My Favourite Beauty Queens

I'm Not A Beauty Queen. How Can I Get A Man?

2014-09-28T00:50:00.001-07:00

I have been fascinated by natural beauties that have all the perfect features, self- confidence to walk on stage and charm audiences ever since I began watching televised Miss Universe pageants during my teenage years.

I could never be like them. How does it feel to be like them? I don't know.

I had the opportunity to be among these beauty pageant contestants and winners, but as a person organizing behind the scenes. I was proud of their achievements, proud of their courage to go for what they want in life.

Maybe I do feel a notch down compared to those type of women. When with them, I'm never the one the men want to speak to. I'm treated as those beautiful women's "assistant." And I know that in their presence, I have to take a back seat.

To me, these women will never have problems attracting men, getting rich boyfriends, and settling down to be rich men's wives.

As I grow older, I've had to build my self- confidence when meeting men. In my mind, I would compare myself to those beauty queens. Hmmm, why would a guy want me when he could have a beauty queen?

What Men Desperately Want You To Know But Could Never Tell You

That is the demon in my head talking. He caused a lot of damage throughout my life. For years, I went through countless relationship advice, from religious figures, parents, online relationship gurus....I think I have bought so many relationship advice e-books that I have even lost some of them.

Then, I also realize that some men have a hard time approaching beautiful women too. "Wow, she's got a beauty title, so glamourous and all...she deserves a rich man to take care of her. How can I even compare?" You'd be surprised that some men actually have thoughts like that. I know I was!

( A good male friend of mine shared with me... his ex-girlfriend went on to win a beauty title. And he never approached her again. (sob). His behavior may be explained here...
What Men Desperately Want You To Know But Could Never Tell You )

Well, perhaps you'd think that, well, the girl who is "not good enough" to be a beauty queen might possibly hook up with the guy that is "not good enough" to have a beauty queen.

Other than working on my self-confidence, I also found it really eye-opening to read about men, how they think and behave, and why is it that I always chased them away? :(

A lot of the books that I read taught almost the same lessons. Maybe these "gurus" just copied those advice off of one another! But I think this guy is pretty genuine and I've watched his interviews on tv. And his advice is easy to understand.

This is a great e-book to have an overall view of understanding men, by Michael Fiore:

What Men Desperately Want You To Know But Could Never Tell You

Don't get me wrong. There are men that are real jerks too. I've met a few nice guys who turned out to be jerks in my life. There are also many men who are really genuinely nice and would love to love me. I'm looking for him.

So, I not only had to learn to love and accept myself for who I am, and see myself within, without comparing myself to those beautiful beauty queens, I learned to be more confident by learning about men's nature and how to relate to them, and how they really want to know the genuine ME (without thick make-up, cosmetic surgery, boob job...)

Next, I'll share with you which books or gurus inspired me on loving myself just the way I am. :)

Love,
Not A Beauty Queen

Megan Young, Miss World 2013

2013-10-05T07:50:00.002-07:00

Megan Young, Miss World 2013, is as photogenic as a person can be.

The first time I took a glance at photographs of Miss World contestants, Miss Philippines' looks was already a hands-down winner. She was the only girl memorable enough for me to remember her country's name as the one to watch.

So it was no surprise to me when I saw the news of her being crowned Miss World 2013.

I always propagate that a beauty queen's first criteria is always physical facial beauty.

No matter what kinds of beliefs people have about beauty; no matter how people debate about the advantages of inner vs outer beauty;

no matter how they try to de-emphasise their beauty in favour of elevating their noble desire to use their title for noble pursuits like "world peace" or "helping needy children," a person is pushed to the limelight in the entertainment world, firstly, because their looks attract the masses.

Captures and draws attention.

It's Packaging.

Branding.

"Beauty" -- is your salesperson. So benefit from it.

Beautiful Gown on Miss World 2011

2012-08-22T07:18:00.002-07:00

Miss World 2011, Ivian Sarcos

Just saw this photo and immediately I thought "Wow."

It makes the woman wearing it really stunning. Even though, it seems a bit too "lacey" and "flowery", but overall, the effect is definitely there.

