Message from Armi Williams (former Hilario, former Kuusela) Miss Universe 1952

First Miss Universe - Armi Kuusela of Finland

I arrived in the Philippines in February 1953 as a young and impressionable Miss Universe to attend the official opening ceremonies of the first international fair in Manila. I was completely overwhelmed by the outpouring enthusiasm, warmth and adoration of the crowds of people wherever I went. I had never expected anything quite so magnificent – nor the extraordinary and special arrangements that were made to make me feel welcome and comfortable.

Miss World 2001: The Triumph Of The Bayamon Alumni; The Best Miss World Pageant Ever!

By Joseph Vitug
Excerpt from Mabuhay To Beauty:
Profiles of Beauties and Essays on Pageants

Miss World 2001 Agbani Darego

In the tradition of this year’s Miss People’s Republic of China, Bing Li, I’d like to make the following apologies:

First, to Henrique, Ed, and Marcio of Global Beauties: Sorry for failing to post my annual “homestretch” review for this pageant. Work commitments, physical exhaustion, and illness have prevented me from coming up with my review, even though I took the time to view the “You Decide” show.

Miss Universe 2002 Review: A Return To The Classics: Visions Of The Fairest Maidens In White

By Joseph Vitug
Excerpt from Mabuhay To Beauty: Profiles
of Beauties and Essays on Pageants

Miss Universe 2002 Oxana Fedorova

The title of my review has three key words: Classic, Fair, and White… These terms seem to be very apt in depicting the telecast and the outcome of this year’s Miss Universe pageant. And what makes the experience of watching this pageant richer is how the various contexts of these terms came into play…

Confessions of a Beauty Queen

Lia Andrea Ramos

The quest for the fairest-of-them-all is on once again. The tropical heat of the impending summer is a perfect excuse to flaunt beautiful bodies. Contests abound, from the best-in-bikini contests to the prestigious Bb. Pilipinas, which just recently presented their candidates.

Many mothers, maybe with secret and unfulfilled dreams of being models or beauty queens themselves, love to see their teenage daughters walk the pageant or fashion runway.

We got hold of Lia Andrea Ramos, 2006 Bb. Pilipinas Universe and Ms. Photogenic winner in the Miss Universe pageant that year, to share her beauty contest experience and how it changed her life.

PHILIPPINE STAR: Was being a model and beauty queen ever part of your dream list when you were young?

LIA ANDREA RAMOS: Being a model and beauty queen was not on my dream list. When I was asked to join Binibini in 2001, I said no because I never imagined myself as a beauty queen. Five years later, I decided to give it a shot. When I won, the opportunity to become a model just happened and I found myself traveling to South Africa for my first full-time modeling stint. There are opportunities in life that you can’t allow to slip by. I don’t want to look back one day and regret not grabbing the opportunities that came my way.

What preparations did you do for the pageant?

Physically, I had to train at the gym and go on a strict and healthy diet. I wasn’t in my best shape because I didn’t really work out before that and I wasn’t engaged in any sports. I had to work out and I had a personal trainer working closely with me. I also had to learn to walk on three- to four-inch heels, know more about makeup, and polish my skills on public speaking.

Were you regularly working out even before you got into this beauty contest?

Unfortunately not. I have always been slim so I thought I didn’t need it, but I realized working out is not just about losing weight. It’s also about having a healthier body. And as one gets older, one’s metabolism slows down so it’s important to include working out in one’s fitness regimen.

What were your preparations during the Miss Universe competition?

I had a more rigorous training at the gym. I did weight training, Pilates and cardio-dance classes. John Cuay (personal trainer) and Cristy Marasigan (senior dietitian) from my gym helped me with my training and diet. I cut down on carbs and increased my protein intake. I ate more vegetables, fruits, and nuts. I stayed away from chips and chocolates.

What part of your body are you most proud of? Why?

I’d have to say my abs because I work very hard to keep it toned.

What part of your body needs further improvement?

Definitely my thighs. I have the tendency to put on weight there so I have to constantly work them out.

What is your fave gym exercise?

I enjoy my Pilates and boxing classes.

Do you follow any strict diet?

I used to when I was preparing for the pageant and modeling abroad. But now, I am more lax. I try to avoid eating my carbs at night, and I try to stick to my white meat and veggies. But sometimes, I grab some pizza and chips. I also love pasta!

How much sleep do you get every day?

On the average, eight hours. I feel tired or cranky when I get less.

Any vices?

I drink, but as I’ve grown older, I drink less.

Do you have cheat days when you don’t watch what you eat at all?

Any day can be a cheat day as long as you make up for it the following day at the gym.

What food cravings do you succumb to?

I love potato chips! I always have a stash at home.

What is your current fitness goal?

To lose some inches off my thighs and be very toned again.

What is your current regular exercise and diet regimen?

