No, Not World Peace!

First of all, I'd like to apologise in advance for the drivel you are about to read!

This is another little thing about me I am going to reveal. It's another little (rather embarrassing)smidgen of my life about to be shown to the world. Funnily enough, I've never tried to hide it. When someone asks me all about it, I have no shame in telling it like it is. In fact, my little 7-year old girl dream was tainted by this odd (and according to some feminist friends, filthy) habit of mine.

Want to know what it is? Okay! Ready, 1, 2, 3...

I love watching beauty pageants (And by the way, that dream of my 7 year-old self was to be Miss Universe! Oh yeah!)

Seriously! I don't know. There's something about the swirl of glittering gowns that catches my attention. There's something about the parade of smiles and quarter turns that amuses me. There's something about the dramatic crying of the winner after she gets crowned that somewhat touches me. Yeah yeah. Another one of my weird little quirks! Haha!

One of my favourite portions of these programmes would be the question and answer round. It is really where the contestants show that they are not just pretty packages wrapped in satin and glitter. They have lovely minds too. It really is the round where the contestants reveal fully their beauty. Well, that is if the candidates answer the questions well!

You have no idea just how many times I have been disapointed, even frustrated with some of the answers some contestants give. I mean there I am, very much impressed with Ms. Whatever and how she exudes confidence. I'm watching her glide, even float across the stage in her elegant, glittering gown. I almost admire her. And then, it happens. The judges ask her a question. She opens her mouth and only this comes out...

"Uhm...."

Admiration over.

It makes me think to myself, "Gosh! I could have answered that. At least words will come out of my mouth!" (Haha! Arrogant much?!). I don't know why but I've started to develop this weird thing of trying to answer the questions from pageants. I guess it's because of my crazy thing for philosophy and stuff.

So yeah, I'm using this entry to give my answers to some of the beauty queen questions I remember since the closest thing I'll probably get to sashaying around the Miss Universe stage! (I told you this was drivel!). No gowns. No bell after 30 seconds. Just me being a crazy pageant fan! Haha!

Real pageant questions will be indicated with the candidate they were addressed to.

1. What is the essence of being a woman (posed to Miss Universe India '94 Sushmita Sen)

To me the essence of being a woman is being who she is.

She is, firstly, a person. A person with dreams and the talent and ability to achieve them. A person who can do anything she wants to... even change the world. A person who can leave a lasting mark in people's hearts.

But at the same time, she is also a woman. Different from man. An individual. Someone who may react very differently to that of a man. But that is okay. Because it is difference that makes the world more colourful, and therefore, more beautiful.


2. If you were given a chance to be able to have superpowers, what would they be and why? (posed to Ms. Universe Korea '07)

I believe that each one of us has superpowers already. We were all given talents and abilities to develop and utilise. In a way, these are our superpowers.

The true difference between a superhero and someone who isn't is not whether he is superhuman or not. A superhero uses those superpowers for the good of others, whether that superpower is flight, super strength, or being able to make people smile.

So in that case, I already have superpowers!

3. If you had a chance to be born in any time period, when would you like to be born (posed to Miss Australia Universe '04, Jennifer Hawkins)

I would honestly choose to be born when I really was. We were put here on this Earth by God for a reason, for a purpose. Naturally, there is also a reason why we were born now. Now is our time to make that difference. We were called to change the now. So I choose to fulfill that purpose. I choose now.

4. Because of globalisation, the line of nationality is being blurred. So to you, what does it mean to be Filipino?

I believe to be Filipino (or Australian. Or Thai. Or Norwegian. Or whatever) is to love the Philippines (or whatever country you claim nationality from). No matter where you were born or the colour of your skin, if you love the Philippines, you are Filipino.

If you love the Philippines, you would follow the road rules. If you love the Philippines, you would throw your garbage in the appropriate bin. If you love the Philippines, you would vote wisely and not give in to corruption. If you love the Philippines, you would do what you could to make it happy --- whether that's by not throwing your cigarette butt on the sidewalk or dying for the country.

In that sense, you become a real citizen of the country, knowing your rights AND doing your responsibilities.

So, I guess, in that sense, despite my mixed blood, I am Filipino.

There! That's my rather valiant attempt at being Miss Whatever! And nary an answer of "world peace"!

Now, I can get back to being normal Alexis. Wait? Does she exist? Haha!

PS: Don't hesitate to comment! Especially if you

1. Want to say something about my answers.
2. Want to answer the questions yourself
3. Have some more questions to ask me.

Now, I think I must go back to waving and crying now! Haha!