picked top 5 finalists that just goes to say that these ladies are the most beautiful among all the contestants. Well, you can’t be one of the contestants in the pageant if you’re “NOT” beautiful. It’s just that they need to pick the best to be in the TOP 5. Let me just say that PHILIPPINES was one of the beautiful in the TOP 5 that’s why she was chosen. Not to mention, the #1 TOP CHOICE in the FANS FAVORITE all OVER THE WORLD. And had the BEST ANSWER to the Q&A. So, i hope that makes thing CLEAR. PHILIPPINES should be the 2011 MISS UNIVERSE
I have nothing against other FINALISTS the JUDGES should be more WISER in choosing the next MISS UNIVERSE. Did you know that it was Lea Salonga who happened to be a FILIPINO as well who asked the question for MISS ANGOLA. She might just gave the HIGHEST SCORE to MISS ANGOLA during the Q&A. So, don’t ever think that we are trying to destruct her for winning the CROWN
I am not gonna make a debate from other people who posts their comments here. Sorry. Coz i know and even the WHOLE WORLD knows who should have won the TITLE MISS UNIVERSE. Based on the fan favorite. No more talking okay?
Even oprah winfrey daw said the Philippines should have won… Can anyone verify that?
Joyce — This news story about Oprah was reported in International Business Times. Here’s the link to that article:
http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/213312/20110914/oprah-winfrey-says-miss-philippines-should-have-won-miss-universe-photos.htm
International Business Times is an Australian-owned online publication.
i guess the question now is…in Q&As, what has more weight? the answer itself? or how the girls answered? I always thought it was the latter…basically because whatever you answer, would be a matter of opinion, preference or principle, and no ane can question a person’s own principles..it should be based more on how the girls answered the question and how they managed the pressure of standing there in front of billions of people to proclaim your principles…because if they are basing it on the accuracy or correctness of the answer itself, then the level of difficulty of the question should also be considered. Between Shamcee’s and Ms. Angola’s questions, I guess we all know which one was just totally difficult..Ms. Angola’s question was totally a standard that I know all beauty pageant contestants would be preparing for…yun lang..everything said, I’m good with ms. angola and happy for shamcee…its just the technicalities of the judging that im not so keen on..
Initially I thought Miss Angola looked ordinary. But I watched the telecast again. Miss Angola has that Miss Universe material…beautiful, grand, fully poised. Miss Ukraine looked sweet but she’s not Miss Universe material. Miss Philippines looks like Miss Ukraine but she also lacks the Miss Universe material. Miss Brazil’s teeth are not nice and that puts her out. Miss China’s face was too compressed and she does not look like a Miss Universe. The judges were objective. They did not choose Miss Angola for political reasons. Miss Angola had that Miss Universe material. She also looks like Lupida Jones from Mexico, who won in 1992.
I spotted Angola after looking at just a couple photos of her. She was the first candidate I put my list because I going thru the candidates alphabetically. Her photogenic beauty stopped me in my tracks. Same case with Shamcey – when I saw the final line up of Bb Pilipinas 2011 contestants, she was my top choice. For me any of the Top 5 would make a good Miss Universe, although I am not a fan of Brazil. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with ABQ!!!
MISS PHILIPPINES 2011: Her Beauty and Brains Beyond Universal
By Ariel Allera
Much as I’d like to blog about something new, I can’t afford to let go of my own share of retrospect on last September 6′s Miss Universe 2011 event. Quite understandable, because aside from being a pageant fanatic, a frustrated beauty queen, and a mentor to aspiring beauty queens, I will always be proud of every Filipino, past and present, who has made a mark in any international beauty quest.
Miss Philippines Shamcey Supsup may not have come home with the coveted Miss Universe 2011 crown, but she’s brought pride and honor to our country by placing 3rd runner-up. Talks and blogs have it that she should’ve placed higher. As far as I’m concerned, she could have either clinched the crown or gotten the first runner-up position had most of the judges been receptive to and respectful enough of her honest-to-goodness answer to such a make-or-break question asked during the final round. However, I’d like to think that the result was fair, and I highly respect the judges’ decision.
