Miss Teen Philippines WV 2006: The saga of beauties
Our definition of beauty is vague. Oftentimes we assume that anything that is pleasing to the eyes is beautiful. We reflexly relate the idea of beauty to physical form. The picture of a goddess-like face and a flawless milky skin linger in our thoughts when we utter the three-vowelled word.
Of course, the superficial aspect is just a quarter of its deeper meaning. In the real sense, true beauty is comprised of good physical features, oozing confidence and admirable talent paired with great intellectual and emotional intelligence.
Last April 1, 2006, 11 teens, 14 to 18 years old, from different parts of the region vied for the most- coveted title of Miss Teen Philippines Western Visayas 2006. The three chosen candidates will represent the region to the up-coming national finals in Manila.
The stage sizzled as the real-life Barbies did their cat-walk and their production number clad in the hip and cool Jag Jeans outfit. In a blink of an eye, the 3rd level of the SM City Iloilo was turned into a modern-day Olympus as the juvenile goddesses, on their stilettos and casual wear, gracefully inched towards the amazed crowd. A thundering applause and deafening screams enveloped the place as the young ladies breathtakingly emerged on stage on their glamorous gowns.
The CSF-draining question and answer portion came next. As expected, the candidates wittingly answered proving that behind those pretty faces there are active and healthy brain cells.
After having hard time contemplating whether who of the eleven alluring and smart girls will be given the chance to compete with other beauties in the Miss Teen Philippines 2006, the panel of judges made a tough decision. Miss Natalie Grace Roberts, Miss Ann Rency Costudio, and Miss Venna Ardales were officially proclaimed as Western Visayas' representatives. They will prove their prowess as they strive to become the Youth Empowerment for Self Reliance Inc. or YES! Foundation ambassadress.
Special awards were given to Chriscember Joy Nunez as Miss Congeniality, Venna Ardales as Best in Talent (held last March 30, 2006) and Best in Production Number, and Anne Nichole Bangiban as Miss Photogenic and Best in Evening Gown. Ann Rency Costudio was dubbed as the Face of Dermclinic 2006 and Best in Interview. Natalie Grace Roberts is this years' Miss Jag Jeans and Best in Casual Wear.
Other participants were Jhelamae Mayormente, Cathy Ann Balogo, Rowena Tigmo, Tiffany Berjes Canira, Theresa Tagnawa, and Felecette Gumaguil.
Last year's WV representative Miss Joannah Marie Gonzales, who ended up being the 3rd runner up in Miss Teen Philippines 2005, hosted the pageant leaving the audience spell-bounded by her enigmatic charm. The stunning Miss Ella Marie Reyes, also a WV representative on last year's competition, assisted the dignified guests and judges in handing out awards.
Miss Teen Philippines is a production of Image Network Management. The Miss Teen Philippines Western Visayas 2006 was made possible by Edgar Suelo, who was very emotional as he thanked the people who had helped him.
"This is not my best," he apologetically said with teary eyes. It must've been extremely hard for him to manage the occasion while his dear mother lies sick in the hospital.
The event went smooth and successful. The almost-a-dozen young beauties has eradicated the 'nothing-but-techie' and 'MTV-robots' notions. They've affirmed that indeed they are the hope of our Fatherland.