Author:
Joseph Vitug
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Date Posted: 23:43:38 06/11/07 Mon
The Top Five for most part featured the biggest buzzed-about favorites. The one surprise exception for me ironically was the lady who scored the highest average score in the two semifinal rounds. It’s refreshing to see two Asians in this group—the last time we have seen this was 19 years ago in Taiwan, when there were four. Let’s start with…
4TH RUNNER-UP: U S A – Rachel Smith. After the controversially tumultuous reign of Tara Connor (well, to her credit, the controversy came after her Miss Universe stint was completed), to have a former Oprah intern become the next Miss USA was like a breath of fresh air. She does possess the qualities that we tend to think if we hear that background—she is smart (despite a pundit saying that another lady gave a better answer at the Miss USA pageant), with a sweetly likeable personality, and she looks great with her buffed figure, her perkily cheerful smile, her pleasingly pretty features, and her smooth mocha mulatto complexion. She looked like a level-headed and responsible lady who is unlikely to take Tara’s self-destructive path. Little did we know that her character would be put to the toughest test in this pageant. Indications of that started with the outdoor National Costume presentation when she was booed by the partisan Mexican crowd when she appeared in her controversially sexy, cleavage-baring Vegas-era Elvis outfit. The booing was not because of anything she did directly—it was the Mexicans protesting against President Bush’s various policies, especially about immigration, along with maybe they believe putting her down will prop the fortunes of their hometown bet. The hostile attitude continued during the finals telecast. Then came an unprecedented event in a Miss Universe finals telecast—in her otherwise gorgeously figure-hugging shiny black lamé low cleavage-baring gown*11, she tripped and fell on her butt.*12, 13
*11 She changed from her satin blue number from the presentation show. It was indeed a better gown.
*12 Try saying the last seven words using the thick Southern homegirl accent of America’s Next Top Model Cycle 6 winner Danielle Evans for emphasis.
*13 Of course it happened on other times, most famously on Miss Teen USA 1984, and Miss World 1998. So what about that legendary Miriam Quiambao fall of 1999? Remember that mishap occurred during the presentation show, not during the finals. It was shown on nationwide American cable TV on an E! special, but not during the 1999 Miss Universe telecast—though Miriam famously referred to that incident in her first finals Q&A to propel her to the Top 3 and end up as 1st runner-up.
It was a fall that obviously got a lot of press around the world. But of course, to the cheers of her fellow contestants behind her, she rose up and carried on courageously and cheerfully. Sure, pageant pundits would compare her to Miriam’s recovery and say she paled behind Miriam (I agree with them) and was not as graceful rising up from her fall, but still her recovery was still a welcome sight to behold. It was also amazing that she didn’t spill out of that gown during her fall and generate a “wardrobe malfunction”—the gown remained perfectly in place, perhaps thanks to strategically placed double-sided tape. She also continued to hold her head high and remained composed when the crowd booed when she was called into the Top Five and when she answered NFL star Tony Romo about which moment she wanted to relive. After graciously greeting the hostile crowd in Spanish (that appeased their booing somewhat), she mentioned about her trip to South Africa to help tutor in Oprah’s famous Leadership School for Girls. In another year, that kind of answer would probably help her land in the Top 3. But well, the Top Four were simply too strong or too highly favored that making this far is already achievement enough. Anyway, we should also all salute her as her poise and composure throughout all the ugliness is very admirable. She mentioned days later how she wanted to keep her head high all throughout—she definitely accomplished that. Expect her to carry on her Miss USA reign with welcome composure and dignity. Yes, her character was tested to the limit, and she passed with flying colors.
3RD RUNNER-UP: KOREA – Honey Lee (Ha-Nui). It is quite easy to Anglicize Ms. Lee’s Korean name (Ha-Nui) to “Honey” and it’s an extremely catchy moniker to boot.*14 Not only that, it is actually quite apt, especially how she makes such a deliciously sweet impression amongst several pageant pundits and casual watchers. Korea often fields pretty contestants, but these contestants rarely exude a charismatic spark. This lady is one of those rare exceptions, as she has charisma in spades. She also has the Westernized derring-do to assert herself confidently on the catwalk and she was unafraid to look sexy—this is especially evident with her finals gown, a low V-cut cleavage-baring gold-and-peach beaded number.*15 It was tastefully sexy, which was greatly welcomed. She is like a fairer-complexioned version of Carlene Aguilar, with a miniscule dash of traditional Korean modesty and reserve. Many people believed she should have been the one to win it all.
*14 I know one of Honey’s aims is to make Americans forget about that infamous Virginia Tech mass murderer, but I couldn’t resist featuring a Korean pronunciation lesson—just like “Ha-Nui” is approximately pronounced “Ha-nee” (so it sounds so much like “Honey”), the way to approximately pronounce the Virginia Tech killer Seung-Hui Cho’s first name is “Sung-hee”. The “u” in the dipthong “ui” in Korean is actually pronounced, but barely heard to common ears that most would think the sound is omitted.