In all fairness to Miss Angola Leila Lopes (the winner), she had the most beautiful face among the 15 semi-finalists. She reminds me of her fellow exotic beauty from her continent, Nigeria’s Agbani Darego, who won the 2001 Miss World crown in South Africa, but had been misplaced at Miss Universe 2001 held in Puerto Rico a few months prior (Denise Quinones of the host country won the night). Anyhow, Miss Ukraine Olesya Stefanko (first runner-up) was also seductive and glamourous.
Shamcey Supsup was exceptional. She’s a dead ringer for Binibining Pilipinas-International 1996 Yedda Marie Mendoza Kittilsvedt and Binibining Pilipinas-Universe 2007 Anna Theresa Licaros mixed. She had the best walk and the best style. She displayed the most grace and elegance, and delivered the most substantial answer in terms of honesty and conviction. Moreover, who wouldn’t have been impressed by the fact that, of all the five finalists, she was the only one who needed no interpreter? For that she should’ve been given extra points.
Any true-blue Filipino everywhere would be proud of and happy for Shamcey’s feat at the pageant. But because we can’t please everybody, some may have blamed her for sounding too fanatically religious in her response to the final question:”Would you change your religious beliefs to marry the person that you love? Why or why not?”
She replied, “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. I have my faith and my principles, and this is what makes me who I am. And if that person loves me, he should love my God, too.”
I could hardly see anything wrong with that, with being honest and humble in a beauty pageant. It’s just so unbecoming that some title-holders won in their respective competitions owing to their answer that the judges and the audience wanted to hear. Hence, most contestants are pressed to answer against their personal choice and opinion, because they’re afraid to lose their chance of winning.
Please spare Shamcey, for she stood her ground with conviction as a God-centered human being and pride as an exemplary Filipina. Born brainy and bold, she did not come through a traditional method of training wherein beauty-queen wannabes are taught to lie and be politically correct for the sake of winning.
I reviewed the pageant a few days ago. Donald Trump was right about choosing Brazil as this year’s host country, because its culture is so rich as it was evident in the pageant’s stage. It might not be as majestic as that at Miss Universe 2000 in Cyprus (crown won by my all-time favorite beauty queen, India’s Lara Dutta) or as big as that at Miss Universe 2004 in Equador (Australia’s Jennifer Hawkins was crowned), but Brazil’s production was awesome. It was festive that they let each of the candidates introduce herself onstage, rather than having the segment pre-taped from a separate location. It could, however, have also been taped onstage beforehand, but to the televiewers worldwide it looked as if it was done live.
I wish the present organizers could create an opening production number again that’s as visually enthralling as that of Miss Universe 2004, wherein USA’s Shandi Finnessey brought the house down with her hip-swaying. Such dance number may be a good ice-breaker for all those delegates coming from different countries and competing for one coveted crown. Plus, let’s face it: It’s pleasing to see all equally beautiful women dancing together, isn’t it? If I may remember it right, legendary pageant choreographer Scott Grossman did it and made it classy. He’s the hot man onstage, during his terms with the organization, who was tasked to hand bouquets to special award winners, the runners-up and, of course, the Miss Universe.
This year’s production number into each segment (the swimsuit competition as well as the evening gown competition) was eye-popping. What I like about Miss Universe compared to other pageants is that, like science, it undergoes change and development, as the structures of the universe. Gone are the days when girls dilly-dallied in their evening gowns. Such old-school style is common in neighborhood and municipal beauty contests, and even in some national and international pageants except for Miss Universe and Miss World. I found this year’s host Andy Cohen as delicious as his voice and accent. To me he’s the hottest host that Miss Universe pageant has invited.
To Shamcey Supsup, thank you for uplifting the image of our country. The same goes to Maria Venus Raj, for placing fourth runner-up in last year’s edition of Miss Universe pageant: You paved the way for aspiring Filipina beauty queens. On the other hand, it’s quite interesting to note that it was also in (Sao Paulo) Brazil where our very own Chat Almarvez bagged the first runner-up award in the prestigious Ford Supermodel of the World 2010 competition. A big thanks to her as well.
