Miss Brouhaha Universe 2011

No, I'm not going to create my own version of beauty pageants. It just so happened that on Tuesday, 13th of September, will be the 60th version of the universal beauty pageant happens here in our planet, Miss Universe.

The Miss Universe official logo
(courtesy of Miss Universe)

I don't understand myself but whenever the months of May to September, I am so glued to the television just to watch Miss Universe. It was always being televised on RPN 9 (good old days, right?) every morning, since it was live via satellite from the United States. What I always want in the whole scenario of the beauty pageant was the parade of candidates from 70 to 80 countries (excluded nations who were Muslims; they were not allowed to join these kinds of pageants because of... Well, I don't know!). They will say something about themselves: their names, age and where do they live, and they will wholeheartedly broadcast the name of their country. You have to wait for at least ten minutes just to see these gorgeous ladies from around the world. Before, they do the parade per continent, starting with the North America, down last to Africa. Right now, they were doing it alphabetically, starting with Albania down to either Zambia or Zimbabwe or Yugoslavia (oh, sorry, this country never exists nowadays).

Aside from the shouting of their personal information is the sashaying of their national costumes. With that, you would know the beauty of their country by the way they muse themselves with different designs and colors of their costumes. What I always love are the national costumes from Asian and Latin American candidates, specifically China, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, India, Thailand and of course, the Philippines, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Brazil, Venezuela and Colombia. Other candidates from Europe and the Americas were always the same design and costume every year, especially in Europe. There were some candidates, in their national costumes, have used their own flag colors, just to represent it. Like France (with the colors blue, white and green), United Kingdom, U.S.A., and many more, they were using their flag colors just to flaunt their country. Nowadays, the Miss Universe gives credit for the women who have bestowed their culture as Best in National Costume.

Venus Raj, 22, Philippines
(courtesy of wallyibong,blogspot.com)

Another thing that I love about watching Miss Universe is choosing their Top 15. In the good old days, they were choosing 10, then they made it to 12, and they had also reached Top 20. Everybody is glued in the boob tube to witness who will make to the top, just a mile away to the crown. Last year, after eleven years, the Philippines was able to put herself in the Top 15. The whole nation were really in happiness, because the day before the pageant, a very sorrowful hostage taking had happened in Manila that shocked not only the whole country, but the whole world. Good thing, Little Miss Sunshine here, named Venus, tilted the Philippines into another dimension by bringing home the bacon. Even though she only lasted as 4th runner-up, putting again the Philippines into the map of beauty queens steered our girl and gay friends of hoping and vying for the crown.

Speaking of runners-up, there were Filipinas, who joined Miss Universe, had able to land in one of the winners of the said beauty pageant. Recently, it was Venus who became 4th runner-up. Eleven years before her designation, Miriam Quiambao became 1st runner-up in Miss Universe 1999. Desiree Verdadero became 3rd runner-up in Miss Universe 1984, same goes with the late Rosario "Chat" Silayan who was awarded as 3rd runner-up. In the 1970s, Rosemarie "Chiqui" Brosas chosen as 4th runner-up in Miss Universe 1975.

Waaaaah!!! I won! I won! I won! - Mpule
(courtesy of tpmum.com)

The choosing of who will become Miss Universe terrifies me a lot. To be so honest, I am always getting nervous for the announcement of winners, for no reason at all. If five has been chosen, there will be of course, 4th, 3rd, 2nd and 1st runners-up. The last name that will be called will be the 1st runner-up and automatically, the last candidate on stage will be the newly-crowned Miss Universe of that year. Before they announce it, the host will tell the most important note, which is if possible the current Miss Universe did not fulfill her duties, the 1st runner-up will takeover. In short, the winner will be dethroned (think of abduction). Different kind of emotions have been shown by the winners, either by shouts or no reaction at all. I remember in 1999, the year when Miriam Quiambao fought her country in the pageant. She was named 1st runner-up and automatically, the last candidate is declared Miss Universe, and that is Mpule Kwelagobe from Botswana. Interestingly enough, it was the first time the country of Botswana swooned into the pool of Miss Universe and luckily, they won! The very funny scene of shouting and distorted face of the queen has been shown to almost all of the crowd in the venue. Despite her not-so-glamorous emotion towards her win, she became a titleholder, a history-maker and of course, Miss Universe.

And who could not forget, two beauties from the Pearl of the Orient, were crowned as Miss Universe. In 1969, Gloria Diaz, known for her petite body and witty answer (it was the same year when Neil Armstrong and Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin historically landed via Apollo 11 on the Earth's moon.) was chosen to become Miss Universe. After four years, in 1973, Margarita Moran was also hailed as that year's Miss Universe. Since then, we were waiting for the third Filipina who will become the one. It has been four decades when we won our last championship in beauty pageants. Well, patience is definitely a virtue.

