Will Vickie Rushton Join Binibining Pilipinas 2020?

Will 2018 Binibining Pilipinas 1st runner up Vickie Rushton join this year’s pageant? Should she?

One of the best faces to have joined the Binibining Pilipinas pageant is Negrense beauty Vickie Marie Rushton. The 5’6″ former Mutya ng Pilipinas winner has the proverbial ‘face that could launch a thousand ships’. She has a very personal advocacy leaning towards people with disability with her family members serving as inspiration. And she is one of the nicest and pleasant ladies to have graced the Binibining Pilipinas pageant. She is definitely one of those ladies that you would support because of her inherent good attitude and kind persona.

Vickie was supposed to be the girl to beat in last year’s pageant. She was on her way to winning the title until the misfortune of a distraction happened during the question and answer portion. One male fan is said to have heckled her and she lost her train of thought. She ended up her 2019 bid as a semifinalist on her second joining of the pageant. We all then thought that would be her last chance for a crown. Then came the announcement that the Miss International pageant has increased their age requirement to 28 years old. Which is perfect for Vickie as she is turning 28 years old this year and this would be the last chance for her to give pageantry a shot. If we are also to consider that the BPCI’s highest title for grabs is the Miss International title, Vickie would be a great fit for it.

But the question now is will she up for the challenge? Joining a pageant is expensive, and it will take a toll on your mental stamina and time. So making the decision to join again isn’t as easy as it looks like. Vickie has so much to consider because she is to compete against preconceived notions that she is only ‘beauty of face’ and nothing more. Her challenge is to prove to herself that she is more than just a beautiful face. And to show more of her story so that people would get to know her more. She needs to train for a stronger pasarela and presentation skills. Drive her q&a training more to polish her words and thoughts. This time around she needs to take full ownership of her pageant participation and learn to make tough decisions on how to navigate it the way she wants and needs to.
Whether Vickie shall pursue a participation or not, we will be supportive of her decision. But we believe that it would be a waste if she didn’t. She might just be the 7th Miss International winner the Philippines is waiting for… and that would be a sweet, sweet redemption to her 2nd try. This is her one last shot at Binibini, and we hope she takes it to have no regrets in the future if she didn’t…

Nicole Cordoves & Elizabeth Clenci: Would Have been Perfect for MUP 2020

Among all the former Binibining Pilipinas winners floated in “wish miss” lists to join Miss Universe Philippines, there are only two ladies in our opinion that would easily be perfect for Miss Universe: they would be Nicole Cordoves and Elizabeth Clenci. Here’s why…

The two biggest lessons of Miss Universe 2019 are that 1) public speaking / oratorical skills plays a huge part of the judging and 2) the MU pageant is looking for women of color to represent the brand. After a string of mixed-blood mestizas sent to the Miss Universe pageant, we feel that it is about time to field a brown-skinned Filipina beauty (mixed blood or not) to the pageant. And this is where Nicole and Liz comes in. The two former Binibining Pilipinas Grand are two of the most articulate and gorgeous ladies perfect for the new direction that the MU is taking. In terms of speaking skills, these two women are the creme de la creme among the recent winners of the pageant. It would be extremely difficult to find a Pinay beauty of their caliber in terms of intelligence/ quick-wit, facial beauty and oratory skills.

Nicole’s features  is the perfect blend of the Chinese-Pinay beauty, not too chinita but not too Pinay. Hers is the girl-next-door type that could sell the hell out of the MU brand. Then we have the enigmatic and soulful beauty of Elizabeth Clenci. Now that she finished her degree in Music with Specialization in Contemporary Performance at the University of Sydney in Australia, she has added more interest in her resume. Liz is arguably the most articulate among the winners of her BBP batch and that is saying much as the 2017 BBP batch of winners is collectively the most articulate among the recent batch of winners.
While we would want them as Miss Universe Philippines hopefuls we have to resign to the fact that both beauties are unlikely to join the pageant anymore. Nicole has expressed that her career path has taken her into greener pastures and that her interest in pageantry has taken her towards the coaching and mentorship route. She is now one of the most sought after personality development and q&a coaches in the field, aside from that she is also a YouTube Vlogger and Host. As for Liz, she is already 29 years old… a year past the maximum age requirement for the Miss Universe pageant which is 28. IMHO, she would really be a perfect fit for what the Miss Universe pageant is looking for now in a winner.