**************************************************************************************
To those who were not able to read, let me share an article that I wrote about Shamcey Supsup before she left the country to compete in the Miss Universe 2011 pageant. I hope that, through this, you will get to know more about our very own beauty queen and admire her brains beneath those Chi-done waves, not to mention have a glimpse of her inner being through the grace and elegance of her tsunami walk. Thank you.
SHAMCEY SUPSUP: Beauty, Brains and Beyond
By ARIEL ALLERA
A beauty-and-brains combo can be hard to find among pageant contestants. More often if a candidate is too pretty, her Intelligence Quotient is scarcely high enough to match. There may be others who are blessed with a little bit of everything — lovely face, smooth skin, curvy figure, height of five-feet-seven or better, or just enough guts to say something during question-and-answer.
But if you’re judging a beauty contest, and there’s one girl onstage standing before you, alongside her equally gorgeous fellow contestants, and you knew that she graduated with Latin honors and she was a board topnotcher, why would you have to look around and find someone else?
This year, our country has chosen its national queen whose charm is as unquestionable as her wit. Recently crowned Binibining Pilipinas – Universe 2011, Shamcey Supsup has proven a woman’s worth by defining beauty at par with brains.
She’s not the first title-holder who has graduated Magna Cum Laude (from the University of the Philippines-Diliman), but her placing first in the 2010 Philippine Architecture Licensure Examination is what makes most of us hold her in higher esteem — than winning that coveted crown of the night. In a country where kids are told to study hard as soon as they start going to school, Supsup will serve as a role model for young girls out there who want to make a stride into the world of pageantry.
While most national beauty contests require girls to be at least high school graduates who are between 18 years old and 25, a completed undergraduate educational attainment will still be the best preparation, let alone weapon.
Not only will it have molded their minds, thus making them more confident throughout the competition, from pre-pageant interviews to the final question-and-answer in the coronation night, it will be easy for the winner to fulfill her duties and responsibilities during her reign. And then, she can pursue her long-term dream, be it in show business, or in the corporate world, or in the medical profession. It depends, though, on the girl’s physical potentiality and mental preparedness. Mutya Ng Pilipinas 1993 Michelle Aldana was still studying Speech and Drama at the University of the Philippines-Diliman when she joined the pageant. Her stature, spontaneity and fresh Filipina beauty won for our country the last Miss Asia-Pacific title.
Supsup will be competing in the Miss Universe Pageant come September, to be held in Sao Paulo, Brazil. There’s no question to the way former Miss Universes have been selected, but almost always the Miss Universe Organization is hounded by controversies about their basis for selection of the semi-finalists. Many pageant experts and analysts have wondered how come that lousy lady from Europe made it to the semi finals, while this elegant lass from Asia barely did.
It goes without saying that results are always unpredictable and that we can only expect the unexpected. However, as soon as the semi-finalists start strutting their stuff and pivoting their way onstage, we cannot help noticing one or two finalists looking so out of place in swimsuit and in evening gown. Our country has sent sexier and prettier delegates to all international beauty pageants out there, but to no avail. We might as well support someone like Shamcey Supsup whose resume is as eloquent as her personality, a representative who can interact well with her co-candidates, the press, the sponsors, the organizers, the bigwigs of the host country.
Never mind the Final Question segment, for we cannot blame delegates who answer in their mother tongue. Intelligence is not measured by someone’s command of English, in a country where they’re using their native language as medium of instruction. But if we talk about a non-English speaking finalist’s gist of her answer, only the interpreter can admit to either translating her thoughts as is, or glossing over its content to make it sound more sensible.
And if, God willing, Shamcey Supsup brings home the crown this year, then she will be the third Miss Universe from the Philippines since Margarita Moran won in 1973 and Gloria Diaz in 1969. But all the same, she will always be a full-fledged, one-of-a-kind icon of beauty and brains, born to be our country’s cream of the crop, donning the sash as the Philippines’ most beautiful woman, wearing the medal for being the most intelligent architect around.