I go to the gym three to four times a week. I started boxing classes a month ago and I try to do that at least three times a week. I do Pilates class once a week. I regularly eat chicken, lean red meat, fish, and salad. For my carbs, I eat brown rice, whole-wheat pasta, and potato.

After winning the pageant, what other projects did you get into?

I worked as a model in Cape Town, South Africa where I did TV commercials and print jobs for the European, American, and South African markets. Recently, I finished some work for The Asia Foundation, an international NGO, on a human rights innovation marketplace project. I am also doing something exciting with Gold’s. We are setting up Estudio at Gold’s Gym, an academy that offers development programs on fitness and character development. We will be tapping certified gym trainers, nutritionists, life coaches, top models, former beauty queens, photographers, and stylists, among others, to handle the classes of Estudio (call Luisa Beltran at 994-2930 for details).

Do you believe that beauty is a total package?

Beauty is definitely a total package. It’s physical and inner beauty combined. Beauty is about exuding confidence, grace, charm, and intelligence. I find someone who carries herself well and comfortable in her own skin beautiful.

Featured Article: Confessions of a Beauty Queen originally appeared on The Philippine Star on Tue, 02 March 2010 12:00 AM

Miss World 2012: Top Model 10 Finalists!

Miss World 2012 Top Model competition started with 56 picks to 46 Semi-finalists and it's now narrowed down to 10. The 10 Finalists were announced and the winner will be announced during the 2012 Miss World Live final on Saturday 18th August.

Gloria Diaz: Gorgeous at 55

Miss Universe 1969 - Gloria Diaz

If a man on the moon would come down, how would you entertain him?

“I guess since he has been in the moon so long he would enjoy anything that an ordinary man would.”

With that witty answer to a question popped to the five finalists by host Bob Barker, Gloria Diaz, 18, bagged the country’s first Miss Universe crown, with the headlines saying America conquered the moon, because Neil Armstrong took the first ever human step on the moon at the time the 1969 Miss Universe Pageant was being held in Miami, Florida (37 years ago this month), but “the Philippines conquered the Universe!”It was the first time that the

Miss Universe Pageant posed the question to the five finalists.

The final question was an off and on feature of the pageant until in 1990 when it had taken root and every pageant since then had the finalists answer a final question.

If asked the same question today, how do you think Gloria Diaz , 55, would answer?Laughed Gloria, “I would say, ‘I’ll give him a cellphone so he can text me’.”Cellphon

es were not even a seed in the electronic mind of inventors during that “Gloria in Excelsis!” era.

Since then, so many things have changed.Gloria joined showbiz after she relinquished her crown and introduced the “wet look” with her first movie, Ang Pinakamagandang Hayop sa Balat ng Lupa; survived a marriage to best friend Bong Daza with whom she has two beautiful daughters, Isabelle (named after Gloria’s character in Pinakamagandang Hayop), 18 a Child Psychology sophomore at La Salle; and Ava, 15, high school junior at Assumption (which frowns on students whose photos appear in the media); plus adopted son Raphael (22, a second year college student at La Salle) who has made Gloria and Bong lola and lolo twice over.

Many other milestones have happened in the life of Gloria who is now happy with her beloved Mike de Jesus (a banker), a very private person who is the exact opposite of all the men linked to Gloria.In the following conversation, Gloria recalls those days of glory and what else happened between then and now – and why she wouldn’t let any of her daughters follow in her Miss Universe footsteps.

What comes to your mind when you watch a beauty contest, especially a Miss Universe Pageant?

“You know, it’s funny but I don’t relate to the whole proceedings; I relate to the whole thing only when the winner’s name is announced. When I watch a beauty contest, I think of my kids, but not of myself joining. It has nothing to do with me. You know, if Isabelle ever joins a contest... I hope she never will. Even watching fashion shows, hindi ako maka-relate; I only think of my kids in it.”

How did you feel at that moment when the spotlight suddenly focuses on the new winner as soon as you put the crown on her head (her successor was Marisol Malaret of Puerto Rico)?

“That’s the reality. Just before the pageant, you are the focus and the center of everything. But as soon as you pass on your crown, you’re out; nasa sidelines ka na lang. I think they give you 48 hours to vacate the suite and you’re on your own. Baka ngayon, with Donald Trump, baka they give the Miss Universe only 24 hours. In fact, on the night you crown the new winner, you lose your limo; they give it to the new winner.”

Did you feel, you know, rejected?

“No. It’s just... how do you call it?...an awakening – reality striking back. When you are Miss Universe, everything seems so unreal, parang fairy tale. You can have anything you ask for. And then, after one year, it’s back to reality.”

What’s the best thing about being Miss Universe?

“I guess having done my best for the country.”

You’ll forever be the first Filipina Miss Universe.

“You know, the pressure during my time was not that big. The country had never won the crown so I, and the girls before me, were expected to do so. I think the pressure on the girls now is much, much more.”

And the worst, if any?