With the latest MU developments in what they are looking for in a winner, Nicole and Liz would be the perfect follow up to reigning Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi of South Africa. If only…

Aya Abesamis is now a Binibining Pilipinas Queen

Our speculation that Binibining Pilipinas 2019 1st runner up Aya Abesamis is the new Binibining Pilipinas Grand came true!

When the Binibining Pilipinas 2020 announcement poster was released several weeks back, pageant fans were asking what was Aya doing in the roster of queens. Back then we already posted on our Instagram account that Aya may have taken over the vacated position left by the resigned Samantha Lo. However, since no official announcement was made, we didn’t make a fuss at all on it. Then came a social media post confirming what we have speculated all along, Aya indeed is the new Binibining Pilipinas Grand.

Now the question in everybody’s minds is whether or not she will be competing in the Thai-based competition this year.
We speculate that she might not based on age alone. Aya is already 28 and is turning 29 this year. Her age alone doesn’t qualify for the age 27 cut-off of that pageant. It was a waste to not see her compete for any of the international competitions under BBP. Aya had been one very dedicated Binibini runner up, she was perhaps one of the girls with the best attendances even among the queens last year. She rarely missed any public appearance and was present in the send-offs of her fellow winners.
Perhaps the takeaway in this scenario is the fact that she is now a crowned Binibining Pilipinas queen. And even if she didn’t get to compete, she still is a queen nonetheless…
UPDATE: The BPCI has released official word that Aya is the new Binibining Pilipinas Grand and that she will be crowning her successor in the next Binibining Pilipinas pageant. Below is their official press release:

Manila, Philippines– The Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) has officially named last year’s 1 st  runner-up Maria Andrea “Aya” Abesamis as the new Binibining Pilipinas – Grand International 2019.

Abesamis’ journey in the Binibining Pilipinas pageant is an inspiration to many aspiring pageant titlist. She first joined the pageant in 2018 and returned a year after. She believes creative arts can be used as a transformative tool for vulnerable members of the society.

BPCI is confident to entrust the title to Abesamis, who now wears the crown until the next set of queens are selected this year.

Congratulations Bb Pilipinas Grand International 2019 Aya Abesamis!

Binibining Pilipinas 2020 Deadline Approaches

The search is on for new Binibini Queens!
Binibining Pilipinas aspirants only have 7 days remaining until the deadline for applications come to a close. Mark your calendars ladies because January 31st is the deadline for submission of applications!

According to the latest press release from BPCI, the search is on for a new batch of queens who will carry the name of the Philippines across the globe and cement its status as a powerhouse in international pageants.
Interested applicants have until January 31, 2020 to submit their application forms. They will then go through a rigorous screening process courtesy of the esteemed BPCI executive committee that will culminate on February 6.
Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. holds the most successful and decorated pageant in Philippine history; truly a significant milestone of Araneta City, The City of Firsts. 
Download the application form at http://www.bbpilipinas.com or visit Bb. Pilipinas official Facebook page.

Up for grabs are the titles of:
– Binibining Pilipinas International
– Binibining Pilipinas Supranational
– Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental
– Binibining Pilipinas Grand International
– Binibining Pilipinas Globe

With over 50+ years organizing the most prestigious pageant in the country, the BPCI continues to look for the best of Filipina beauties to be sent to some of the biggest international pageants over the globe.

UPDATE: The latest released image of the BPCI already featured Emma back in the roster of queens signifying that the Miss Intercontinental is possibly back.

Kelsey Merritt, the Reason in the Change of the MUP Deadline of Application?

Kelsey Merritt is  one of the several names floated to join the Miss Universe Philippines pageant. But is she the reason why the MUP deadline of application last January 18th was moved to January 31st?