Yes indeed Ms. Philippines answers the question much more appropriately than the others (without an interpreter and she does speak calmly and thoroughly) BUT THE JUDGES ARE RIGHT. Her answer would have landed her in the last place, her answer is racist and very offensive I would say. I’m a Roman Catholic and I marry a MUSLIM MAN. I totally don’t agree with her answer “If he loves me he should love my God too and If he’s not I wouldn’t marry him” THAT’S RIDICULOUS. I didn’t ask my husband to love Jesus as I love him, and my husband didn’t ask me to love Allah as he loves him. You don’t ask someone to love your God if he/she loves you the important thing is YOU RESPECT AND ACCEPT EVERYONE’S RELIGION AND THEIR GOD EVEN YOU HATE IT.
My husband don’t love my Jesus and I don’t love Allah too but we respect each other and embrace everything about each other.
But for Shamcey still a victory for us Filipinos, she handled herself very well. You didn’t let us down.
Hi Dabawenya… Thanks for sharing about your interesting marriage, it is good to hear that people with different religions can get along under one roof. If only the rest of the planet was like u and your husband then we would have achieved the beauty queen ideal of world peace. Anyway, please do not be offended by Shamcey’s answer, she was only speaking for herself. Just as I have respect for your choice to marry the man u love, I have respect for Shamcey’s answer. Btw, I heard a story that her boyfriend had to change faith to win her heart. Not sure how true it is… thanks, again for sharing!!
`truly SHAMCY did a great answer, being the third runner up is one way of we Filipinos should be proud of…..
`CONGRATULATIONS Ms, Shamcy Supsup….
`for us you are the NO.1……….
Congratulations to GenSan’s pride, Shamcey Supsup,as Miss Universe 2011′s 3rd runner up.For us Filipinos,she brought the inner and outer beauty of being a true,dignified and responsible citizen with a Christian faith.She has been raised and brought up by a responsible and persevering father.Our Lord will always pour His blessings upon the Supsup family.To God be the Glory!
IT WOULD HAVE BEEN MUCH BETTER IF ONLY ONE QUESTION WAS ASKED TO THE FIVE FINALISTS– AS THEY HAD DONE BEFORE!
IN THE PAST, THEY EVEN PUT THE OTHER FOUR FINALISTS IN BOOTHS, WHILE ONE FINALIST WAS BEING INTERVIEWED WITH A COMMON QUESTION. AND DURING THIS FINAL INTERVIEW PHASE, ALL THE FIVE FINALISTS STARTED FROM A ZERO RATING! SUCH A VERY FAIR SYSTEM ENABLED GLORIA DIAZ TO WIN THE CROWN– AND CAUSED MIRIAM QUIAMBAO TO LOSE THE CROWN, ALTHOUGH SHE WAS VERY MUCH MORE BEAUTIFUL THAN MISS BOTSWANA WHO WON THE CROWN OVER MS. QUIAMBAO, WHO CLAMMED UP DURING THE FINAL Q &A portion.
Thanks Esther, yes I tend to agree that one question makes it easier to judge. But then again, Miss U is not really chosen because of the best answer… not since Donald Trump took over…
[...] 16, 2011 by adventuresofabeautyqueen Now that we’re in between pageants (Miss Universe 2011 just ended and Miss World Philippines 2011 is a couple days away) I have a few moments to relax and [...]
Angola has her unique charisma even in prelims and so is Philippines, i guess Angola’s beauty just stood out during the finals. No offense, but when Philippines answered the question, she lost her smile for a while – which i guess a lost of confidence, though she answered excellently. Angola on the other hand, calm and confident – she deserved the win. Let’s not criticize the ladies guys, they all got the titles that they deserved – it’s a competition, some loses and some wins. Let’s just be thankful that Philippines made it until the top 5, something that we all can be proud of. Congratulations Miss Philippines!!!
