Who is your favorite beauty queen of all time?
Beauty pageants are always a welcome topic for Filipinos. It is always a much-awaited event as we watch from our homes and offices the lovely ladies representing their respective countries.
The most recent Miss Universe crown — brought home by our very own Pia Wurtzbach — made us proud and was a welcome diversion, especially after the recent presidential elections in our country. As we eagerly await the coming Miss Universe pageant, to be held in our country, let us sashay down memory lane as some personalities share their favorite beauty queens of all time.
Christian Espiritu, fashion designer
Slowly and surely, the Philippines has gained the reputation of being the country that raises beauty queens. Save for my pal Celso D. Caparas, no one could keep track of the number of our homegrown beauty queens, starting with Gemma Cruz Araneta up to the 2016 Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach.
I have had the chance at dressing some of them like Aurora Pijuan, Maricar Zaldariaga, Gloria Diaz (in movies) and, of course, Margie Moran Floirendo when she crowned her successor at the Folk Arts Theater. I love — and am mighty proud of — all of them, but the one that reigns supreme in my mind is the beauty and brains Gemma.
Rikka Infantado, former Star Magic PR
I love and admire Pia. I have known her since she was a young lady, starting a career with ABS-CBN Star Magic. We know her struggles before she finally got to where she is now. It took her years and three tries to get the Binibining Pilipinas Universe crown. Many people tried to put her down when she was about to compete for Miss Universe. We all witnessed how, to the very end, she almost did not get the crown. But good things come to those who wait and work very hard — confidently beautiful with a heart.
Danny Dolor, art and culture patron
Gloria Romero, who was Miss Philippines second runner-up in 1954, and crowned Miss Visayas, is easily my favorite. This tall and stunning beauty became the favorite model of Ramon Valera. It was Valera who made the coronation terno, which turned out to be his most famous creation. Dr. Jose R. Perez built her up and, seven decades later, she is still a top movie actress.
Susan P. Joven, president, Visions and Expressions
Aside from beauty, what I watch out for in beauty queens are character, grace and honesty. So far, I’ve seen these traits in Pia Wurtzbach, Dayanara Torres (Miss Universe from Puerto Rico), and Sushmita Sen (Miss Universe from India).
Former Mandaluyong Rep. Boyet Gonzales
Of all the beauty queens we’ve had, the one I consider to be the best and my favorite would be Margie Moran. For me, she’s the epitome of what is truly “beauty and brains” with the right blend of social awareness and compassion displayed in a beauty queen. And most importantly, she is from Mandaluyong.
Ariel Lozada, fashion events producer/director
Women possess God-given gifts they are meant to exercise, but one beauty queen reminded us all of the very essence of a woman when she said, “Just being a woman is God’s gift. The origin of a child is a mother, a woman. She shows a man what sharing, caring and loving is all about. That is the essence of a woman.” Sushmita Sen delivered this message so powerfully and it’s truly universal. She’s my all-time favorite beauty queen who believes that love is the essence of life, and is more than enough reason to celebrate women.
Bong Quintana, assistant vice president, entertainment department, PAGCOR
My favorite beauty queen of all time is Miss Russia 2002 and eventually Miss Universe 2002, Oxana Fedorova. She, for me, is the perfect package. Beauty, brains and brawn! She even voluntarily gave up her crown to pursue her law degree.
Lulu Tan Gan, fashion designer
Pia Wurtzbach is the beauty queen of today. She is obviously a standout beauty but what stands out most about her is her unabashed confidence, wit and intelligence. Pia’s allure is her natural effortless beauty. She is mature, funny and comfortable in her own skin.
From her perseverance in trying three times before winning Binibining Pilipinas to her memorable coronation at Miss Universe, Pia teaches the youth of today that achieving your goals includes working very hard, knowing how to get up (multiple times) after you fall, and always believing in yourself and your dreams. Pia knew what she wanted and she went for it. She did not let her detractors and haters bring her down. She fought them with her grace, quick wit and charm.
Patrice Ramos Diaz, fashion designer
I honestly prefer Filipina beauty queens. I like beauty that is interesting, timeless and enigmatic. I love faces that look beautiful without makeup. They’re not necessarily the prettiest or with the best proportions, but you find yourself staring because there’s just something about them that’s so captivating. For me, they’re Maita Favis Gomez, Dindi Gallardo and Janine Tugonon.
Lollie Mara, Best Performance from a Supporting Actress, Cinemalaya 2016
Gloria Diaz. She is our First Miss Universe and she brought honor to our country. She made our country known to the world. Siya ang “pinakamagandang babae sa balat ng lupa.”
MTRCB chaiman Toto Villareal
She may not be an international titleholder, but for me it will always be Johanna Raunio, former Miss Finland and a runner-up in the 1974 Miss Universe pageant in Manila. She was such a doll (even a mermaid in a Filipino film she starred in with the late Chiquito), and could very well pass for Taylor Swift’s mom.