Several days ago, the Sports Illustrated and Victoria’s Secret model posted her photos in Japan on her Instagram account. And if her return was the reason for the delay then that is a delay pageant fans would be willing to accept. Kelsey is one of the country’s most sought after models and she can easily bring a huge boost to the Miss Universe Philippines brand in the country. If she joins, it would be almost as if the runner up position is the one being fought for by the rest of the candidates.
With Kelsey, the game is already won even before it started. And Lu Sierra perfectly would capture that in her yearly statement to MU candidates: “I am Miss Universe, people just don’t know it yet. All the other girls, they’re just here to give me time to change.”
If she does indeed submits her application, I could say I’m on board with that. IMHO she would be doing the MUP brand/ image a great deal of good than it would do to her career. In fact Kelsey doesn’t need a national title to add to her resume, but if she wants one the pageant she would be joining in would benefit greatly with her participation.
Do you think Kelsey Merritt is going to be the anointed one if she joins MUP?

Is MUP Going Head to Head with BBP?

Are the claws finally coming out? Is the Miss Universe Philippines organization going head to head and rival the Binibining Pilipinas pageant all of a sudden?

First it was the Miss Universe Philippines organization who posted earlier their application schedule. Their announcement said application deadlines are on January 18th. Then Binibining Pilipinas posted their own announcement regarding their deadline on January 31st. Until MUP posted their extension of applications until January 31st. Suddenly pageant fans are asking, is Miss Universe Philippines competing against Binibining Pilipinas? Is this a declaration of a beauty war between the two?
Whenever a pageant application date is moved or delayed, there are three possible scenarios at play:
1. Scenario 1 – there aren’t been enough applicants to fill in the roster for the pageant candidates.
2. Scenario 2 – the org might be waiting for a certain personality to send her application.
3. Scenario 3 – some administrative arrangements are in need of attention and that a postponement or delay is in order to make time for them.

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MUP Application Deadline delayed to January 31st! To accommodate some planned changes in the pageant format and to better support our advocacy agenda, we have decided to extend the deadline for application for Miss Universe Philippines 2020 until January 31, 2020. For interested applicants, follow these simple steps: 1. Download the form from the link below 2. Fill it out completely 3. Email scanned copy to contact@missuniverseph.com 4. Bring the complete application form, a copy of your passport (if already available), R4 Portrait Photo, R4 Swimsuit Photo, and birth certificate (PSA) to Empire Studios on the 2nd floor of Uptown Mall in Taguig. 5. Look for Paul Baysa or Maricar Abanador. During your visit, your papers will be evaluated. Your body measurements will be also be recorded. The team will also take pictures of you. You can visit from January 20 – 25 (Monday to Saturday), and from January 27 – 31, 2020 (Monday to Friday) from 2pm to 6pm. . . . . . . . #SashesandScripts #PageantBlogger #UltimatePageantBlog #PageantBlog #PageantBlogger #pageant #pageantry #MissUniversePhlippines #MissUniverse #ConfidentlyBeautiful #MissUniverso

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With the MUP final deadline of applications falling on the same day as that of Binibing Pilipinas, you will see that it is going to be a battle of those two pageants for the best Filipina candidates. Some may speculate that the same date deadline is a move to generate more buzz. Others are saying that it isn’t necessary if the reason to move is only because of format issues and that can be adjusted after the application deadlines.
What say you? Do you think there is a bigger (and hidden) reason for the move?

Sashes&Scripts’ Miss Universe Philippines Wishlist

Who are the girls we are highly anticipating to join Miss Universe Philippines this year?

  1. Alaiza Malinao – she’s the one who seemed to have planned her joining a year in advance. She probably took a page from Catriona Gray’s strategy to map out her participation with a year long preparation.

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    Binibining Pilipinas or Miss Universe Philippines? We are likely to believe that Alaiza Malinao is gearing up for MUP2020! MU looking for a woman of color? It's time that we send a dusky Pinay beauty then. @alaizamalinao fits the bill 100%. From how we see it, this 5'9" beauty is gearing up to something this national pageant season. Among the ladies floating in wish-lists, Alaiza seems to be the one who actually has no strings attached (like existing contracts and such) and is actually winnable in terms of Miss Universe criteria. Now who's with us for Alaiza? . . . . . #SashesandScripts #PageantBlogger #UltimatePageantBlog #PageantBlog #PageantBlogger #AlaizaMalinao #confidentlybeautiful #MissUniversePhilippines #missuniversephilippines2020 #MUP2020