Amelia Vega, Miss Universe 2003

2011-12-25T02:29:00.000-08:00

I did not like the girl who won Miss Universe 2003, Amelia Vega of Dominican Republic. It was not that she was not pretty. She wasn't my type. These things can't be explained.

I felt she was overwhelming -- her expressions, her actions and I thought she looked too hard (the makeup made her almost look like a pretty boy) -- too polished. Maybe it was the result of her culture or her family upbringing. All that packed into an 18-year-old life. Wow!

But just a few months ago, I saw her again as a judge at Miss Universe 2011 and was astonished to see such a beautiful Miss Universe. I got curious and found out that she is already an established entrepreneur and singer.

This time, I couldn't believe how I much I admired her beauty NOW but I had the opposite feelings when she won in 2003!

I don't know much about Latin music. Most of the commercial artists who come from the Western World (North America) are usually pretty talented -- but not pretty.

It is as though the stereotypical American producer do not go for beauty, but just want singers who are either famous for their voices or can make an impact with their characterizations e.g. Lady Gaga, Pink, Amy Housewine, Adele.

The only female singers I find pretty AND talented nowadays are Taylor Swift and Katherine McPhee.

So I was rather surprised that such a beautiful (really beautiful) woman like Amelia Vega is able to produce a commercial album and get away with it (even though the Latin Music industry might approach business differently from the English Music industry).

But all praises to Amelia Vega. I now am interested to look at her...hahaha!

At last, a decent Miss World winner, Ivian Sarcos, Miss World 2011

2011-11-06T19:04:00.000-08:00

I totally forgot about the Miss World finals.

I did read about it a few days ago, and then today, I chanced upon the final video while surfing facebook. And so, of course, I straightaway wanted to know who won. I had no clue who the final contestants were. I saw a pretty tanned girl in the final lineup and was surprised that she was announced as Miss World 2011.

Oh, wow! At last, a decent winner. Miss World always harps about it's Beauty With A Purpose -- yeah, yeah, yeah....they need to justify their beauty. But I don't really care that it's about that.

Let them use their year for charity if they want to, but everyone knows this is still supposed to be a beauty pageant, and audiences are here to see beauty, and contestants are here to also compete based on their charismatic, beautiful presence.

Many previous winners were really beautiful, that was what I liked previously about Miss World, even though I did not like the presentation of the competition. But I really could not accept the winners of 2009 (Gibraltar) and 2010 (USA).

We need beauty in this world -- an icon, a symbol, a fantasy, a hope. She embodies it as far as we can see for now.

The new Miss World, Ivian Sarcos of Venezuela, is an orphan who grew up in a nunnery. Now she is Miss World. That's hope for you.

Maria Julia Mantilla Garcia, Miss World 2004

2011-11-04T23:01:00.000-07:00

Maria Julia Mantilla Garcia was one of the more beautiful Miss World winners that I liked.

This Peruvian lady, who has the looks of a movie star, like Kate Beckinsale and Elizabeth Hurley, is nicknamed Maju, and is also known as Maju Mantilla.

She is a popular model and celebrity, and is reported to be getting married in early 2012.

In the Center is Maju Mantilla, and the tallest is the gorgeous 2007 Miss World, Zhang Zi Lin.

Leila Lopes, Miss Universe 2011 vs Alyssa Campanella, Miss USA 2011

2011-09-17T10:13:00.000-07:00

What a surprising end to the Miss Universe 2011 crowning moment. Miss Angola, Leila Lopes, was never a frontrunner with most pageant watchers, including myself.

She is very pretty and fresh-faced, but there were also a few beauties that didn't make the real Top 16. I did not put Leila Lopes in my Top 15 predictions as I didn't feel she would put much of a fight. She had a "student" feel about her whenever I saw her photos. Usually, these "student" feel women could never graduate to being a Miss Universe finalist. Also, for Black or African women, it is usually hard for them to stand out amongst the sophistication & fierce competitiveness of the South American contestants like Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Mexico etc.

But I believe it is written in her destiny that she is meant for greatness and world-wide fame. She just naturally blossomed and sparkled with her sweet smile and elegance, wowing all the judges who saw her up close. When I saw her walk on stage during the Finals, tall, with a slim and strong body, the crown was hers with every smile she gave.

