The trail that Gloria & Margie blazed

The Filipina is known for her unique beauty. With our mix of diverse racial and cultural influences, the Filipina is distinct among women. Filipinas are admired by people around the world. As such, we have made our mark even in the international pageant scene.

Growing up, my fascination with beauty pageants was inspired by my older sister. She would regularly join pageants in our province. I was the younger sibling constantly in awe of my ate. Of course, like any other child, I always wondered what the grown-ups around me were doing. And at that time I was my ate’s No. 1 fan. Eventually when I became old enough, I finally was able to join the pageants.

At first, I took after my sister. I tried to do things as I remember how she did them. And then of course, as I got the hang of it, I eventually developed my own style. It was no longer something I did out of the desire to be like my ate, but something that was my own passion. I loved gracing the stage and all the activities involved in beauty pageants.

As I grew older and became more exposed, of course I learned to aim higher. What else could be the goal of any beauty contestant than to set her sight on the ultimate prize, the Miss Universe title?

Filipinas have made their own mark in the Miss Universe pageant. Gloria Diaz, the first Filipina Miss Universe titlist, showed her spunk on the world stage with that simple and direct answer to the “man on the moon” question.

Shortly after, Margie Moran put the Philippines on the spotlight once again when she won the title in 1973.

These two women remain to be the only ones to hold the distinction of winning it all the way. They have also proven to be true ageless beauties, maintaining effortless elegance through the years. They continue to inspire women of all ages.

Other Filipinas have come close to the title, proving that the Filipina beauty remains world class. These include Blesilda Ocampo (semi-finalist, 1954), Lalaine Bennet (third runner-up, 1963), Louise Vail Aurelio (semi-finalist, 1964), Armi Barbara Crespo (semi-finalist, 1972), Guadalupe Sanchez (semi-finalist, 1974), Chiqui Brosas (fourth runner-up, 1975), Chat Silayan (third runner-up, 1980), Desiree Verdadero (third runner-up, 1984), Pebbles Asis (semi-finalist 1987), Charlene Gonzalez (semi-finalist 1994), Miriam Quiambao (first runner-up, 1999) and yours truly (fourth runner-up, 2010).

This year, we are once again positive and hopeful that Shamcey Supsup will make our country proud. Shamcey is determined to put up a good fight, as she has worked extra hard to train for her stint in Brazil.

Let us all lend her support and hope for the best. Once again, the Miss Universe fever is in the air. I am so excited to see how this year’s competition goes.