Thanks Russ
yes I too would rather focus more on the good stuff! I agree, Angola stood out and was so queenly… And Shamcey did so well!!! I am proud of the two girls…
what can you say about this? http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/arts-post/post/miss-universe-backlash-miss-france-speaks-out-against-miss-angola/2011/09/14/gIQAYXdeSK_blog.html
i am more disappointed at what used to be charming miss france. this speaks more about her rather than of leila.
Hi Sophia! Miss France is just being very French…. hehehehe… they usually speak their minds. But I think Laury Thilleman went overboard. She is still gorgeous for me and I don’t regret putting her in my Top 16 but she needs to learn how to keep her personal disappointments in check. Can you imagine, if she had won? If she speaks like that about other people, she would have gotten so pig-headed siguro. ANyway, there is a backlash against her for her hater-like comments so maybe she regrets it by now. But I don’t hate her for saying those things. I’m just relieved she didn’t win.
Read my thought on this here!
Ah basta… be thankful na nakasama si Ms. Shamcey.. Lahat naman sila panalo, walang talo dahil lahat sila narating yung bagay na yun
Isa pa, nakasama si Ms. Sham sa top 5.. oha oha.. galing di ba?
I’m very proud of Ms Shamcey that she is very faithful to her God. It’s right to make others to love the Almighty God – Puia, Mizoram
hi ms joyce just some clarifications about national costume competition.. yes MUO did chose 10 best costumes in the past, the one closest to my memory was in 2005 where gionna cabrera made it to the top 5… this happens randomly in MU but u can review editions of 2003-2005! MABUHAY SHAMCEY! CHEERS!!!
Thanks much for the info
appreciate it 
I pasted your comment right after the paragraph that talks about the National Costumes…
THE FILIPINA BEAUTY: Her Grace and Brains Beyond Universal
Ariel Allera
Much as I’d like to blog about something new, I can’t afford to let go of my own share of retrospect on last September 6′s Miss Universe 2011 event. Quite understandable, because aside from being a pageant fanatic, a frustrated beauty queen, and a mentor to aspiring beauty queens, I will always be proud of every Filipino, past and present, who has made a mark in any international beauty quest.
Miss Philippines Shamcey Supsup may not have come home with the coveted Miss Universe 2011 crown, but she’s brought pride and honor to our country by placing 3rd runner-up. Talks and blogs have it that she should’ve placed higher. As far as I’m concerned, she could have either clinched the crown or gotten the first runner-up position had most of the judges been receptive to and respectful enough of her honest-to-goodness answer to such a make-or-break question asked during the final round. However, I’d like to think that the result was fair, and I highly respect the judges’ decision.
In all fairness to Miss Angola Leila Lopes (the winner), she had the most beautiful face among the 15 semi-finalists. She reminds me of her fellow exotic beauty from her continent, Nigeria’s Agbani Darego, who won the 2001 Miss World crown in South Africa, but had been misplaced at Miss Universe 2001 held in Puerto Rico a few months prior (Denise Quinones of the host country won the night). Anyhow, Miss Ukraine Olesya Stefanko (first runner-up) was also seductive and glamourous.
Shamcey Supsup was exceptional. She’s a dead ringer for Binibining Pilipinas-International 1996 Yedda Marie Mendoza Kittilsvedt and Binibining Pilipinas-Universe 2007 Anna Theresa Licaros mixed. She had the best walk and the best style. She displayed the most grace and elegance, and delivered the most substantial answer in terms of honesty and conviction. Moreover, who wouldn’t have been impressed by the fact that, of all the five finalists, she was the only one who needed no interpreter? For that she should’ve been given extra points.
Any true-blue Filipino everywhere would be proud of and happy for Shamcey’s feat at the pageant. But because we can’t please everybody, some may have blamed her for sounding too fanatically religious in her response to the final question:”Would you change your religious beliefs to marry the person that you love? Why or why not?”
She replied, “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. I have my faith and my principles, and this is what makes me who I am. And if that person loves me, he should love my God, too.”
