Athena Imperial, Miss Earth Water 2011 (left) with the blogging beauty queen...
The beauty pageant forums have been bubbling like cauldrons over the recent placement of Athena Imperial in the Miss Earth 2011 beauty pageant held at the UP Theater. Many pageant fans feel she placed too high (Athena Imperial received the Miss Earth Water 2011 title,) while others (like me) are very proud of her achievements.
The online protest among Miss Earth fans is loud and I can’t ignore it any longer, even if I would like to. Athena Imperial is a friend and I have supported her ever since she joined Mutya ng Pilipinas a few years ago. I also have close ties to Carousel Productions, the creator of the Miss Earth franchise and have much love for their leadership.
Anyway… this whole brouhaha has shades of Manny Pacquiao’s recent fight vs Juan Manuel Marquez - Filipinos ended up so divided over the judges’ decision.
With all that said, I can’t help but ask many questions -
Should we be happy that the Philippines won one of the elemental runner-up titles in a pageant that was held in our nation?
Do you think criticism from international groups is right – that it was an honorary placement for the Philippines and people shouldn’t take it seriously?
Should Carousel have a policy that when Miss Earth is held in a country, it’s candidate shouldn’t be place so high? And why is it that people are criticizing Athena Imperial so severely when the girl is just chasing her dreams?
I know this is a very touchy issue so I’m asking commenters to avoid bashing. Hard opinions can be given without name-calling so please, when you share your thoughts, keep it decent. Click here to read my policy on comments.
Winning a title doesn’t mean that you’re the most beautiful or the smartest. It is a matter of luck, destiny and timing
When Athena placed in the Magic Four, credit should go to the aforementioned mix plus the fact that she and her mentors did their homework. Her beautiful face, confidence and charming demeanor also helped get her in.
Why the big fuss over the results? Among the 11 judges or so judges that I counted, there were four Caucasians, a Singaporean, a Chinese or two, the President or Managing Director or something of Star World Asia of Indian or Pakistani descent, I’m not sure of this though. There were only two or three Filipinos I think. One of them is the highly credible and impartial Ms Vivienne Tan, the chair of the panel. I don’t think those judges would risk putting their names and credibility on the line for Miss Philippines.
We know life is unfair that is why we can only eat our hearts out every time Miss USA enters the semi- finals of Miss Universe. by the way, Miss Universe is also handled by the same people that handle Miss USA so why is nobody complaining? Miss Earth is indeed handled by the same group that produces the annual Miss Philippines pageant but I don’t think there is malice and intent to cheat in the pageant.
For those who are lambasting Miss Imperial on her supposed lack of beauty and height, have you considered her feelings? She deserves nothing but praise and accolades for the honor and recognition she gave her country.
As a parting shot, we watch pageants to be entertained and to be mesmerized and dazzled by all those impossibly perfect women who are beautiful, brainy and well- bred, so please get a life and move on
Love your parting shot!
You know brew, I think people are suspicious that MPE’s leadership pressured the judges. I have heard some say that MPE doesn’t want the Philippines to be left behind because of the great performances by Shamcey in Miss U and Gwen in Miss W. But I would like to give MPE not just the benefit of the doubt, but also my trust that they are protecting their brand and would not destroy it by pressuring the judges. I believe any pageant that pressures an international panel of judges will get a serious backlash from the judges themselves.
Now why would people be suspicious? Well, because most of them (and even us) tend to think that MPE has the same criteria as MU, MI and MW. Those pageants often put a premium on height.
But IMHO, MPE tends favor the ability to speak over height.
If we understand what MPE’s criteria is/are then it will put Athena’s placement into perspective. The girl is feisty, charming (especially up close), warm and honest about herself. And she looks like a doll. She also has a journalistic background and can talk your ears off. I hate to compare, but over the 3 years that I have been covering pageants and beauty queens, the ONE stark difference that MPE winners have over other beauty queens is that they are better public speakers and emcees/hosts. I say that in general of course. So if you factor in the ability to talk publicly and promote earthy things, then the picture changes. Athena is more than qualified for the spot.
i agree 101%….i don’t think the top caliber judges can be coerced or pressured to do otherwise….
if only some of the fans realize that ME has an entirely different criteria……
Rightly so for those who refuse to re-orient their thinking on the standards of how a beauty pageant is to be judged. It has been made clear since Ms Earth inception that the criteria MEO will use for selecting the elemental queens are not similar to what we have known and embraced since the day we first began to watch beauty pageants.