The Folk Arts Theater, now known as Tanghalang Francisco Balagtas
(courtesy of designkultur.wordpress.com)

Being a venue for the Miss Universe is as grand as the Olympics. I heard from some reliable sources that the Miss Universe Organization, the owner of the said pageant bearing its name too, were also choosing the best city or country to become the official venue of the pageant. In 1974 and again in 1994, the Philippines was able to become host of the pageant. History told us that former First Lady Imelda Marcos asked the construction firm of the once-glamorous Folk Arts Theater to finish it as early as possible. It took only 90 days, or three months to finish the said venue. The pageant also held in the morning, to make way for the evening broadcast of the pageant in the United States. This kind of opportunity have shown to the world how beautiful the host country is, telling the audience about some tourist spots and the culture and people inhabiting the place.

They are so into it...
(courtesy of iamapv.blogspot.com)

Watching Miss Universe is like watching a Manny Pacquiao bout, or a UAAP championship. I, myself, am counted as one of the traditional viewers of the beauty pageant. It really makes me happy seeing gorgeous women in their national costumes, swimwear and evening gown. It also makes me realize that the Miss Universe is not only about the perfect vital statistics, the perfect walk and the perfect beauty on the outside but also about the talent, intelligence and congeniality of the candidates. Since then, I always look forward to watch an episode of Miss Universe from start to finish. Last year, I was really excited to go home just to watch the primetime telecast of the pageant. I saw how great Venus Raj was in the pageant. The moment she was called in the Top 15 was made me outstanding and a bit nervous. And these girls, I mean boys, showed that the Filipino are not only into basketball and boxing, but also to beauty pageants. When Venus Raj was called by the host, they jumped into the air, shouted their lungs out and cried with happiness. Two of the greatest designers in our country today were part of these viral video that had 3 million hits on YouTube, and they were Veejay Floresca (who does Bianca Gonzalez's gowns) and Martin Bautista (who does gowns of Kris Aquino and Charlene Gonzales). For them, it was an annual tradition to watch Miss Universe together with their friends and last year's version was the most thrilling, exhilarating and tremendous outcome they had shown to all. Well, they are only four of the millions of viewers of the pageant around the planet. Imagine Miss Universe being televised in some of the moviehouses, coliseums, stadiums and even open areas, just like the Manny Pacquiao fights? Who will be mostly of the members of the audience? Of course, you know who they are!

Let us do hope that our candidate, Shamcey Supsup, would surely bring home the crown from Brazil. Yes, aside from her extraordinary beauty, she has 100% fully-loaded wit to inspire the judges (Lea Salonga happens to be one of the judges for this year) and choose her to be the next Miss Universe. I have a work on Tuesday so probably I could ask my bosses in my company I am working to excuse me because I will watch Miss Universe! Haha, I'm just kidding.

Good luck and toodles!!!

photos courtesy of Google

Anew...

A simple title for this simple blog post...

Facebook had launched a new interface for their photos. And also Blogger, which I think, far better than the old one. A new month was here, September, the first of the so-called "ber" months, in which it clings us to Christmastime. A new family member was added to our institution. For my new age, I need to think anew. It seems that my life has been so dull, nothing has been changed for the better, and worst, I really felt useless. It is now. The time that I need to change for myself. I need to change, I wanted myself to be better!

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I'm looking for some job opportunities abroad, in teaching of course. I don't know if I still have some chances of becoming a true-blood, full-fledged educator in another educational institution. If a possible, perfect job opportunity abroad will knock on my doorstep, why not to grab it! Besides, I already have three years of teaching experience and I truly believe I have the guts! But this attitude of mine is I really hate so much! Laziness. Yes, I'm too lazy to apply. I have too many reasons why I am really not into applying. One is I don't have enough money to spent. When you say job applications in another country, it means placement fees, working visa requirements, seminars, tickets and accommodations, a lot! Second, there are a lot of choices. Countries like the United States, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Singapore and so much more has careers and I don't know what to choose. Yes, I could have a greater career here in teaching, since there are lots of good institution sprawling around the metro but who wants to settle for less, right? Aim high for your career, sadly enough, you need to fly and serve the people whom you cannot share your own culture.