*15 During the presentation show, she sported a short-sleeved purple sequined number with a high slit showcasing her smooth legs.
During her closeup interview, there were two notable things that Honey likes to emphasize—her musical background, as she is part of a traditional Korean performance troupe playing classical Korean music, particularly the musical instrument the “gayakeum” (a Korean zither), that allowed her to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York and visit North Korea*16; and her extensive volunteer charity work that took her to places like Mongolia.*17 The latter activity was placed in the forefront during the final Q&A, as “Heroes” star James Kyson Lee asked her about what superpower she wanted to have. Many Korean-speaking pundits reported that the female Korean translator botched the job by omitting the part that the reason why Honey would want a wallet that never dries up was so she could help a lot of people. But then again, listening to what the translator said, the translator did mention that Honey is passionate about her missionary work, and it was clear that Honey was speaking in that context when she mentioned that she wanted the power to have unlimited money. No way could the judges have interpreted that answer as somewhat materialistic. Yes, the translator did not do a perfect job and may have hurt Honey’s chances a bit, but then again, maybe the judges were expecting a more direct power that could help people, like maybe the power to heal others, or something of that sort. Whatever the case, it was still a strong answer, and Honey broke the 19-year drought. Koreans were thrilled and delighted at the results, even if many pundits felt she deserved better.
*16 She also noted that the performance troupe also includes her mom and sisters, and that they have already recorded four albums so far. She is also pursuing a masters degree in this field.
*17 She didn’t mention it, but she also went to the Philippines. There’s a heartwarming photo of her during her charity stint last February of this year eating at a restaurant (reportedly Max’s) with a child.
I know this is unlikely, but imagine if Honey is sent to Miss World? I have this strong feeling she would be in the Talent shortlist as she might showcase her gayakeum skills, and she would be a front-runner for the Beauty with a Purpose fast-track with her extensive charity work. She might even figure in Beach Beauty, who knows? Anyway, her very name hooks me so much as it reminds me of a catchy pop song, Billie Piper’s 1999 UK hit “Honey to the Bee.”*18 I can’t help singing this song and interchanging the word “bee” in the chorus “Honey to the bee / that’s you for me” with her surname, “Lee”, so it becomes “Honey to the Lee / that’s you for me.” I have a couple of ideas for all those YouTube uploaders out there—the first, and more difficult one, is for one to re-record that song and change the word “bee” to “Lee” and accompany it with a gayakeum (or lacking that, maybe a ukulele); the other idea is simply to compile photos and videos featuring this lady and accompany the video/photo collage with that song.
*18 Billie Piper is currently an actress and TV presenter. She used to be a bubblegum pop singer when she was a teenager, and she went by a one-name moniker, Billie. By the way, the aforementioned “Honey to the Bee” song recently became a hit again as a UK radio DJ exhorted listeners to download this song to test the UK charts new rules allowing any download to chart, even if the physical single has been deleted long, long time ago. It hit No. 20.
2ND RUNNER-UP: VENEZUELA – Ly Jonaitis. She is not as conventionally pretty as, say, Honey Lee, but with her luminous green eyes and exotic features, she exudes so much charisma that it’s clear she would definitely be a shoo-in for the finals—no way she would be shut-out like Jictzad Viña was last year. I was surprised by her low swimsuit score (surprisingly she only ranked 7th in this round), as I thought her sexy catwalk and her superbly buffed hourglass figure deserved first place. Many pundits criticized her white tightly constructed bustier gown and hoped she would change it for the finals, but she wore the same gown during the finals and that decision was highly justified as she worked that number with aplomb (it may seem stiff in photos, but she moved it like a dream) and the celebrity panel ranked her in 2nd place. During the final Q&A, she was asked by former Jane’s Addiction and Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Dave Novarro about whether she prefers a man who is spontaneous and wild, or one who plays it safe. Perhaps the judges took it against her when she hedged and did not commit to a choice, stating that what matters is if she is compatible with a man and that they can have passion no matter what type of man he is. Still, it is a strong answer for someone who refuses to make a choice, as she gave a good argument why she doesn’t want to choose. Anyway, it’s a bit odd why she stepped forward when the 3rd runner-up was announced—was she expecting she would be called ahead of Korea? Many pundits believed she deserved a higher ranking—most of them prefer her or Honey in lieu of the ladies who ended up in the Top Two.
1ST RUNNER-UP: BRAZIL – Natalia Guimarães. All right, she does have a series of pageant successes under her belt (like winning Top Model of the World last year in China, which she then quit so she can pursue her Miss Universe dreams), she’s undeniably good looking, she knows how to work the stage, and she possesses that competitive drive. Still, I found her overrated—I thought she only deserves a Top 15 placement, at most. But then again, she benefited with the judges’ penchant for more voluptuous frames, and no one looks more voluptuous than this lady—her figure is what I could describe as very “Earth mother”, reminding me of those primitive fertility statues featuring such voluptuous frames. Yes, she shimmered splendidly in her very shiny silver one-shoulder gown that she earned first place in that round, but for me I was more impressed with Miss Japan’s performance. During the Q&A round, she was asked by Michelle Kwan if it is better to follow with her heart or with her head. Natalia gave a simple but strong answer mentioning though it’s important to have a balance with your heart and mind, ultimately you need to follow what is true to your heart. I suppose because Natalia committed to a choice (unlike Ly), the judges kept her in a favored status, though I’m glad she was not chosen to win it all. Much has been said about her ungracious behavior after the winner was announced—all the more I believe she doesn’t even deserve to fare as well as she did.
