the essence of beauty contests...

Gone were the days when I used to dream that one day I could join beauty contests. The years passed when I used to be an avid excited viewer of prestigious beauty contests just like the one yesterday, Miss Universe 2009. Not because I can't join but because I guess I have outgrown that fanaticism already. I remember the last time I got soooo excited to watch it was way back in 1999, when Miriam Quiambao was close to winning the Philippines' 3rd Miss Universe title. She won 1st place that time.

Among 83 participants all over the world, the title was won by another South American -- for two straight years -- Miss Venezuela.

It's kind of odd that lately, the countries winning these competitions have interpreters during Question and Answer portions. Well, I'm not sour-graping guys. I just think that in worldwide competitions like this, beauty contestants should be able to speak the universal language which is English. It will be watched by millions worldwide plus whoever wins will be going around the world for charity work. Smiles can do wonders but not the entire day, right? She still has to talk, right? It will just go to show how the beauty queen can be versatile and intelligent if she knows how to speak English besides her national language...

Anyway, congrats to the winner and to the Venezuelan community...They really produce beauty queens...Some countries make it a career...I just hope they don't forget the real essence of beauty pageants like these...Not just to gain titles, but to contribute in making this world a better place...Not to be a celebrity after a year, but a catalyst of change and charity...