The criteria for Ms Earth are not similar to Ms U nor MW and NOT based purely on beauty of face and figure. There are equally weighted selection criteria that will factor in, i.e. attitude, character, beauty sans cosmetic enhancement (hence one segment of the judging was done for all the girls without make-up), all unseen to the naked eye. Except if you talk to and watch the girls up close and personal, then the judging won’t have a fair basis. Is this too difficult to understand? Why blame Ms Earth if they chose to deviate from the usual norm but instead “revolutionize” the search engine because it is their way of doing it. If otherwise, what will identify Ms Earth from its elder predecessors. Ms Earth dared to be different, not another trying hard copycat of its elder siblings. Why the fuss?
I think the controversy is no longer about Ms Earth or about Athena’s selection. More than that, bruised egos, false pride, and corrupt sense of value and belief systems added up and have now begun to cloud the warring sides’ capacity to think objectively. These diatribes have become too personal already and beyond rescue. Selfish motives, hidden agenda,
See, it’s good to talk about these things because people will always have interesting insights. You are right… MPE may, on the surface, be a pageant like any other, but it’s criteria makes it different from others…
Great to be part of the Boy’s Town Christmas Outreach Activity, Ms. Joyce. Hope to see you again in Victory MetroEast!
Its always good to have you around
thanks much for your gift of self!
Initially, I felt it was more of a hometown decision that Miss Philippines Earth was included in the final four. Not that she was not deserving but there were other contestants that appear to be more of what we expect to be included in the finals if we base it on previous international pageant results. After realizing that Miss Earth is also handled by Miss Philippines Earth Organizers it ishould be expected that they select a contestant that they think will do well in their international version. Honestly, I would think we should be upset if we don’t place high in a pageant we created. All the advantages are with the hometown girl, but in the end she still has to perform and get the judges to see what the organizers see in her. Be grateful that she performed and answered well when put on the stop, and didn’t crumble under the immense pressure to do well. Congratulations Miss Philippines Earth Athena Imperial you won fair and square being a hometown favorite just added more pressure which I feel you handled well. good luck moving forward, and keep your head up high you did the Philippines proud.
Yes, indeed, Athena is handling it well, thanks for your thoughts on this!
Judges are human, too. And beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Most people forget, that the girls competing in the beauty pageants are just ordinary girls that happen to be born with features that people think as nice to look at. And I think it’s a good thing that beauty pageants add other traits such as intelligence, characters, etc., because well, an empty-headed or nasty beauty queen is pleasant to look at for like, five minutes instead of a year.
So winning is a matter of luck and judges’ taste, but beauty pageants have more meaning than just that, I hope.
Visit me:
LeeAnne, Style N Season
http://stylenseason.blogspot.com
Well… for me, pageants don’t have as much meaning as the women who compete. Not that pageants have little meaning; it’s just that I prefer to focus on the people involved – from the contestants to the organizers, the designers, make-up artists, Moms and pageant fans etc. Even the nasty empty-headed beauty queen is still a human being and might be on a journey to gaining a brain and a better attitude. I don’t mean that in a sarcastic way. I have seen bratty brainless beauty queens evolve into women of grace. And I have seen those who have gotten worse. Thanks for you thoughts LeeAnn!
many were confused including me.
making it to the top 16 perhaps possible for Athena if say based from overall score.
but considering the scores were back to zero… many were surprised that she were able to beat the other girls from the swimsuit portion. lots of tall girls and sexier girls were there. I think this portion judges the sexyness of each girls. Alas she made it to top 8!
same thing with evening gown, she even beat Miss Mexico as the best in evening gown winner.. lots of other girls who were able to deliver even better than her. And again she made it to top 4!
Many found it too biased thus even if you’re a filipino you wont feel proud because it feels fixed and with all honesty we still want it fair and square. And also considering that the pageant was held here… i bet she wouldn’t make it if it was held in Thailand.
Do you think Thailand would have entered the Top 16 or 8 or 4 if it were held there?
Thailnad’s rep this year looks ok though I like last year better
not sure though she is much better than Athena. So I guess there’s a possibility due to home court advantage 
Yes, unfortunately, Athena’s placement will always be hounded by whispers of ‘homecourt advantage’. She will just have to grin and bear it… or fight back… or just ignore it all.
Miss Earth Organizers should impose moratorium on sending Filipina delegate to their pageant for at least 5 years. That way, they’ll regain their lost and shattered credibility. It’s also better if they just sell their franchise to either Bb Pilipinas Charities Inc or CQGQ. That way they’ll spare Filipino people of embarrassment.