I was very disappointed that Miss USA, Alyssa Campanella, failed to make the Top 10. She was my pre-Pageant favourite to win the crown. However, she had received much slack during the competition as photos of her being skinnier than usual were published world wide.

As usual, Miss USA always receives much criticism from Pageant fans who prefer cheering for "underdog" countries or other sentimental favourites. USA, being the home country of the Miss Universe organization, a powerful and rich influence, is always a much-anticipated pageant contestant and one of THE ones to beat, just by wearing the USA sash.

Here she is competing for Miss California -- awesome.

Alyssa during the recent Miss Universe competition.

She looked like she was just skin and bones, and she lost some "power" there. In this situation, we need to embrace "fat" as being a necessary winning element. My heart fell, and I sensed that she was not going to take the crown. If I was a judge, I would have a hard time giving it to her. But in my heart, I was still cheering for her because I feel she is also destined for the international screen and stage.

Who says beauty pageant judges don't judge on physical beauty? I think it's important, because humans are a visually-appreciative species. Otherwise, makeup, tattoos, jewelry and clothes would never have been invented! Miss Universe will be one of the most viewed, most photographed, most invited, most anticipated celebrity on earth!

A winner should never ever win just by doing well in the Q&A session.

Well, the consolation is that, at least she's already got the Miss USA crown, which means, she already has the advantage of being taken care of by the same organizers of Miss Universe.

My Miss Universe 2011 predictions

2011-09-06T08:13:00.000-07:00

Still, my top 15 contestants at the moment are:

USA

Netherlands

Peru

Australia

Ukraine

Brazil

Costa Rica

Finland

Greece

Malaysia

Egypt

Ghana

Kosovo

I have mixed feelings on Miss Kosovo. I have found photos of her with dark hair (L). But she turned up at the Miss Universe competition with blonde hair (R) ! And it actually turned me off. But still, she could put up a challenge.

These are not my favourites, but they look like they might be in the top 10 as well:

China

She is a very tall and confident model, but I think she is not pretty, and in her photos, she comes across too strong (like she has claws...)

Russia
Russian models are beginning to rule the world, but this girl is not impressive for me to make the top 15.

Venezuela

Everyone looks forward to Miss Venezuela in every pageant. This girl looks perfect, but she also looks outdated, sorry to say, a little fake and... cold.

Alyssa & Pia

2011-09-06T06:48:00.000-07:00

Miss USA, Alyssa Campanella is super skinny. But she is damn arresting and goddess-like, with her red hair, clear eyes and great teeth. I can say we've never seen anyone like her in Miss Universe.

I said it before and I say it again: somebody give me some money to make a movie and make her the star!

For the past few years, blonde European contestants have not made much impact in Miss Universe. But this year, there are 3 gorgeous blondes that I like: Australia, Netherlands and Finland.

Erica Nego, Miss Universe Ghana 2011

2011-08-28T10:14:00.000-07:00

I just got myself updated on this year's Miss Universe contestants. When I saw the above photo, I was blown-away cos this lady really is breathtaking in this photograph.

She is Erica Nego, representing Ghana. Straightaway, I thought she would be the frontrunner for Miss Universe. And if she had the height and the personality too, she could wrestle the crown from Alyssa Campanella, Miss USA, whom I think is the one to beat.

As I googled for more info, to my amazement, I found that Erica Nego was Miss Minnesota 2009, competing in the United States. I assume she is American, having been born and raised there, but I read that she is half-German and half Ghanaian.

Well, if the rules allow, I'm all for it. It would be nice to see her in the top 3 of Miss Universe 2011.

Last year, I liked Ximena Navarrette very much, and then she actually won!

This year, I think it's a little bit tough. There are some very beautiful contestants.

Zhang Zi Lin, Miss World 2007

2011-06-30T23:28:00.000-07:00

Even though I've said I will never follow the Miss World competition again, let me take the time to pay a little tribute to some deserving winners from the past.

Miss World 2007 was held in China, the year before China was due to host the greatest Olympics the world had ever seen. The contestant, Zhang Zi Lin, was also the greatest Chinese woman who had ever competed in the pageant.