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  2. Ahtisa Manalo – to be honest, we hoped that she would earn more ‘life experiences’ before dipping her toes again in pageantry. But if she is gunning for MUP this year, we are more than happy to see her compete once again.
  3. Sirene Sutton – while she might be one of the modelesque girls that we all are looking to join, Sirene should have focused on honing her communication skills as it seems that the MU is looking for a spokesperson rather than a model. IMHO she would be perfect for Supranational whose mix of showmanship and pageantry is just the right blend. However, we are speculating that she would perhaps choose to join MUP instead.
  4. Julia Saubier – she is surely the one to jump into the MUP bandwagon after a non-placement in Binibining Pilipinas last year. And maybe this time with an emphasis on speaking skills, she may crack the MUP crown. If Miss Universe is looking for a spokesperson, then Julia might be the type of girl that the pageant might want.

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    Bb. Daraga Albay Julia Saubier 💙 Let’s help Julia to win a special surprise from the Miss Universe Philippines Organization. Please visit the Facebook Page of Miss Universe Philippines and LIKE her picture. LINK ON BIO. 🙏 The 2019 Miss Universe Philippines/ Binibining Pilipinas contestants are ready to conquer the universe looking beautiful, confident, and empowered with their photos by Raymond Saldana. Contestant with most number of likes gets a special surprise from Miss Universe Philippines. #JuliaSaubier #Binibini20 #bbpilipinas2019 #JuliaIsHere4U #experiencearaneta #AranetaCenter #supportersofarts #BBP2019 #missuniversephilippines #missuniverse #Saubiersoldiers #binibiningpilipinas #binibiningpilipinas2019 #missphilippines #philippines #pinay #beautyqueen #missuniverse2019 #AFilipinaEmpowers #ConfidentlyBeautiful #msuniverseph #pageant #beyondbeauty #bicol #daraga #albay #beauty #brains #brawn

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  5. Bella Ysmael – a relatively new name and face to pageants, this 5’7 ballerina comes with a beauty queen pedigree. She is the niece of former Miss Universe Margie Moran. A former runner up in Century Tuna Superbods, she boasts of a Filipina-Spanish-Lebanese heritage.

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    2019 – the year of strength and growth. This year I’ve learned, mostly because I went through a lot right in the beginning of it, how to pick myself up and nurture myself with genuine self-love. I took myself for granted and pushed beyond limits for the people I considered important. Not that this is a bad thing, because my intentions were always from the heart, but it grew unhealthy as I neglected self-care. Thankfully, I have the strongest support group of loved ones who care about me and help me when I’m down. I’m happy to say I’ve added a few more people to that support group too. ☺️ Tough times are truly the best wake up calls, and failures are truly the best teachers. I’m looking back at my 2019 with nothing but gratitude for all the lessons I’ve learned, and for the people who have made it extra special. Now I look forward to the booming 2020 I have ahead of me, ready to take on my dreams as big as the Universe. I hope I can inspire you to be thankful for the lessons you learned this year, and to be brave enough to conquer your biggest (and scariest) dreams. Happy New Year, everyone! ✨ . . . photo: @markfrancisphotography makeup: @guillyvalenzuela

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So far those are the ladies that we expect to join Miss Universe Philippines this year. Who are in your wish list?

Sashes & Scripts is on a Blog Break!

Hello everyone! Starting today, we will be having a quick break from pageant blogging.
My sister from the US is visiting and I am hoping to spend some time with family over the next couple of weeks. It will be a great time to bond with them because each of us seems to be going on different paths again soon (one of my sisters is set to leave the country within the year). It will also be a time for me to think and ponder what I can still offer to you in terms of pageantry.
See you again later!

Sashes&Scripts’ Binibining Pilipinas Wishlist

In previous years, we had several wishlist to join Binibining Pilipinas. This year instead of naming a long list of girls, we are just focusing on just a handful of ladies we want to join the longest running national pageant in the country.

  • Michelle Thorlund – she was one of the girls that were ‘ignored’ in Miss World Philippines last year and Binibining Pilipinas might be her redemption. Standing statuesque at 5’8″, this Filipina-American lass has one of the easily transformable faces that can go sweet and saccharine to 40’s glam in just a snap of a finger. After her Mutya ng Pilipinas – Overseas win in 2016, she would be a great addition in the BBP pageant should she join.

