Ten things to consider when watching a beauty pageant

The national pageant presentation on television last night (Sunday, April 10, 2011), 48th edition of Binibining Pilipinas 2011 made me identify things that I would consider watching it via telecast.

At home, I was the only one interested in watching 40 lovely Filipinas compete for three prestigious titles, Bb. Pilipinas-Universe, International and Tourism. To complete the magic five, the contest organizer will choose the first and second runners-up that will replace dethroned winners or just in case the major title holder is not available one the world competition is at stake.

Watching at home, these were the things I did to keep me busy, not only my eyes, feasting on lengthy legs and those figures and beautiful faces (heavy with mascara or make-up) and butts strutting just 6 feet away from me.

1. I prepared a blank white bond paper and pencil to jot down the names of the judges first, as the hosts introduced them. Most of the bigwigs, include: businessmen, former beauty titlists, television moguls and fashion consultants.
2. Listing the names of the candidates can be a little bit confusing because of some foreign-sounding names. The half-breeds have fairer complexion than those girls who were raised here in the country. I've noticed that the numbering of those ladies were not based on their heights. It's pre-drawn by themselves, I think or upon the dictates of the organizer.
3. I also jotted down the winners of the special awards. Miss Congeniality or Friendship and Miss Photogenic are some of the lesser awards given to early winners. Most of the big sponsors also named those lucky girls who can promote their businesses through their faces or images.
4. The first major competition is on the swimsuit attire worn by the ladies. It's not the swimsuit that counts but those whistle-bait figures that owed some of judges who are members of the male specie. The common ideal vital statistics nowadays feature these numbers: 36-24-36. It's an hour glass, for sure!!! I had my choices but my opinion didn't count with those of the judges. Yet, I still managed to select some of the girls who appeased the discriminating eyes of the judges.
   
5. Then, came the long gown competition. I think there are biases with what kind of gown (color, cuts and the designer) a contestant should wear. They have their own sponsors. I know some of the judges were oriented of who designed those gowns. I happened to judge one local beauty pageant. One of my co-judges hinted me of the girl who should win the award. I felt sad about it.
6. Choosing the semi-finalists was really difficult for the judges. I had my favorites; some were included while the rest became thank-you girls. Usually, judges choose 15 ladies, then, it will be announced by the hosts.
7. Then came the much-dreaded Question-and-Answer portion. Most of us will criticize those girls who are not articulate when answering the question. Some will even answer incoherently; maybe, it's because of the pressure. Anyways, one witty girl will outshine the rest and you'll agree with the judges that she'll get the major title. I was too late to take videos when the questioning came. If I upload it, copyright issues will be posted on my YouTube account.
   
8. The announcement of other special awards followed. I've also taken notes of it.
   
9. Then came the proclamation of big winners. It's already past one in the early morn but I was still awake. I don't want to miss the expressions of those girls. I decided to take some photos of it until the end credits of the show.
10. This was the only time I completed watching the whole show. Not bad. I decided to make a hub out of it. I'm sure, some readers will do what I did while watching beauty pageants.

It's different watching it live at the contest venue. If only I had the opportunity, I will do it to see different reactions from family members, friends, fans and haters of those girls

Kudos to those lovely girls. They have guts.

The show was not boring, I tell you.

You can learn from their answers.

It's different when you're one of the judges. Just recently, I was invited to be one of the bunch when my cousin-teacher in high school texted me. Although, I was hesitant, she insisted that I could do it. It was my first time, since most of my job onstage is emceeing or hosting.

To cut the story short, I lamely texted my approval. The informal invitation occurred a week prior the contest in the school. Although, it was an income-generating project of the junior and senior students, some of the special and major awards were still competed; although the placings of the winners were already pre-drawn.

Then, came the contest proper. It started past two in the afternoon. We're just only three on the judges' table. My cousin acted as the score verifier and did the tally before the hosts announce our choices.

My co-judges collaborated on who's gonna win for the Long Gown competition and some special awards. I was puzzled. I asked them why should I agree with them.

It was too late for me to find out that the friend of one of the judges was the designer of the gown. The choreographer was also the best friend of the judge. Too much politicking happened, even at the school's beauty contest. It was too much for me to understand!

My head ached after that contest.

It was a worthy experience but those hullabaloo baffled my senses. I don't know if I'm going to judge such contest again.

Maybe, it will be most appropriate to just watch it on television.

I'll never know what's happening backstage and that's good for me.