Why the greatest? She won. But even if she was Chinese and her winning might have something to do with the Beijing Olympics, she won it hands down. Nobody could come close to her shining star that night.

Tall, graceful, with a sweet, gorgeous face, I wondered if she would amount to more than a beauty queen with her Amazonian height, otherwise she would be a good face on the big screen.

In the Asian movie business, most leading actresses are of petite or average height.

But it was with pride that I saw her photos attending the 64th Annual Cannes Film Festival, turning heads and making reporters ask who she was. Well, most of them would not have followed the Miss World competition to know she actually was the winner in 2007.

But her star continues to shine and we'll wait to see more of her.

Natalie Vertiz, Miss Peru Universe 2011

2011-06-25T23:34:00.000-07:00

This girl has just won the Miss Peru crown and will compete in Miss Universe 2011. From her photographs and the youtube crowning video, she seems fierce and all too-assuring -- which is a good thing if you want to win the most prized crown in the industry of beauty.

There's a little bit of Miss Universe 1991, Lupita Jones, in her. I think she will be a frontrunner for the crown. It WILL be a fierce competition, and it will be FUN!

Alyssa Campanella, Miss USA 2011

2011-06-21T06:16:00.000-07:00

I think the USA has hit a jackpot with the crowning of Alyssa Campanella, Miss California, as the new Miss USA 2011. She is one of the best winners of this title in a long time. I am actually quite impressed to find out the judges actually chose her.

Alyssa is no doubt, very photogenic and is oozing with sexuality. She is a superstar in the making -- just by her looks and her presence. I can't judge from anything else cos I wasn't there at the pageant.

I've only seen a little bit of her on youtube but just a little bit was enough to convince me that not only will she be frontrunner for the Miss Universe crown, she will be in the movies soon. If I were living in Hollywood and making movies, I would be calling the Miss Universe organization as fast as I can.

I can't describe it yet, but she has something of Nicole Kidman, Olivia Wilde, Milla Jovovich....and who else? Never mind.

Let's wait and see if my prediction is right!

Where is Miss Korea Jang Yoon-Jeong, Miss Universe 1988 1st Runner Up?

2011-04-28T05:12:00.000-07:00

I started writing about the results of the 1988 Miss Universe pageant in my previous blog.

I wanted to find out more info on Miss Korea, one of the prettiest Asian girls I ever seen -- Ms Jang Yoon-Jeong who won 1st Runner Up in 1988.

However, I can't read Korean, and there are very little news in English about her. So if you know where to find information about her, would appreciate a little help, & let me share her news here with everybody.

Why Aishwarya Rai Is One Of The Most Beautiful Woman In The World

2011-03-30T08:53:00.000-07:00

Wow, look what I found! The very hot, very sexy Aishwarya Rai in a very sexy movie scene. She is already an international star. Too bad, it didn't happen sooner, cos in present times, the best way to go international is through Hollywood.

Some may not know she was Miss World 1994, seriously the most beautiful woman in the world, and at least, for that year, the Miss World competition had its saving grace.

Here, Aishwarya shows us how to be sensual, feminine and erotic at the same time. She sure is a movie star!

1988 Miss Universe Pageant -- Conquered by Eastern Asian Beauties

2010-12-30T09:33:00.000-08:00

The 1988 Miss Universe Pageant was a shocker.

It broke the status quo where Southern Americans would usually dominate the top positions in the competition.

Instead, 4 out of the top 5 came from Southeast & East Asia: Thailand, Korea, Japan, Hong Kong. The odd one out was Miss Mexico. The beautiful Miss USA was denied entry into the top 5.

According to a Wikipedia entry, after the preliminaries, the pretty Miss Korea, Jang Yoon-jeong, was the highest-placed Asian delegate who ranked third behind USA and Dominican Republic. During the actual pageant, she placed 1st runner-up behind Thailand's Porntip Nakhirunkanok. She was actually my favourite, favourite contestantof 1988. I so so loved her cute and adorable face.