MISS UNIVERSE: JAPAN – Riyo Mori. Like Miyako Miyazaki and Kurara Chibana, for this lady I would like to paraphrase a line from the Japanese soccer anime “Captain Tsubasa”: “The stage is her friend.” She is peerless when she struts her stuff onstage, that she deserved to score very high in the swimsuit round (she was in first place), and likewise did well defying convention by sporting a long-sleeved black Gucci gown featuring a skirt with wild nature and animal prints.*19 In my opinion, she deserved to rank first place in the gown round over Miss Brazil. During the final Q&A round, she had the benefit of having a geeky Caucasian guy translate her answers*20, as he seemed to do a wonderful job at it. Riyo was asked by Elle magazine editor and Project Runway judge Nina Garcia what lessons she learned as a child that she still carried up to this day. Riyo gave a smart answer about how she has been in school*21 for so many years encountering teachers and students, and the most important lessons she learned there were to be happy, patient, and positive and that she wants to impart those lessons to the next generation.
*19 Not only did we could see that dress in a Gucci fashion show, Oprah Winfrey and Salma Hayek were photographed in that gown on different occasions.
*20 It seems that native Asian interpreters have difficulty translating thoughts into English, that they often had botched jobs, while in this case, employing a Caucasian interpreter who could proficiently speak and understand the Asian language does a better job.
*21 Her family runs a ballet/dance school.
Well, to be honest, I would’ve preferred a prettier face to win over this one, but Riyo earned her victory fair and square, despite the ungracious reception by her first runner-up and the outgoing Miss Universe Zuleyka Rivera (look at her sour/stoic expression as she handed over her crown). It might also be karmic payback for Kurara’s first runner-up finish last year, as many pundits and fans were so enamored and charmed by Kurara that they believe Kurara should have won it all, and many pundits would probably interpret this victory as vindication for Kurara.*22 Maybe Zuleyka’s sour expression was a reflection over the flak she received regarding her victory over Kurara. Anyway, Riyo doesn’t make me yelp like an anime seiyuu*23 the way Kurara did last year. They may resemble each other, but for some subtle reasons, Kurara’s features just looked way more pleasing that Riyo’s. I have a feeling that down the line, when pageant pundits would assess who was the best Japanese Miss Universe delegate of all time, they would probably favor Kurara over Riyo even if Riyo outranked the former, the way a few years ago, Global Beauties chose the 1969 fourth runner-up to Gloria Diaz over the 1959 Miss Universe winner Akiko Kojima as the best Japanese Miss Universe contestant.
*22 The same argument cannot be applied to Cynthia Olavarria’s first runner-up finish to Natalie Glebova and then the following year resulting to Zuleyka’s victory. Natalie was simply the best of batch 2005 that her victory was completely unimpeachable.
*23 Seiyuu means voice talent. If you watch a Japanese anime that has not been translated or dubbed, you usually would hear high-pitched female voices especially when they are excited. That’s how I felt whenever I saw Kurara appear on TV last year.
Riyo’s victory can also be interpreted as a triumphant culmination of the wonderful efforts the Japanese pageant director, Ines Ligron, has made for Miss Universe Japan for the past 10 years. Since 1998, Ines attracted and fielded delegates of extremely high quality with distinctive flair and style that garnered significant attention before breaking through with the likes of Miyako and Kurara. Despite misgivings by some Filipino fans over a misunderstanding that Riyo made on a question Teresa asked to a photographer (“I’m not Asian?”—Riyo thought she made a declarative statement instead of a question and reported that to Ines and Ines posted on her blog before removing it after receiving a lot of flak) I am satisfied with Riyo’s victory and I am so pleased that Ines is so rewarded after 10 years of bringing forth a miraculous Japanese revival. May Ines continue with her excellent work and make Japan a powerhouse to be reckoned with. And may the Bb. Pilipinas Charities (or any one who might want to take over the Miss Universe franchise) take note on how we can finally break the nine-years-and-counting semifinal drought, as Ines holds the key—not Barraza, please!!! Didn’t Miriam wear a Halston when she competed? How about a Monique Lhuillier next time? Or an Inno Sotto, perhaps?
On a final note, I hope Donald Trump & Co and NBC learned their lesson and never hold the pageant in Mexico again. The Mexicans embarrassed themselves with their boorish conduct that was seen by millions of people all around the world. They might have a legitimate reason for their grievances, but this is not the right venue for it, and they might actually even had sabotaged the potential revenue they could've gained attracting tourists to their nation.
JUST ME!
JOSEPH
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