What should be the medium of communication in the Q & A portion of beauty pageants?
This question cropped up after Binibining Pilipinas 2012 contestants got mixed reactions, especially in social networking sites, regarding their command of English in the contest’s question and answer portion.
The answer, as far as this year’s Bb. Pilipinas winners are concerned, is English.
“Personally, I’ll use English. Ang tendency kasi magta-Taglish ako, which for a formal event I think is very unethical. So, I think I’ll use English,” Bb. Pilipinas-Universe Janine Tugonon said in an interview following a press conference held at the Gateway Suites in Quezon City.
Interpreter
However, if Bb. Pilipinas Charities requires her to speak in Filipino and have an interpreter, Janine will accept their decision.“But, if they say na I’ll use Tagalog and have an interpreter, then, I’ll practice.”
Eighteen-year-old Filipino-American and Bb. Pilipinas-Tourism Katrina Dimaranan is more comfortable expressing herself in English for the Q & A portion, even though she speaks and understands Filipino.
“I can speak Tagalog, I can understand. But, if I can express myself the best way that I can, English talaga. Para more fluent and more smooth and para malalabas ko talaga ang gusto kong sabihin.”
The 2012 Bb. Pilipinas winners are aware of their critics’ comments. Bb. Pilipinas International Nicole Schmitz observes that they cannot please everyone and will just try to do her best when she represents the country abroad.
“All you can do is try to do your best. I can say I did my best in the pageant. I’m just thanking God and I feel lucky to get the crown. I guess what I can do is make them change their mind by being friendly, nice and be successful in the international pageant this year,” Nicole said.
The winners shared that they will work hard in representing the country and promote it the best way they can.
Promoting the country
“I should show it through myself. If I can show them na I am presentable. They can see that I am confident, I am independent. Then they will see na it’s more fun dito kasi they’ll know that the people here is just like how I am,” Katrina said, when asked how she’s going to promote the Philippines.
Janine, on the other hand, thinks it is easy to promote the Philippines because of its beauty and hospitable people.
“Madaling i-pomote ang Pilipinas kasi napakadami nating magagandang spots. People are very charming and hospitable.”
