Olivia Quido/SCREENSHOT FROM ZOOM BY ARMIN P. ADINA
MANILA, Philippines — California-based Filipino entrepreneur Olivia Quido has been the official skincare provider of the Miss Universe pageant for years now. This time, she has a bigger role to play—as one of the judges in the final competition.
“In our hands lie the fate of whoever will win, we can change the life of a person,” Quido told a group of local scribes in a virtual meeting on Jan. 11 where she discussed her selection as one of the final night judges for the 71st Miss Universe pageant, which is technically the global tilt’s 2022 edition.
She said she has already met six other judges during their orientation, a moment she said made her realize just how important their role is, not only for the organization, but also for the eventual winner. They, however, did not touch on who each of them thinks could end up with the crown. “We just got to know each other, asked what we do or what industry we belong to,” she shared.
It was Jan. 11 in Manila when the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) announced on Instagram that Quido is among the final night judges, along with former Miss Universe titleholders Ximena Navarrete and Wendy Fitzwilliam, American celebrity Emily Austin, rapper Big Freedia, TV host Myrka Dellanos, Roku executive Sweta Patel, fashion model Mara Martin, and American model Olivia Jordan who was 2015 Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach’s second runner-up.
But Quido revealed that MUO had already told her about her selection as one of the judges as early as first quarter of 2022. “I was overwhelmed, I could not believe it. I asked the Lord if it was true, and I thanked Him for the opportunity,” she said.
She said she will “look beyond the sash” and assess a candidate based on performance. “I’m looking for authenticity, she should also have global substance. It is very important for her to be the representation of the brand,” Quido shared.
For her, a Miss Universe should be a good speaker who presents herself well. “Does she represent the Miss Universe brand? Does she have a relatable personality? Does she have global impact?” Quido asked. She also said she could tell if somebody is faking it, or sounds too rehearsed.
She said she hopes to see a Miss Universe who can be a good role model for the youth. “I have seen how important beauty queens are, their influence is strong. I received messages from teenagers telling me they value their education because [2020 Miss Universe Philippines] Rabiya [Mateo] showed it, or they listen to their parents because it’s what Rabiya said,” Quido shared.
The skincare empress said she has been preparing herself mentally for the task since learning about her judging stint, and also made sure she is physically healthy for the competition. But in doing so, she also had to give up her virtual talk sessions with the Miss Universe delegates, something she started in the previous edition. As stipulated in the judges’ rule book, she should distance herself from the delegates and the different national directors.
But she was happy to share that she was able to build a close friendship with MUO’s new owner, Thai media mogul Anne Jakrajutatip of the Bangkok-based conglomerate JKN Global Group. “She invited me to return to Bangkok for a second time, she invited me to the Miss Universe Extravaganza,” Quido shared.
The two also spent time bonding together in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States, where the pageant is currently rolling. But Quido said Jakrajutatip did not talk about her preference in a Miss Universe, and instead discussed what else they can do together in the “Pelican state,” and possible future business collaborations.
In her last year’s visit to the Philippines, before the new MUO ownership was announced, Quido said the organization was planning to market a Miss Universe-branded Olivia Quido skincare line. She said Jakrajutatip signified her openness to the idea and will discuss it in further details eventually.
The two are also planning to visit New York after the competition. Quido said Jakrajutatip asked her to come with her to the “Big Apple” when a new Miss Universe has been crowned.
For the Miss Universe coronation show, Quido said she will continue to champion the talent of Filipino designers by wearing a creation of a top name in Philippine fashion “who has never dressed me up before. This is the first time.” She has already showcased the works of Oliver Tolentino and Mark Bumgarner in her OOTD (outfit of the day) in New Orleans.
The 71st Miss Universe pageant will hold its coronation show at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center on Jan. 14 (Jan. 15 in Manila). Harnaaz Sandhu, the third winner from India, will relinquish her title to her successor at the culmination of the final competition.
Italian-Filipino model and realtor Celeste Cortesi will attempt to give the Philippines its fifth victory in the annual competition. — JMS