I could hardly see anything wrong with that, with being honest and humble in a beauty pageant. It’s just so unbecoming that some title-holders won in their respective competitions owing to their answer that the judges and the audience wanted to hear. Hence, most contestants are pressed to answer against their personal choice and opinion, because they’re afraid to lose their chance of winning.
Please spare Shamcey, for she stood her ground with conviction as a God-centered human being and pride as an exemplary Filipina. Born brainy and bold, she did not come through a traditional method of training wherein beauty-queen wannabes are taught to lie and be politically correct for the sake of winning.
I reviewed the pageant a few days ago. Donald Trump was right about choosing Brazil as this year’s host country, because its culture is so rich as it was evident in the pageant’s stage. It might not be as majestic as that at Miss Universe 2000 in Cyprus (crown won by my all-time favorite beauty queen, India’s Lara Dutta) or as big as that at Miss Universe 2004 in Equador (Australia’s Jennifer Hawkins was crowned), but Brazil’s production was awesome. It was festive that they let each of the candidates introduce herself onstage, rather than having the segment pre-taped from a separate location. It could, however, have also been taped onstage beforehand, but to the televiewers worldwide it looked as if it was done live.
I wish the present organizers could create an opening production number again that’s as visually enthralling as that of Miss Universe 2004, wherein USA’s Shandi Finnessey brought the house down with her hip-swaying. Such dance number may be a good ice-breaker for all those delegates coming from different countries and competing for one coveted crown. Plus, let’s face it: It’s pleasing to see all equally beautiful women dancing together, isn’t it? If I may remember it right, legendary pageant choreographer Scott Grossman did it and made it classy. He’s the hot man onstage, during his terms with the organization, who was tasked to hand bouquets to special award winners, the runners-up and, of course, the Miss Universe.
This year’s production number into each segment (the swimsuit competition as well as the evening gown competition) was eye-popping. What I like about Miss Universe compared to other pageants is that, like science, it undergoes change and development, as the structures of the universe. Gone are the days when girls dilly-dallied in their evening gowns. Such old-school style is common in neighborhood and municipal beauty contests, and even in some national and international pageants except for Miss Universe and Miss World. I found this year’s host Andy Cohen as delicious as his voice and accent. To me he’s the hottest host that Miss Universe pageant has invited.
To Shamcey Supsup, thank you for uplifting the image of our country. The same goes to Maria Venus Raj, for placing fourth runner-up in last year’s edition of Miss Universe pageant: You paved the way for aspiring Filipina beauty queens. On the other hand, it’s quite interesting to note that it was also in (Sao Paulo) Brazil where our very own Chat Almarvez bagged the first runner-up award in the prestigious Ford Supermodel of the World 2010 competition. A big thanks to her as well.
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To those who were not able to read, let me share an article that I wrote about Shamcey Supsup before she left the country to compete in the Miss Universe 2011 pageant. I hope that, through this, you will get to know more about our very own beauty queen and admire her brains beneath those Chi-done waves, not to mention have a glimpse of her inner being through the grace and elegance of her tsunami walk. Thank you.
SHAMCEY SUPSUP: Beauty, Brains and Beyond
By ARIEL ALLERA
A beauty-and-brains combo can be hard to find among pageant contestants. More often if a candidate is too pretty, her Intelligence Quotient is scarcely high enough to match. There may be others who are blessed with a little bit of everything — lovely face, smooth skin, curvy figure, height of five-feet-seven or better, or just enough guts to say something during question-and-answer.
But if you’re judging a beauty contest, and there’s one girl onstage standing before you, alongside her equally gorgeous fellow contestants, and you knew that she graduated with Latin honors and she was a board topnotcher, why would you have to look around and find someone else?
This year, our country has chosen its national queen whose charm is as unquestionable as her wit. Recently crowned Binibining Pilipinas – Universe 2011, Shamcey Supsup has proven a woman’s worth by defining beauty at par with brains.
She’s not the first title-holder who has graduated Magna Cum Laude (from the University of the Philippines-Diliman), but her placing first in the 2010 Philippine Architecture Licensure Examination is what makes most of us hold her in higher esteem — than winning that coveted crown of the night. In a country where kids are told to study hard as soon as they start going to school, Supsup will serve as a role model for young girls out there who want to make a stride into the world of pageantry.
