Janina San Miguel. Images: Creative Commons, Screengrab from Facebook/Missossology Philippines
Remember Janina San Miguel, the former beauty queen whose amusing responses to questions during a pageant 15 years ago became a subject of ridicule in pageant history? Well, she recently proved that she has come a long way since then.
The former Binibining Pilipinas World 2008 caught the attention of viewers during the Q&A portion of the pageant in 2008 with lines like, “I don’t feel any pressure right now,” “My family is the most important persons in my life,” and, “I came from one of the Top 10.”
San Miguel was eventually crowned as Bb. Pilipinas World 2008, but she resigned in September 2008, citing personal reasons and “indecent proposals” during her reign.
Fifteen years later, she still could not shake off the public’s opinion about her 2008 performance, but she has learned to take everything in stride, and gracefully embark on yet another pageant journey — this time for the Mrs. Face of Tourism Philippines.
San Miguel caught the attention of netizens after she managed to confidently breeze through the Q&A portion of the Mrs. Face of Tourism Philippines screening. The video, uploaded by pageant platform Missossology Philippines on its Facebook page, showed a San Miguel speaking about making an “impact” as a candidate.
“She is back! Janina San Miguel screened for Mrs. Face of Tourism Philippines 2023. Check out her answers during Q and A portion screening,” Missosology Philippines’ caption read.
San Miguel, when asked by a judge on why she chose to compete at the Mrs. Face of Tourism Philippines pageant, said being a beauty queen is not about a person’s age or marital status.
“Just like what Miss Universe said, it’s not about the age. It’s not about the status. We have to treat each other [equally]. And if not now, then when? It’s a statement of our new Miss Universe [R’Bonney Gabriel], so I want to join now and have an impact [on] our country. Thank you,” she said.
In a follow-up question, San Miguel spoke about her “courage” when asked about her most defining traits should she be chosen as a candidate.
“Of course, I have my courage, perseverance, and patience. And I think those will take me far,” she said in the video, which has now video earned over 221,000 views and 300 comments.
San Miguel’s communication skills was likewise praised by netizens, noting the improvement in her speech, while others lauded her dedication to prove her bashers wrong.
“This is inspiring. She just manifested her courage that despite being mocked by many, she can still prove them wrong. A better version of herself,” one said.
Another wrote: “Big improvement! Good luck Janina! for Mrs. Tourism Ph.”
“Inspirational ang story nya. Noon halos pagpyestahan sya sa social media dahil sa incoherent na answer nya sa Bb Pilipinas. Pero ngayon, mukhang very confident na sya at sobrang nag-improve ang way nya ng pagsagot ng tanong,” one said.
(Her story is inspirational. Before, she was bashed left and right on social media for her incoherent answer at the Bb. Pilipinas pageant. But now, she’s very confident and the way she responds to questions has improved tremendously.)
Image: Screengrab from Facebook/Missossology Philippines
Image: Screengrab from Facebook/Missossology Philippines
Image: Screengrab from Facebook/Missossology Philippines
Missossology Philippines also praised San Miguel’s dedication to “change a lot for the better” in a separate post.
“Janina San Miguel was and is still bullied because of the circumstances she was [in at that time], but the same circumstances are giving her life more meaning now. [She has] the will to prove everyone wrong and live a life the way she wants it to be lived,” its caption read.
The Mrs. Face of Tourism Philippines pageant aims to boost the local tourism industry by crowning a “relatable” candidate who has an “irresistible charm as a tourism advocate in her city or municipality.”
The local tilt, created for mothers and married women, will select among 30 candidates who have a knack for traveling and promoting the “wonder” of various tourist destinations.
The pageant has yet to unveil its official candidates but the coronation night is reportedly scheduled in the “middle” of the year.
Three winners will be crowned as Mrs. Face of Tourism Philippines, Mrs. Face of Culture and Heritage, and Mrs. Face of Ecotourism, as well subsidiary title Mrs. Face of Elegance, at the end of the event. EDV