Formula for winning pageants

MISS Universe Maria Gabriela Isler concedes that the Philippines beats Venezuela when it comes to the number of supporters. Photo by LEO M. SABANGAN II

Reigning Miss Universe Maria Gabriela Isler, from Venezuela, notes that the Philippines beats her country when it comes to supporting beauty pageants.

“The Philippines has the biggest pageant fan base,” Isler said when she met local media on Thursday. She will be one of the judges in Sunday’s Binibining Pilipinas tilt, which will be held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

During the press gathering, Isler insisted that her country’s winning formula in beauty contests is a no-brainer.

“Personally, I think it’s the commitment, not to the organization or to yourself, but to the country,” she said.

Volunteer work

“We work really hard … for the pride of our country. We train for one year. We have a university … where we learn to do our hair, makeup, take lessons in art and walking,” she elaborated.

While in the country, the Venezuelan beauty will also take part in projects to help rebuild communities in Coron, Palawan, that were affected by Supertyphoon “Yolanda.”

As Miss Universe 2013, Isler visited Indonesia and Mexico, then returned to Russia where she won the title.

When she is not on the road, Isler volunteers for the God’s Love We Deliver group, which provides food for people with HIV/AIDS every day in New York, where she’s currently based.

“I love desserts, so I was assigned to the pastry section. I talk to [the people we feed]. They are always happy to see you and get support from you,” she said.

HIV/AIDS awareness is the primary advocacy of the Miss Universe Organization.

After her reign, Isler plans to take a scholarship offered by the New York Film Academy as part of her prize package. She immediately turned down the chance to become an actress.

“I cannot [act]. I’m very honest. You can see my real emotions through my eyes and my smile,” she explained.

Regional hopefuls

Three candidates to this year’s Bb. Pilipinas pageant are carrying the banner of their respective provinces.

Reigning Reyna ng Bulacan Vessica Sambo, 2012 Miss Bicolandia Yvethe Marie Santiago and 2009 Miss Cebu Kris Tiffany Janson recently shared with the Inquirer their thoughts on competing in a national beauty pageant.

Janson confessed that she is nervous because she is “representing the whole island of Cebu.”

An events host by profession, Janson said her father inspired her to join. “All I wanted was to finish college, find a job and support my family. The decision to join came at the last minute. I’m 24 years old; it’s now or never for me,” she said.

For Sambo, the decision to compete was not hers. One of her duties as Reyna ng Bulacan was to join the national pageant.

Sambo related that she had to give up her last year of Engineering studies to prepare for the big league.

Santiago, for her part, had to review for the CPA board examinations after being crowned Miss Bicolandia.

“That was my priority then. Joining Bb. Pilipinas is a big responsibility that requires 100 percent from contestants,” said Santiago, 20, from Daraga, Albay.

Sacrifices

Now that she has moved up to the national stage, Santiago said she had to quit professional practice and gave up spending time with her family. “All good things come with sacrifice,” she mused. “With open arms, I take on new adventures.”

Janson is likewise unfazed by the sacrifice she had to make, particularly being away from her home and family in Cebu. “The higher the risk, the higher the rewards,” she said.

Santiago admitted that she felt pressured, “because Bicol is considered, in a way, the Venezuela of the Philippines, producer of outstanding beauty queens.”

Now a certified public accountant, she said the support she receives from her region lifts her spirit. “Bicolanos are supportive of their bets. I’m proud to represent them.”

Sunday’s pageant ceremonies will be aired on ABS-CBN.