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I need new sets of clothes. My wardrobe needs a total makeover because most of my clothes are with me since, imagine this, college! I can actually buy lots of stuff from stores but the thing is, here we go again, I don't know where to shop. I'm still confused whenever I only got to visit a store, to buy this or not to buy this. Instead of purchasing, I'd rather head to the nearest restaurant and just eat! Maybe, it's time for me to reward myself in a different way. I need to buy clothes or anything that will best suit me. Instead of thinking the best foods to be tasted, why not think of the best wardrobe that might add good looks to me. I am a type of person that I really don't take risk in managing clothes, since I'm not into it. Why should I buy a P1,000 worth of polo if I can only wear at least once or twice. If there's a sale, I am barging in, but not too quite, hahaha! But for this time, thanks to all fashion magazine and my fashion icons, I am ready to step out to the catwalk!

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I had a hiatus of fulfilling my dream to become a student. Whenever I see students, whether college or graduate school students, I always dream of maybe one day, I could also be like them. I really miss the time that you are always in a hurry finishing all the required tasks by your college professor. I like the idea of being crammed; a day or two before the said deadline then you are in fast-paced condition finishing the project or a term paper for a certain subject. When you're in a cramming situation, your mind runs too fast and you are thinking the best of your mind, and that makes me having a good grade. I was asking my colleagues how much money will I spent just to study. Some says it's too costly to afford. But there are lots of means to make tuition fees cut in half. If I will pursue it, I'll be asking for some scholarship grants just to study ably. I'll be taking it slowly but indeed surely! And afterwards, I can now use it as my credential if not to some colleges and universities (I'm also considering teaching in colleges and universities) or to abroad. But before thinking it, I need to get inside an admission office, and ask what suits me to become one.

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Part of my talks***s before was to catch a concert, whether local or foreign act. Soon, it will be happening but I don't know when or how? I was thinking of watching a local act at the end of the month, just alone. It would be a dream come true to me, going inside of the Smart Araneta Coliseum. In my entire life, I never had a single chance to get inside of it, not even a peek. And also, I would love to try watching a foreign act, but I don't know where will they put it. This worldwide phenomenal group will again stage themselves in our country, and I wanted to count myself in as their crazy member of the audience. These two things will happen with success if I will save up for it. Of course, I will!

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After my birthday, I needed to change for myself. Concentration is what I really need! I was totally done with my hullabaloos before about love, decision and all. Because of these wacky things, I made myself in a whirlwind situation, which makes my life not on a certain point. And now, I need to think about myself, my whole personality. Enough of having a "blah" life, I wanted to be a superstar, not just a superhero!

Ziegrey, start your engine and please, enjoy every single moment of your ride!!!

Toodles!!!

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24 Happenings on my 24th Birthday

Today is so special, it is my 24th birth anniversary (parang kay Dr. Jose Rizal lang!)

First time kong magse-celebrate ng birthday ko na may pasok. Before kasi laging advanced birthday celebration together with my students and my co-teachers. At paminsan-minsan, natatapat pa sa Linggo ng Wika celebration ng aming institution. But, things have changed, and it is okay. I celebrated it with my dear students and my new colleagues. Despite of it, ang dami pa ring bumati sa akin coming from the different departments, and sobra akong natuwa talaga! Honestly, I was expecting a surprise but nothing happened. Nevertheless, why should you expect a nice surprise from a special someone, if having a new age being added to your life is indeed, surprising! With or without surprise, I may say that this day is very special to me!

Let me share the twenty four things that happened today, which is my birthday!

ONE - I woke up early for no reason at all. Sadyang nagising lang ako not because I am excited to go to work, but according to my body clock. I opened my computer to do four kinds of quizzes for my kids, both in English and in Filipino.

TWO - I already reached the institution I've been working. May nakasabay akong co-teacher but she hasn't known any information that today is my birthday. She was really clueless, but it's okay. Ang kapal ko naman kung ibo-broadcast ko sa kanya na, "uy, birthday ko, greet mo ako!"

THREE - I was really moved with the gestures of my co-teachers sa aming group (Intermediate/High School). They wrote "Happy Birthday Sir Zieg" on my whiteboard and my students hid themselves at the back. Siyempre, nag-astang nagulat ako, but truly I was really touched! I hugged my kids tight and they greeted me, "Happy Birthday!"

FOUR - We had our flag ceremony upstairs. At first, we did the morning prayer, followed by the singing of the National Anthem, and the Ann Arbor hymn, followed by the song "Lord, I Offer My Life!" and calisthenics. After that, again they did a wonderful gesture of singing "Happy Birthday" just for me! Sobrang sweet talaga ng aking mga anak!

FIVE - I stayed with my kids! Para kaming family, ako ang parent, sila ang aking mga anak! We had so much fun talking and talking, though some of them were fighting in petty form. I told them that we'll stay at the library and we'll have our classes there.

