What Derek Ramsay discovered about Pia Wurtzbach

Derek Ramsay

Miss Philippines Universe 2016 Maxine Medina tried to the max. She’s got grace and poise that will never get maxed out, no matter what her bashers say. Since we still have a Miss U hangover, I cornered the pageant preliminary events’ host, Derek Ramsay, for his post-pageant thoughts.

Derek would certainly be more than qualified to be our country’s bet in a pageant like Mr. Universe.

Here’s my chat with Derek:

If you were assigned to provide the final question for the Top 3 candidates, what would you have asked them? What’s more important, inner or outer beauty? If you say inner, how do you showcase that in this competition?

Any backstage anecdote? Miss Thailand said “hello” to me, and I didn’t know what to say.

What was the most memorable part of your Miss U experience? The fact that I was able to host [it] with our very own Miss Universe, Pia Wurtzbach, in our home country.

What did you discover about Pia? She’s very smart and confident but, at the same time, down-to-earth.

Who were your Top 3 candidates? Philippines, Thailand and Colombia.

What is your “Miss Universe” like? My mother.

If you had a girlfriend, would you allow her to join Bb. Pilipinas? Yes, I would. I want her to do the things she wants to do. I never stop anyone from growing.

In order of importance, how would you rank beauty, intelligence, sexiness and character? Character, intelligence, sexiness equals beauty.

‘Sakaling Hindi Makarating’

In this age of e-mail, Viber messaging and social media, it is very refreshing to watch “Sakaling Hindi Makarating,” which focuses on the beauty and power of the handwritten word via homemade postcards.

The movie reminded me of one of my favorite books, “Griffin and Sabine” by Nick Bantock. True enough, the writer-director of the film, Ice Idanan, told me that she drew inspiration from Bantock’s work.

Idanan plans to come up with a book of the postcards/poems featured in the film. The indie movie bagged many awards at last year’s CineFilipino Film Festival and merited a grade of A from us at the Cinema Evaluation Board.

Lead stars Alessandra de Rossi and Pepe Herrera turned in superb portrayals. The haunting film takes the audience on an intriguing journey to Batanes, Siquijor, Marinduque, Ilocos, and Zamboanga. It explores the anatomy of pain in various forms and celebrates the art of letting go.

Personal: Congratulations to my newfound ACM Homes family for the successful launch of Salas Real in Jaro, Iloilo. Damo guid na salamat to Mayor Jed Mabilog for gracing the event. Thanks to Joseph Mabilog and KC Guerrero for their kind assistance. Muchas gracias Gina Magsanoc, Carol Osteria, Antonette de Guzman, Theda Namin, Allan Tajanlangit, John Castigador, Zedrick Seneres, Tibong Jardeleza, Kate Chaves, Sharmaine Hermo and Marz Ledesma for a splendid weekend in the City of Love.