Raj, who is involved in training Supsup and her fellow winners for global competitions, noted how Supsup has blossomed from pageant neophyte to formidable international contender.
Dramatic
“I had seen her even before she joined Binibining Pilipinas, and I’ve been very amazed at her dramatic improvement,” she said of the architecture board exams topnotcher during a special photo shoot held at the Gateway Suites of the Gateway Mall in Quezon City. “She used to walk like a man. Now she’s ready for Miss Universe. I’m sure she will make us all proud.”
The other 2011 winners share Raj’s optimism. Binibining Pilipinas-Tourism Isabella Manjon describes Supsup as the kind of person who could do anything when she sets her mind to it. “She will never settle for ‘good enough,’” said Manjon.
“Knowing Shamcey, she really aims for success,” added first runner-up Janine Tugonon. “She graduated magna cum laude and topped the board exam. She always gives an excellent performance in everything she does.”
Second runner-up Mary Jean Lastimosa, Supsup’s close friend, said that during workout breaks, they’d pose before the mirrors and notice that Shamcey has developed a “smashing body.”
Cheerleader
Lastimosa declared she has become Supsup’s main cheerleader. “We make her understand that she has to believe in herself and not succumb to pressure. She’ll be in the company of only the best from the world and she is in that league.”
Supsup told Inquirer Entertainment that she could apply the architectural principle of symmetry to her training, especially with respect to beauty and photographs.
Foundation
“I can also apply lessons from architecture to the emotional aspect of my training,” Supsup said. “I always say a house with a strong foundation can withstand any earthquake or flood. Whether it’s a small house or something more fancy, it will remain standing because of that foundation. Even with all these changes in my life—like learning how to dance or walk and apply makeup—my principles will never change. These things that I learned from my parents and from school define me.”
Not over
According to Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. chairperson and founder Stella Marquez Araneta, pageant preparation for the Miss Universe bet is not yet over. Supsup will learn to face the camera next, courtesy of media partner ABS-CBN.
The 2011 Miss Universe pageant will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on September 12.