While most national beauty contests require girls to be at least high school graduates who are between 18 years old and 25, a completed undergraduate educational attainment will still be the best preparation, let alone weapon.
Not only will it have molded their minds, thus making them more confident throughout the competition, from pre-pageant interviews to the final question-and-answer in the coronation night, it will be easy for the winner to fulfill her duties and responsibilities during her reign. And then, she can pursue her long-term dream, be it in show business, or in the corporate world, or in the medical profession. It depends, though, on the girl’s physical potentiality and mental preparedness. Mutya Ng Pilipinas 1993 Michelle Aldana was still studying Speech and Drama at the University of the Philippines-Diliman when she joined the pageant. Her stature, spontaneity and fresh Filipina beauty won for our country the last Miss Asia-Pacific title.
Supsup will be competing in the Miss Universe Pageant come September, to be held in Sao Paulo, Brazil. There’s no question to the way former Miss Universes have been selected, but almost always the Miss Universe Organization is hounded by controversies about their basis for selection of the semi-finalists. Many pageant experts and analysts have wondered how come that lousy lady from Europe made it to the semi finals, while this elegant lass from Asia barely did.
It goes without saying that results are always unpredictable and that we can only expect the unexpected. However, as soon as the semi-finalists start strutting their stuff and pivoting their way onstage, we cannot help noticing one or two finalists looking so out of place in swimsuit and in evening gown. Our country has sent sexier and prettier delegates to all international beauty pageants out there, but to no avail. We might as well support someone like Shamcey Supsup whose resume is as eloquent as her personality, a representative who can interact well with her co-candidates, the press, the sponsors, the organizers, the bigwigs of the host country.
Never mind the Final Question segment, for we cannot blame delegates who answer in their mother tongue. Intelligence is not measured by someone’s command of English, in a country where they’re using their native language as medium of instruction. But if we talk about a non-English speaking finalist’s gist of her answer, only the interpreter can admit to either translating her thoughts as is, or glossing over its content to make it sound more sensible.
And if, God willing, Shamcey Supsup brings home the crown this year, then she will be the third Miss Universe from the Philippines since Margarita Moran won in 1973 and Gloria Diaz in 1969. But all the same, she will always be a full-fledged, one-of-a-kind icon of beauty and brains, born to be our country’s cream of the crop, donning the sash as the Philippines’ most beautiful woman, wearing the medal for being the most intelligent architect around.
[...] Universe could not be topped! Here comes Shamcey Supsup with her eye-popping Tsunami walk in the Miss Universe 2011 beauty pageant! She took it one step higher and grabbing the 3rd Runner-up sash. Shamcey outdid pageant [...]
I think you left a very important part of Angola’s Answer, which would lead some to think she is conceited, Her answer was in part that she was happy she was endowed with inner beauty. You wrote that she said, in her answer she said thank god she was endowed with beauty. See the difference? I know many Philippinos object to Angola winning, And Philippines place third. Many was angry she won, because she is Black. I have lost so much respect, for the people of the Philippines I honestly never realized just how racist you all are,
Hi Jane, i think I made it quite clear in my blog that I love Angola being the winner. I am half American and half Filipino and have been discriminated against oftentimes in my life by both Filipinos and Americans. It is always a painful experience to be told you’re different because of your race. But I don’t hate Filipinos or Americans because not all of them are like that.
When I wrote the blog, I wrote it while watching the pageant and paraphrased Miss ANgola’s answer with no malice involved. If I remember correctly, Angola did mention God. But even if she didn’t, it doesn’t really matter because I think Angola deserved to win – she was one of my choices for the crown in a previous blog post. She looked like a living Barbie Doll on stage and she just took my breath away. Viva Angola!
shamcey supsup of philippines and priscila machado of brazil don’t deserve to be in the Top 5 instead of the two of them, it should be France and Panama in the top5