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💜💜💜

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Continue reading “Sashes&Scripts’ Binibining Pilipinas Wishlist”

Gloria Diaz and her Quotable Quotes

Gloria Diaz is a Diva. With someone of her stature as the first Filipina Miss Universe and an award-winning actress, we are used to her sharp witty punchlines. And we have listed 9 instances where Gloria Diaz was a diva!

  1. Bob Barker: Is it true that you Filipinos use your hands to eat?
    Gloria Diaz: Why, do you use your feet?
    – that is how you make a comeback. This happened allegedly in a preliminary interview of the Miss Universe 1969 pageant. The instance should have been a sign that we have a diva in the making.
  2. “Alphabetically or according to rank?”
    – during the Miss Universe telecast, host Bob Barker challenged Gloria to name all her 11 other siblings. The quick-witted Gloria asked back if Bob wants them named alphabetically or according to their rank (we presume she was thinking of age).
  3. Leila Benitez (a well-known stage director): Miss Diaz, please come back on stage, who do you think you are?
    Gloria Diaz in a nonchalant manner: “Miss Universe.”
    – this supposedly happened during a rehearsal for a fashion show. Gloria took a break when she got tired. Back then Leila was one of the undisputed ‘Taray Queens’ which was a match to Gloria’s ‘diva-ness’.
  4. “Sige na nga, I was just joking. Actually, Maxine is the one talaga who is going to win. Oh, OK na ba sila? Bakit? Si Duterte nga nagbabago ang isip, eh ‘di ako rin.”
    – this was one of Gloria Diaz’ best moments when it comes to pageant trolls and haters. The 5’5″ beauty responded with a statement that was dripping with so much sarcasm.
  5. Gloria: You should join a beauty contest.
    Lady: I already did.
    Gloria: Did you win?
    Lady: Yes, I did.
    Gloria: Did you compete internationally?
    Lady: Yes.
    Gloria: What contest?
    Lady: Miss International.
    The lady was Kylie Verzosa, 2016 Miss International. Gloria later clarified that since after her stint in the BBP pageant she has graced a number of them already that she hardly remembers the faces of the winners.

  6. “Happiness is for princesses. Queens take control.”
    – in 2019, the veteran actress was cast in the role of Gloria Reyes, a’former Miss Universe from the Philippines’ for the the Netflix original series Insatiable. In her episode 6 guesting, she uttered this line which was one of the more memorable lines in the dark humor series.
  7. “Nobody remembers the runners up…”
    – during her media tour with Insatiable main cast Dallas Roberts and Debby Ryan, Gloria brought her Diva game with her and uttered this sharp but very divalicious line.
  8. “My Miss Universe trophy? I left that at the airport — excess baggage.”
    – this one truly illustrates her #divaliciousness. Her trophy is supposed to be sitting somewhere in the Philippine Airlines office in San Francisco.
  9. “You can harp all you want to be a runner up, but in the end they only remember the one who won.”
    – the statement was rumored to be a snide comment on Ruffa Gutierrez’ win as Miss World 2nd Princess in 1993, when Gloria was allegedly irked at Ruffa wearing her tiara in every public appearance.

Did we miss any of her divalicious quotes? Write them down below on the comment section…

Beauty or Intelligence: Which Should Weight More?

The landscape of pageantry has constantly been shifting, more so in the last decade. In the constant attempt to be relevant and modern, pageants have regularly pushed to varying degrees what it means for pageant to be “in the now“, to be a reflection of what society is looking for in a pageant winner. In the changing taste of pageants, there no other question more pertinent than this question: What should weight more in pageants, beauty or intelligence?

During the last Miss Universe pageant Filipino pageant fans argued Miss Philippines Gazini Ganados’ opening statement. Some say that she buckled but others say that her statement was of content but didn’t resonate to what the judges are looking for in a winner. And that had it been a miz of male and female judges, she would easily coasted to the top 10. So today we are taking a look into the question whether pageants should put weight more on beauty or on public speaking abilities… Continue reading “Beauty or Intelligence: Which Should Weight More?”

