The search for Little Ms. Philippines 2005

A Fantastic Four Weeks

Eat Bulaga's nationwide search for the next Little Ms. Philippines gathered talented, witty and pretty little girls and their endearing moms and hopeful relatives for four straight weeks. Gorio Saquilabon and I, who have hosted all the shows, were amused at the candidates who were as young as three years old!

Little Wonder

One of them caught my attention. She was the youngest of them all - Monzi. This tiny girl who stood only three inches above my knees had skyscraping confidence probably brought about by her innocence. She was unlike any three-year-old kid I've seen. She talked, walked and danced like a pro. Strange faces did not affect her one bit like it would to any ordinary three-year-old child. Such a natural! She reminded me of Aiza Seguerra and made me wonder whether someone from Cebu could duplicate her showbiz achievements in the 80's. The judges seemed to have agreed with me and decided to her favor during the first weekly eliminations held at Gaisano Country Mall.

Lou's Wish List

The second and third week gathered an older batch of kids. Both shows were held at the GMA 7 station in Nivel Hills, Lahug. While mothers, relatives, make-up artists were hoping for the victory of their candidates, I found myself making my own wish list based on personal observations:

How I wish

That mothers would dress up their little girls appropriately for their age. I observed that the children were made to appear 15 to 20 years older with their micro mini-skirts, tops that were either backless or had belly-button revealing cuts! Clothes that even ladies at their 20's may not even consider wearing! Mommies, the title says it all: "Little Ms. Philippines" - and not "Little Ms. Hot Babe"!

All the more when it came to the make-up of the kids! I saw some whose lips and eye shadows were darker than Cruella Deville's! Horrendous! They should ease up on that. A little blush-on and gloss would've been so much lovelier and would not cover up the beauty of innocence in the girls' faces.

That mothers should not pound on the kids too much. I overheard one mom who scolded her child after a mistake she made during the talent portion, "Sus! Nganong nasayop man ka nga kapila man na natong gibalik-balik og practice?" She was saying this to her four-year-old child who was on the verge of tears, trying to evade her mother's pinches and looking at people around her, worried that someone would overhear her mother's criticisms. Remember, mommies: pageants like these were created to further develop the confidence of children and not rob them of it. It must always be an enjoyable experience for the children…always!

Expressions of disapproval and criticisms must be done in a manner that will not discourage or hurt any child. A disappointed mother harshly grabbing her child by the arm and dragging her out of the venue is such a usual sight after the show's commencement. It disheartens me to see this. Win or lose, children must be showered with praise as reward for their efforts and be encouraged to do their best in the future. It's never about winning. Winning is just icing on the cake.

Though the above wish list is based on my personal opinion as a mother, educator and entertainer, I know many parents would agree to it. I certainly hope that stage parents heed to my advice for the sake of their children whose talents may one day make them proud! Organizers of events like this should make an effort to orient parents of the do's and don'ts similar to my wish list above. I consider such gesture not an intrusion but a responsibility for everyone who is around any child.

And Finally

Last July 7, hundreds of spectators of the Little Ms. Philippines Regional Finals held at the Gaisano Country Mall and heard live over at DYSS Super Radio saw the victory of Laville Laborte. The five-year-old talented little girl outwitted everyone during the question and answer portion and was only a point higher to Monzi who amazed everyone with her performance in the talent portion. Monzi is now regularly appearing at "Singgit Cebu" while Laville shall be sent to Manila to represent region 7 in the Grand Finals. I shall be announcing the date pretty soon.

Way to go kids and congratulations to you!