“I was 18 then and at that time uso ang mga disco and hanging around. I never experienced that phase of growing up. Parang that never happened in my life. Right away, I was working and traveling. I missed all the parties that girls my age were going to.”

Do you realize that that was 37 years ago?

“I know! Isn’t that awesome? Thirty-seven years and we are still around!”

What were your vital statistics when you won?

“34-24-34.”And now?“36-27-37.”

Has any part of your body been, well, “enhanced”?

"Renovated,’ you mean?”In a way.“Not yet, not yet! I don’t want to say never because that’s very difficult to say. But if I hit 60 and I haven’t done it, I guess I won’t. Not that I don’t need it. Nowadays, I’m not basically aware of beauty; I give it na to Isabelle and Ava – you know, sa inyo na ‘yan. I think I’m more aware now of my health. I eat mostly vegetables. I try to avoid fats and sugar.”

If you didn’t become Miss Universe, what would you have been today?

“Maybe I would have finished Law and become a lawmaker and a politician. Maybe I would have joined an NGO and done public service. But definitely, I would be married to somebody rich so I would be honest.”

Featured Article: Gloria Diaz: Gorgeous at 55 originally appeared on Philstar.com.

Oxana Federova Dethroned as Miss Universe

Oxana Fedorova: "Whoever saw me before can say I did not put on seven kg. And of course, I am not pregnant, I dream of becoming a mother, and maybe I will — it would be wonderful, but not now."

The Story

Fedorova denied the pregnancy rumors and stated that she voluntarily gave up her crown for personal reasons, mainly because she wanted to finish her law degree.

Officially, she was dethroned for failing to perform the numerous duties expected of a Miss Universe titleholder. At the time she stated in an interview that she had declined to perform her duties because she was so insulted by her treatment on The Howard Stern Show.

She blamed the pageant organizers for not warning her of the frequently profane Stern commentary, of which she, as a foreigner, had no prior knowledge. The crown was passed on to Panama's Justine Pasek, the first runner-up, who consequently became her country's first Miss Universe.

The Interview

(Here's the transcript copy of the interview to Oxana from CNN TRANSCRIPTS)

...and, up next, why the Russians are mad about the Miss Universe contest. My goodness.

This is NEWSNIGHT on CNN.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BROWN: This next story has got glitz and controversy and embarrassing innuendo on something that's interesting but, we will acknowledge, not the most important issue on the planet. In short, a perfect storm over a story for the tabloids, a bit of fun for us.

Miss Universe, Oxana Fedorova, was fired today. Donald Trump owns the Miss Universe pageant, and his people were whispering to the gossip mill that Miss Fedorova was a prima donna who wasn't fulfilling her duties, and important functions they are, no doubt.

There was also speculation that she may have been secretly married, possibly pregnant, pure scandal in the pageant world. Miss Fedorova herself sees this all differently, as you can imagine. And since she's a trained cop and an expert markswoman, we can't afford not to listen to her.

So here is how Russian TV covered all of this, "Their News" from NTV.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): Today, Miss Universe from Russia, Oxana Fedorova, had her crown removed. The first runner- up, Miss Panama, Justine Pasek, took her place. If somebody feels a little down over the news, don't rush. Justine's father is an engineer from Ukraine and has Slavic blood in her veins.

Now, let's go to our correspondent in New York, Vasily Arkado (ph), where the ceremony took place.

VASILY ARKADO (through translator): More than three hours ago in the building behind me, called Trump Tower, Miss Panama crowned new Miss Universe after Miss Russia was fired. She will carry the title until June 2003.

Donald Trump, the owner of the tower and also pageant organizer, crowned Miss Panama himself. This is the first incident in the pageant's 52-year history, because as Mr. Trump says, Miss Fedorova couldn't keep up with her travel duties.

But rumors about Miss Fedorova secretly married, that changed her from Miss to Mrs., not true. And, for Donald Trump, he doesn't have facts.

ANNOUNCER (through translator): NTV hero of the day.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And now, live from NTV studio, my guest Oxana Fedorova. Hello, Oxana. Please tell us: were you ready to see the event turn this way?

OXANA FEDOROVA: The thing is, I'm a very determined person, and to do two things at the same time is not possible for me or anybody. If you chase after two rabbits, you won't catch any. And the most important thing in my life is my studies and my career.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Was it easy for you to give up the title?

FEDOROVA: Unfortunately, it wasn't easy for me. But I was determined what I'm going to do, so I didn't give it lots of thought.And another thing that made me quit my tiara and continue my education was my participation in the TV show, "The Howard Stern Show." That show contradicts my personal philosophy, my personal image, and the image of my country.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Well, what exactly happened in that "Howard Stern Show" that you didn't like?

FEDOROVA: Many people know about that show, how scandalous it is, of course. Nobody warned me about it, and if I knew what that show was about, I would have never participated in it.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We thank you, Oxana, for talking to us.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

Featured Article: CNN