Miss Universe Theme Songs: The Orente Suite

Back in May of last year, we’ve written an article on the Orente music suite of the Miss Universe pageant. While there was a scarcity of sources then, we decided to revisit the topic with newer and clearer videos available. Thanks to the efforts of YouTuber Spymoxx and his channel, Sountrax, we’ve compiled all of the available Orente Music in one nifty blogpost!

Here are Spymoxx’s recreation of the Miss Universe theme songs from 2008 to 2014, the Orente music suite… Continue reading “Miss Universe Theme Songs: The Orente Suite”

An Independent Candidate Most Likely to Win Miss Universe Philippines?

With the Miss Universe Philippines being handled by a new franchise holder and national director, what would the most likely scenario be? Will a girl from any of the biggest pageant camps win? Or should an independent girl be crowned?

There are only three possible scenarios that could happen in the coming Miss Universe Philippines pageant: 1) a Kagandahang Flores girl would win, 2) a Ace & Queens girl would win, or 3) a girl from a newbie camp or an independent would win. Here are our thoughts on each scenario…

  1. A Kagandahang Flores Girl Wins – in as much as we believe in the KF camp, our guts says that the MUP might not be coming from them this year. From how we see it, the odds are against them this year specially with the new group handling the franchise swinging towards the opposite end of the pageant spectrum. It is most likely that a runner-up position is the best that this new org will be giving to the oldest pageant camp in the country. Much like a token so that they will keep fielding girls to join this new pageant. Which means that the people in the KF camp have to re-calibrate their strategies to tailor-fit it with the ‘requirements’ of the new org. Personally, it is perhaps best that they take this coming year as a testing ground to study what the new org is looking for an MUP.
    But then again, that is only our hunch. We may be proven wrong should the actual finals be on the way. In fact, this just might be the kind of push that KF needs to re-tool their game-plans.
  2. A Girl from a Lesser Known Camp/ Independent Girl Wins – if the new organization wants to make a good first impression to pageant fans, the camps and aspiring pageant girls, then having the first winner be an independent would be the way to go. Having an independent candidate would give them the appearance that they are a fair organization just like how BPCI have handled the MUP franchise back when they handled it. This second scenario has a bigger chance of playing out than the first.
  3. An Aces & Queens Girl Wins – to be honest we see this as a most possible scenario. With most of the leadership comprising of people affiliated with the A&Q camp, this scenario is what people are expecting from the new MUP organization. And why not? The former camp where the leadership came are likely to know what the new organization is looking for and that becomes their advantage. There is however a danger when an org is camp-centric. The quality of girls will suffer because there is no real competition. This is a lesson we’ve all been too familiar with the Miss World Philippines pageant.

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    #Repost @themissuniverseph • • • • • • Announcement: The Miss Universe Organization expresses its heartfelt gratitude to the Araneta Group and Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. for their more than 50 years of stewardship of the Miss Universe brand and franchise in the Philippines. Both organizations have made an indelible mark in the international pageant scene for celebrating the intelligence, beauty and grace of hundreds of Filipina queens, and for garnering several international titles through the years. Undeniably, the most prestigious of these titles continues to be the coveted Miss Universe Philippines. The foundation and fundamentals of Philippine Pageantry are known worldwide to be solid and shall endure all because of the hard work and commitment of the Araneta Group and BPCI. Today is a momentous occasion as the country and the Miss Universe Organization focus their collective gaze towards the future of pageantry. It is but fitting that the path to the future be led with vigor and a vision aligned with the transformative purpose of Miss Universe. The Miss Universe Organization is thrilled to announce its partnership with the Miss Universe Philippines Organization – a fresh team that will lead the country towards its continued quest to share the beauty and grace of the Filipina to the rest of the world. The new organization will be headed by Shamcey Supsup as the National Director. She will be joined by Albert Andrada as the Design Council Head, Jonas Gaffud as the Creative Director, Lia Ramos as Head of Women Empowerment Committee and Charity, Atty. Nad Bronce as Head of Legal Affairs, and Mario Garcia as Business Development/ Marketing Head. Rooted in the same strong foundations that have earned the country title after title in the past half century, the Miss Universe Philippines Organization is poised to bring the Miss Universe franchise to greater heights. More importantly, it is the continued support of the pageant fans and community that inspires the Miss Universe Organization to take this crucial step forward. With the Filipina at the center of it all, a bright and beautiful future lies ahead. Mabuhay!