I think naman that Miss Earth is doing a very good job. We have to look at all the years and all the work they have put into the franchise in the past 10 or 11 years. One controversial decision is nothing compared to what they have achieved. But, we will see naman next year… if more countries join Miss Earth then it would be vindication. Of course, if the opposite happens, then they can always follow your advice
This is not meant as a criticism of the Miss Earth franchise or Athena, but being a Philippine-run pageant, questions will inevitably arise when its own candidate’s batting average as a semifinalist is 82% (9 slots in its 11-year history). Entering the semifinalist circle is perhaps the most critical stage in a beauty pageant because it is the biggest “cut” of the competition where roughly 85% of the candidates are eliminated.
My question is this: Is there a different group of judges in the preliminary round (like they do in Miss Universe)? If so, what is the make up of this preliminary panel of judges, and could national bias be a potential factor in explaining the high batting average for Philippine candidates in entering the Miss Earth semifinalist circle. If there is, then the organizers really need to look at this issue objectively and set in place the necessary checks and balances to protect their credibility and their brand.
I am betting that ‘homecourt-ness’ of our girls is indeed an advantage in the pageant. You have a very good question that I will try to ask MPE when I get a chance. You are right, MPE needs to be VERY careful with this particular issue.
I love Miss Earth since they are more on environmental advocacy. ME is a unique pageant than the other grandslam pageants. Honestly, Athena had placed high.. for me top 16 is enough for her. But I love the winner though.. I think their criteria is far different from other pageants. This should be an opener that beauty pageants is not only for tall girls but rather It should be for woman with determination and substance. =). I love your blog ate Joyce. =D
THank you Cutie Pie, a refreshing view. Why should we be so focused on the tall girls? Well, I think we are focused on tall girls because all ourtop pageants do have a height limit, even Miss Earth has one…. but yes, not so tall girls shouldn’t be discriminated against…
You are right ate Joyce! Not so tall girls should not be discriminated especially if they have something to flaunt of. And Athena is an epitome of it. She’s not really tall but her determination to win had made it. Indeed, the greatest sacrifice rewards a paradise. =) I can’t understand why majority of the filipinos bashed her because of that factor. We should be proud of her because she gave honor into our country. And this is the first time in history that Philippines made it to four grandslam pageants. So, I think it is time to celebrate . =) These happenings in Philippine’s pageantry is once in a blue moon. We should cheer up and be happy!! BTW, Isabella Manjon would compete on Miss Tourism Queen International 2011 in China. =)
But I will be honest with you. My eye tends to prefer taller contestants. In other words, if there were two equally beautiful girls, practically the same in all areas except height, I would most likely choose the taller girl. I know this is a bias but I would rather admit it than pretend otherwise. I try to temper that bias by being objective, of course, because of exactly what you just said.
Re: Isabella, I will be at her send off tomorrow, I am very excited!
Me too. I also love taller girls.. I felt disappointed about Ms. Earth Czech Republic’s not penetrating the semis in ME 2011. She bagged Best in Swimsuit… But how come she was left behind? =(
Winning a major special award is never a guarantee that you’ll enter the magic circle or go home with a title. It’s an indication of the possibility, but many times in the past it has happened that the best in gown or best in swimsuit will be left in the dust. It’s part of the drama that is unique to beauty pageants…
Wow! Good luck to her! I’m a solid Manjon fan! I really like her beauty.. The jawline, eyes, cheekbones, nose, lips… every thing is perfect. A face that could launch a thousand ships. How I wish to see her in personal.. =)
WHen she is on stage, she dominates the scene… very thrilled to see her later and witness the results of months of training since she won.
I agree with you Miss Joyce that height is a big factor, I would still prefer taller girls. Japan is very smart in sending girls in ME, look how tall they were
I dont hate Athena but she doesn’t seem to fit the elemental court
Thank you Nobuhiko… the last thing we need are haters. And one can give an opinion like yours without hateful words. And we shouldn’t hate the people whose opinions differ from ours. I agree that Athena’s beauty is very different from the rest of the elementals however, I still am glad she made it in
In my opinion the Philippines should have not placed and i think there are girls who have traveled halfway around the world just to compete her that deserves to be a finalist. If Miss Earth want to set itself apart they should not include the Philippines as a finalist. The batting average of the Philippines has so high since the start of the pageant 10 years ago. Miss International does not include Japan as a finalist every year and they are not even included as a semi-finalist.