SIX - Pagkapasok ko sa library, binati ako ng aking pinakamamahal na kapatid/kaibigan na itago na lang natin sa pangalang Justin Bieber. The normal things he does to me, pinapalo-palo, sinasaktan, tapos tinulak pa ako sa computer kaya may nasirang isang unit (all of these things are only joke!). Afterwards, his students also greeted me "Happy Birthday!" with smile and hugs.

SEVEN - While I was checking the seatworks of my kids, tiyempong pumunta mismo sa aming building ang aking mga dating anak! Sobrang nakakatuwa because they did not forget me! Super touching!!! Since ayaw kong magbanggit ng name, itago na lang natin sila sa mga pangalang Pia Dapito, Hannah Joya, Chelsea Triana, Alanisse Sabugo at Andrea Tolon!

EIGHT - I checked my Facebook account, and almost a hundred na ang bumati sa akin!!! Well, thank you so much!!! I was thinking of saying thank you to each and everyone who greeted me!

NINE - I also checked my Twitter account, hoping for a greeting from my love, Anne Curtis. As usual, of course, and what could I expect, nothing! Period!

TEN - I went to the canteen to have a late recess! I saw my dear friend na itago na lang natin sa pangalang Miss Australia! Siyempre, binati ako ng bonggang bongga! Since, they have a stall at our canteen, nakakatuwa because her mom gave me my favorite, tuna pesto!!! Wala nga lang tinapay! Thank you po!!!

ELEVEN - My kids from the Third Group also greeted me! Super sweet!

TWELVE - I went to the canteen to have my lunch and of course, a bunch of kids greeted me! Sobrang sweet talaga nila!!! Isang bata, itago na lang natin sa pangalang Ilog, as usual binati ako! And also with the same people who greeted me. And marami pa; they were my former kids! Gosh, how much I miss them!!!

THIRTEEN - We had our faculty meeting and laking tuwa ko because the whole teachers greeted me and sang me the "Happy Birthday" song! Sobrang nakakatuwa! My dire wish, "mahuli na si Hoo Lee Kha!!!"

FOURTEEN - While we're having our meeting, we had our snacks and they thought na galing sa akin ang pan de coco at juice! Hehehe, how I wish!!! Well, salamat na rin for the compliment!!!

FIFTEEN - I went to my tutorial and the father of my kid, literally pulled him just to greet me Happy Birthday. How sweet!!!

SIXTEEN - My tutee, Matthew, also greeted me on my birthday!!!

SEVENTEEN - I went to the faculty lounge of my former friends just to have some chit-chats. Nakita ako ng aking kaibigan and of course, kumanta siya ng bonggang-bonggang "Happy Birthday" na sinabayan pa ng isa! Sobrang tuwa ko! I know that today is really my special day. Afterwards, we talked about the plans for the Foundation Week.

EIGHTEEN - We went out already, talked about this mysterious person on Facebook. And went straight to SM Southmall with my best buddy, just to do some canvassing!

NINETEEN - We ate a light snack at McDonald's munching our favorite Crispy Chicken Sandwich. Kung puwede lang umulit pero hindi. Bawal sa akin ang manok! But still, I'm eating it! Makulit rin ako, right?

TWENTY - Nag-try akong tumaya sa lotto. Yesterday, I wasn't able to win because my numbers did not match correctly. Now, I'm trying my luck to win millions of peso, not only for myself, but for my whole family!

TWENTY ONE - My best buddy and I went on separate ways. I need to go to SM Muntinlupa early to buy my handa. Since medyo low budget ngayon, I only bought a cake roll from Goldilocks, Selecta Hersheys ice cream, Andoks roasted chicken and my Dad's specialty, pancit canton, na parang yung mga pancit sa 168 sa Divisoria, sa sobrang sarap!!!

TWENTY TWO - I texted all my friends who greeted me today!!! Super happy for what they did to me! They made me felt so special!!!

TWENTY THREE - I non-stop thanked all of my Facebook friends who greeted me today! No words can describe my friendship to them! It's not about how many people greeted you, but the thought of remembering the most important day of the year, my birthday, and;

TWENTY FOUR - I ended my birthday with a prayer of gratitude and thanks, through the Rosary!

"And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." - Abraham Lincoln.

I know that a 24-year-old guy or girl is already a marrying type, or if not, whatsoever, it's just a mere kind of number. What is important is how you grow from the inside, by means of being a matured one and an intellectual one! I know myself that I am thinking of the best thing I could do, and I need to start it today!

Again from the bottom of my heart, thank you very much for sharing your life to me!!! Thanks for the wonderful friendship and camaraderie!!!

Toodles!!!

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