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The first MUP winner under the new organization is going to be very crucial as it would set the tone for the years to come. So the new Miss Universe organization will have to be very careful in selecting their first winner…

The Philippines’ Longest Streak in Miss Universe

2010-2019 has been the longest streak of the Philippines in terms of placements in Miss Universe. Will the new decade be just as kind with a new organization handling the Miss Universe Philippines franchise?

It started off with 4 successive runner up placements with Venus, Shamcey, Janine and Ariella. Then came the Miss Universe wins of Pia and Catriona which later culminated with the top 20 placement of Gazini alongside the award for Best in National Costume.  This is partly due to the support that the girls have received from the Binibining Pilipinas organization headed by Madame Stella Marquez-Araneta. 10 consecutive years of placements that is only seconded by the 4 successive placements of the Binibining Pilipinas Universe winners of 1972-75. SMA surely stands tall with how her ward has made the country proud.

2010 – Venus Raj, 4th runner up
2011 – Shamcey Supsup, 3rd runner up
2012 – Janine Tugonon, 1st runner up
2013 – Ariella Arida, 3rd runner up
2014 – Mary Jean Lastimosa, Top 10
2015 – Pia Wurtzbach, Miss Universe
2016 – Maxine Medina, Top 6
2017 – Rachel Peters, Top 10
2018 – Catriona Gray,  Miss Universe
2019 – Gazini Ganados, Top 20 & Best in National Costume

Here’s to 10 years of more Miss Universe placements!

Miss Universe 2019, Zozibini Tunzi

How rare is it for a black African woman to win Miss Universe?
Well very rare. Let’s put it this way, out of 67 women who have won the Miss Universe title, only 3 black African women from the continent has been named MU.
The 6th black woman and the 3rd black African lady to ever win the Miss Universe title is Zozibini Tunzi of South Africa. And today we put the spotlight on her.

Zozibini is the third woman from South Africa to win the title, and the second black woman after Leila Lopes of Angola was crowned Miss Universe 2011. The 5’8 Zozi graduated with a bachelor’s degree in public relations and image management in 2018. Her pageantry career began back in 2017, when she was named as one of the top 26 semifinalists of Miss South Africa 2017. She failed though to make it to the final 12 candidates to compete for the title on the coronation night.

"I think the most important thing we should be teaching young girls today is leadership. It's something that has been lacking in young girls and women for a very long time, not because we don't want to but because of what society has labelled women to be. I think we are the most powerful beings in the world and that we should be given every opportunity and that is what we should be teaching these young girls, to take up space, nothing is as important as taking up space in society and cementing yourself."
- Zozibini Tunzi's final answer at Miss Universe 2019

Here’s clips from a Hollywood Life article on the things you should know about her:
1. She’s a passionate advocate and activist for women’s rights and equality. Zozibini’s campaign as Miss South Africa included partnering with HeForShe, a UN organization represented by celebrities like Emma Watson that encourages men to fight alongside women for gender equality. Zozibini asked that South African men to write messages of support to women, which would be printed on pieces of ribbon. Those notes made up her national costume at Miss Universe!
2. She’s close to her parents. On the day of Miss Universe 2019, Zozibini posted a loving message to her parents, Philiswa Nadapu and Lungisa Tunzi, on Instagram. She captioned a set of photos, which showed her parents hanging out with her backstage, “I am because you are. You’ve given me life, you’ve raised me to be the woman I am so that I can stand in a far away land proudly knowing where I’m rooted and where I come from. You’ve sacrificed so much and fought battles I don’t even know about, everything so that we could have all the opportunities the Universe has to offer. I am forever grateful and hope to make you proud, every single day of my life! Ndiyabulela, kwaye ndinithanda ngentliziyo yam yonke.❤️”
3. She’s a public relations specialist. Zozibini graduated with a bachelor’s degree in public relations and image management from Cape Peninsula University of Technology, in 2018. She went on to complete a Bachelor of Technology graduate degree in public relations, also at Cape Peninsula, shortly before winning Miss South Africa. She held an internship during grad school in the PR department of Ogilvy Cape Town.