You know Roy, I am wondering why no one got this indignant when Sandra Seifert got 1st Runner-up in Miss Earth a couple years ago. My only conclusion is that pageant fans considered her worthy for the spot. Unfortunately, in the case of Athena, there are more naysayers and their voices are very loud. But as for me, I love Sandra and Athena and believe both are beautiful and worthy of all their achievements. But thanks for your sharing your thoughts. Hoping that the next Miss Earth will be a happier event for pageant fans…
I think Philippines placed too high in the recent Miss Earth too though I didn’t watch the pageant. I have to agree that a lot of foreign contenders deserved the spot given to Philippines and it is in no way the fault of Athena if she was given the place. She did her best on the pageant though she got rewarded, in my opinion, generously for it. I also doubt if she would even place in top 16 if the pageant was held in Thailand. This is just me saying if I compare how they choose finalists in Miss Universe. I believe contenders in the Miss Universe pageants are mostly intelligent, they are just looking for a face and body that can sell. Not the other “sell”. What I don’t like is how Philippines hold pageants. They tend to be lengthy and less classy. In the previous Miss Earths, Tanzania was more deserving than Philippines(Carla Henry) and in my opinion, Sandra Seifert could have won if Philippines did not win previously and Miss Earth Brazil 2004 wasn’t on the panel. Though I don’t have concrete grounds, but I have to say that pageant held in the Philippines tend to disappointing and sometimes questionable.
Yes, our pageants can get pretty lengthy. I guess the main reason is we have to give each girl enough time or else we’ll get angry Moms all over the place and fewer Moms will let their daughters join pageants if they don’t some air time.
I imagine that countries that have close-knit families tend to have longer pageants because of this. Just a silly theory, I could be wrong 
The Carousel handles both the ME of MPE pageants…. both pageants have the same criteria. Naturally, the MPE winners will be the girl to beat in the ME- she has gone through the same process, she is familiar with how things work and best of all, she already embodies that kind of girl that Carousel is looking for…. So I really dont see a big surprise if our local girl will be one of the girls to beat in the ME.
This is the same thing with MU– Ms USA is always expected to do really well. In MI, Japan is also expected to do really well. During the time the MW was always in London, any girl from the UK is always expected to do well. We can all check the stats– and this will prove this theory.
Now- does it mean MU, MI, ME and MW are bias in favor of their local girls??? OF COURSE NOT!!! Their local girls- were chosen by them and naturally, all the qualities they look for a winner are almost 100% of the time, present in their local representative.
Now – as for Athena— I met this girl several times and she is a sweetheart. She is smart and very charismatic. Do we really blame the girl for competing and actually winning? OF COURSE NOT– like all of us, she is just following her dreams. How many times do we convince our friends and even ourselves that it does not matter what other people say? We always support people who wants to do well in spite of all the obstacles at hand….. Athena won– she may not be the greatest beauty in some people’s eyes- but she is just like us trying to do well in spite of all our flaws— if we cannot celebrate her winning– can we at least celebrate the fact that a woman succeeded in spite of all the bad things thrown at her, in spite of her flaws, in spite of all those glamazons in the pageant and in spite of everybody trying to put her down…..
Bravo to Athena!!! Congratulations and more power
Jay, thanks for sharing your perspective! Personally, I believe that as time passes, people will forget this whole thing and remember Athena as the beauty queen who overcame the odds, an example that we should all follow.
Always a pleasure Ms JOyce— on a lighter note— did u loose weight? You’re looking hotter and hotter
with your new look. Keep it up! Happy Holidays 
jay, my exact thoughts…..
you just wrote what i really wanted to say…especially on the high batting average of countries that organize international pageants…
example: miss usa placed practically every year in the 60 years that it joined miss universe. miss usa missed the cut only in 1976, 1999, 2002, and 2010..let’s not count leona gage’s disqualification in 1957
Ms. Joyce, last year I asked about the carbon footprint in staging their ‘so-called’ earth friendly pageant. Until now, I did not get to read any news releases on this issue. If they’re really serious on their ‘so-called’ advocacy, they should publish it.
Honestly, I don’t think you’ll ever get any news on that issue. They are serious about pageantry and about talking about things like carbon footprint etc. and they are serious about raising awareness. But as for doinging something about the carbon footprint in staging the pageant… I don’t they’ll be going in that direction soon…
[...] 8) ATHENA IMPERIAL WINS ELEMENTAL TITLE IN MISS EARTH 2011! [...]