I have to give special mention to Miss Hong Kong, Pauline Yeung, who until today is highly-regarded as the lady who had achieved the highest beauty accolades for Hong Kong in the international pageantry circuit.

The year Pauline Yeung won Miss Hong Kong, her 1st & 2nd runners up were equally popular.

Lam Wing Han, the cute and adorable 2nd Runner Up, quickly became a much-loved actress in HK dramas. After gaining some popularity as an actress, Wing Han disappointed so many fans when she decided to retire to pursue her master's degree in the US.

Pauline was not the most beautiful. But the 20-year-old was so elegant and regal that you just knew the title belonged to her. She competed in Miss World and won the Queen of Asia title, then went on to grab the 4th Runner Up position in Miss Universe. Wow!

Elizabeth Lee Mei Feng, the 1st runner up, was so sexy and attractive that she was quickly snapped up as the leading lady in HK movies. She still makes spokesperson appearances today, looking equally as sexy even though she has retired from acting.

Pauline Yeung (in white) is still so beautiful & regal till today.

Miss Universe 1987 Opening -- Great Energy, Great Song!

2010-12-12T20:35:00.000-08:00

I loved this song in the 80's. And I loved this opening then.

Re-live it. Let's go!

Two Miss Universes

2010-10-02T05:33:00.000-07:00

How lovely! This is a photo of two gorgeous Mexican women who have won the Miss Universe crown.

Lupita Jones, Miss Universe 1991, so gorgeous till now.

Ximena Navarette, Miss Universe 2010, a gorgeous reign begins.

Lupita runs the Miss Mexico beauty pageant and I'm sure she's extremely proud that under her organization, Mexico has produced another Miss Universe winner.

The world is in need of more reasons to celebrate beauty -- which is God's gift.

What a lovely sight to behold.

Barbara Palacios Teyde, Miss Universe 1986

2010-09-18T04:18:00.000-07:00

Her name was Barbara. Funny, she didn't look like a Barbara to me, but she won the Miss Universe title in 1986. I thought she was elegant and regal and had a quiet but captivating beauty. Her evening gown was simple but so interestingly cut that she looked arresting in it.

I loved watching the pageant that year. Miss USA was 1st Runner Up. Christy Fitchner was almost winning all the way with her great body, looks and evening gown.

But in the end, Barbara won, and I agreed with the judges all the way. She didn't have the most stunning face to me, but there was definitely something about her and she had the aura of a leader.

Apasra Hongsakula, Miss Universe 1965

2010-09-14T08:33:00.000-07:00

She was Miss Universe 1965 -- one of the rare Miss Universes of Asian descent. All of 5ft 4 inches tall, she probably did not know what was going on or could even imagine that she could have a future so bright when she won the crown in 1965. Quite intriguing, really.

Time changes everything? If she was competing in 2010, I'm not sure she would have been noticed at all by the judges.

MY MISS UNIVERSE 2010 PREDICTIONS

2010-09-03T20:33:00.000-07:00

Snapshots of Ximena, Miss Universe 2010

2010-08-29T04:27:00.000-07:00

A photographer's delight

More of Ximena Navarette -- congrats to the Miss Universe Organization

2010-08-29T04:16:00.000-07:00

I have a feeling that the Miss Universe Organization will have a great year with Ximena Navarette as Miss Universe.

She may probably be the Winner that's most requested for interviews, photo shoots, commercials etc.

Every TV and public appearance of hers so far has given the universe such a lovely sight to behold, and our universe is a better place when she shares her charm, laughter and beauty!

She's so cute! Perfect --- didn't fluff up her lines in English at all! She is made for the world of entertainment and celebritydom!

Gorgeous -- everyone is entranced by just looking at her.

A great step for her to go on American TV alone and without any interpreter. She really speaks English well.

Jimena Navarette, Miss Universe 2010

2010-08-24T09:48:00.000-07:00

She won. Smile. Or jump up and down.

Do you think Miss Mexico can still win?

2010-08-21T09:42:00.000-07:00

Jimena Navarrete had so many great photographs from Mexico. But some of the photos I've seen of her during the Miss Universe events were a little disappointing.

So even if she wins or loses, I hope to keep her beauty here for all of us to appreciate.