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BY RHODA GARZON CAMPILLAN
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Tuesday, January 31, 2017
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THE PHILIPPINES is a beauty pageant-, basketball- and boxing-crazy nation. Filipinos gather in their living rooms to watch the telecast of these events. Watching these is a welcome respite from the busy life a Filipino.
I am a beauty pageant fan, especially the Miss Universe. I am a frustrated beauty queen. I was not given a chance to compete in real beauty contests but I’m happy being a fan. While watching Miss Universe, I had a few realizations that somehow inspired me to be a better person.
First, no matter what skin color or body shape you have, you can still be beautiful. Miss Canada was so confident with herself and I liked the way she uplifted the spirits of those who do not have model-figure bodies. It is just a matter of perspective. Your color or body shape does not define you as a person.
When I was younger, I used to think I am ugly because I am chubby and had body fats. As I grew older, my view changed. I was loved not because of my body but because I am a loving sister, loyal friend, and an obedient daughter.
Second, you have to be proud of your language. We are used to speaking English. We always think that if that person speaks English fluently, he is smart. Because of our colonial background, we were influenced to think that English is the only language that can put us on the limelight. Watching Miss Universe, some contestants used their own language and this did not make them less a person or less beautiful. We can speak our own language while answering the Q and A if we want to.
Third, beauty pageants are venues for women to make a difference. Critics of beauty pageants usually say beauty contests reduce women to objects of sex. While their claim is valid, I would rather look at the bright side. If you win a beauty contest, you have the power to make a difference. I am not saying if you are not a beauty queen you cannot make a difference. What I am saying is, if you win a beauty contest, you are more motivated and inspired because you are behind an advocacy. You are there to show that beauty queens are not just skin deep; beauty permeates in the blood and in the heart.
Fourth, contestants should be aware of current events. Miss Kenya, even if she is not an American, is aware of the political affairs of USA. In my mind, if you wish to be Miss Universe, you should not be confined to what is happening in your own hometown. Your perspective should be wider.
I notice that some teens nowadays barely read newspapers or watch news programs. They are more focused on using social media platforms for personal reasons. I know there are still those who care but it would be good if more and more youth will be more concerned of the world.
Fifth, candidates should have the heart to accept defeat. To lose a contest surely breaks the heart; however, it is more rewarding if you pick yourself up, move forward and make the experience a stepping stone for more beautiful experiences in the future.
I have lost some battles, and I have won some. One important lesson I have learned is to get up strongly and push myself to excel some more.
Truly, Miss Universe is more than a beauty contest. The contest itself gives valuable lessons worth living. Beauty queen or not, it does not matter. What is more important how you live your life and how you apply the lessons you have learned to make you a better person./PN
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