Miss USA 1994 Lu Parker (left) sits beside Jojo Bragais at the Miss USA judging panel. Image: Facebook/Jose Joaquin Bragais
Lu Parker, the United States’ delegate during the Philippines’ second hosting of the Miss Universe pageant in 1994, shared fond memories of her stay in the country with Filipino shoe maverick Jojo Bragais, who sat with her at the judging panel of the recent Miss USA pageant.
The two were judges during both the preliminary and final competitions, held earlier this month at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, and Bragais shared with INQUIRER.net his experience, including the stories he exchanged with Parker.
“She shared that she was crowned Miss USA in 1994, and competed against Charlene Gonzalez. She also expressed that the Philippines holds a special place in her heart and that she hopes to return if there’s an opportunity,” he said..
“I don’t personally know Ms. Lu Parker. I was only two years old when she participated in Miss Universe held in the Philippines,” he said, adding that “there is something captivating about her beauty and presence that exudes a sense of importance.”
Bragais also said that Parker served as a calming presence for him. “I felt very nervous because everything had to be perfect, and I was afraid of making a mistake. But Miss Lu was kind, talking to me before the show and during breaks, which helped me relax,” he shared.
“She smiled a lot, shared stories, and asked my thoughts on the contestants and what qualities I believed a winner should have. I even requested to sit next to her for the final show, hoping it would help me stay calm,” Bragais added.
He also said Parker told her that the earrings she wore at the pageant in Manila were from Gonzalez, and asked how the actress has been doing. “I shared that Charlene is now happily married to actor Aga Muhlach, with teenage kids. I mentioned that Charlene continues to be a renowned celebrity in our country,” the Filipino shoe empresario said.
Bragais also noted how differently the pageant went through, compared to how competitions are mounted here. “The organization of the event was truly impressive. Everything ran according to schedule, with no lengthy breaks or deliberations. The final results were based solely on the judges’ scoring, making the process very straightforward,” he shared.
“One particularly remarkable aspect was the presence of cameras that followed the contestants autonomously, capturing their movements seamlessly. Walang taong (There was no human) operator. The show itself was fast-paced, consisting of an opening section, the swimsuit segment, the evening gown portion, a [question-and-answer] session,” he added.
Bragais also noted that no singer serenaded the delegates, there was no big opening number or special number. “The show focused on the process of selecting the winner. Here in our country, it’s a show mixed with entertainment,” he explained.
He also shared that eventual Miss USA winner Alma Cooper’s final answer brought him to tears. “Once [Miss] Michigan gave her answer, there was no doubt in my mind that she was the clear winner. Someone like her deserves a significant platform to share her tales of struggle, as they have the power to inspire many,” Bragais shared.
Cooper is a military officer of African-Latino heritage. She will represent the US at the 73rd Miss Universe pageant in Mexico City, Mexico, on Nov. 16 (Nov. 17 in Manila), where she will be joined by the Philippines’ Chelsea Anne Manalo.