Caught with the Ms. U fever, I was inspired to take on the five questions thrown at the five finalists albeit, I had a day to edit, probe and think about it. Going back to the pageant results, based on their answers here's how I would have ranked them from top to bottom: Ms. Australia, Ms. Jamaica, Ms. Mexico, Ms. Ukraine and Ms. Philippines. But it really doesn't matter, whoever's crowned is crowned... so kudos to Ms. Mexico!
And here goes, with mine marked "A:," and the contestant's answers in parentheses and italics...what's yours? Q: What is one big mistake you've made and what did you do to make it right? "Thank you so much sir for that wonderful question. Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Good evening Las Vegas! You know what sir in my 22 years of existence I can say that there is nothing major, major, I mean problem that I have done in my life because I am very confident with my family with the love that they are giving to me. So thank you so much that I am here" - Venus Raj, Miss Philippines, 4th Runner-Up A: My biggest mistake is not caring enough. Not caring enough to take bigger actions in bringing about change in my country and even in my community. But by being here and having the influence I hold, I'll be an advocate of beauty amidst chaos, of love despite the raging hate and of hope that one day, my country will rise from where it has fallen. Q: How do you feel about full body scanners at the airport? "I think its a very important question on security. To avoid the type of catastrophe we've already seen and well aware of, so if that helps save the lives of people, then I'm for it!" - Anna Poslavska, Miss Ukraine, 3rd Runner-Up A: Full body scanners only solve immediate security threats. Violation of privacy sooner or later, becomes a concern - images of our naked bodies, especially a child's will be seen, stored and opened for anyone's misuse and abuse. It really does not guarantee our security but potentially becomes a bigger threat and greater liability. Q: Is death penalty acceptable and why? "Good evening Las Vegas. Good evening judges. I believe that life is a gift, a gift given by one ultimate creator. And I believe that none of us humans has the right to take a life. And I believe as mere beings of this earth, has no right to control what only one person can control, and that is God. Thank you." - Yendi Phillipps, Miss Jamaica, 2nd Runner-Up A: Death penalty is an unacceptable form of punishment because like us, they too, those who have been convicted of a crime, are in dire need of second chances. Second chances to make things right and second chances to better themselves. Q: What role should the government play in regulating potentially offensive clothing? "One of the greatest things we have is the freedom of choice. And tonight, we wore our swimsuits designed by Tala and she said that 'fashion is freedom.' And I don't think the government should have any say in what we wear and we can all make our personal choices" - Jesinta Campbell, Miss Australia, 1st Runner-Up A: The government should slightly play a role in regulating potentially offensive clothing especially in areas and places where proper clothing is a necessity. Government regulations however, should lie within the bounds of our freedom of expression, and in respect of other people's values, culture and safety. Q: What effect is unsupervised internet use having on today's youth? "Well I believe that Internet is an indispensable tool in this present time and we must be very careful and watch over what our children watch and see, our teenagers watch and see. And we must be sure to teach them the value we learn as a family so that they may use the Internet properly." - Jimena Navarrete, Miss Mexico, Miss Universe 2010 A: Unsupervised internet use exposes our youth to harmful risks. They have become victims of emotional attacks, sexual abuse, and misleading information. The best thing we could do - government leaders, school teachers especilly parents, is to teach discretion and to increase our youth's awareness on the good and the bad, of internet use. Fashion, though not secondary to my nature, still ranks high up among my interests. Keeping up with the latest trends, putting pieces together, browsing through fashion catalogs and magazines then, sifting through heaps and piles of clothes for cheap alternatives, give me the same satisfaction as accomplishing a task, a fun one. Different, quirky and sultry define my sense of style. It's an expression of the many things I can't or refuse to say, and a compensation to my infrequent timidity. Contrary to popular assumption, shopping only comes occasionally and it's not some ritual done every paycheck or every changing season. I LOVE clothes as much as I LOVE window shopping. Most pieces I wear are already combination of clothes already sitting inside my ONE, STANDARD-SIZED closet. I am not big on BRANDS either, some of them are overrated or overpriced anyway. Like what my Mom always say, "It's not about what you wear, it's HOW you wear it!" So whether shopping through Rodeo Drive or the next unknown boutique, I operate under these set of "Shopping Commandments" straight from Sinai.  Photo by: remind, stock.xchng 1. Thou Shall Buy The Basics, meaning basic colored shirts, tank tops, pants, skirts, that "little black dress" and jewelries. Why? Because they never go out of style and I can pair them up with anything on any casual day. And yes, works very well during fashion emergencies. But don't get me wrong though, purchasing at least one eccentric piece of clothing/accessory occasionally brings that unique sense of style and makes boring outfits "pop." A smart shopper avoids paying for a piece that will only last a season or two, or worse, could only be worn once. So basic, versatile clothes comes top on that shopping list!  Photo: Cieleke, stock.xchng 2. Thou Shall Look Out For the Latest Fashion Trends. "Look Out" not purchase. Realistically, not every outfit can be worn right off the runway. I'd pick a certain piece or two in the latest trends - is it the colors, the cut, the fabric, the pattern, the accessory, before finally translating it to a sui generis stilus, an outfit completely my own.  Photo: Kaypat, stock.xchng 3. Thou Shall Not Judge The Store By The Window Display Or The Lack Thereof. I must admit, I have broken this rule more than once because really, I've seen some displays that puts the fashion industry to shame. But, kitschy window displays fail to scare me off, for underneath that facade may lie that gem - a jaw-dropping outfit and/or the best deals not found anywhere else! So when time calls for it, no clothing store goes unnoticed!
Before this year's July struck, the anticipation of visiting the beautiful island of Maui (Conde Nast Traveler's Best Island for YEARS, btw) seemed unbearable. But after a couple of months and an almost 24-hour flight halfway across the globe - the sun, rainbow, beaches, clear skies, and much aloha made the waiting and the plane ride almost surreal. As soon as the cool breeze and the breath of fresh air hit our senses, we knew we were on paradise. We've traded our jeans to shorts and our shoes to slippers! Our 30-day vacation has taken its plunge!!! In almost a month (with a side trip to a SF), we've scoured the Magic Isle with things to see and do, and Maui never disappoints. Maui's exquisite seascape and raw landscape fused with its unique towns, luxurious resorts and hospitable people make it an unforgettable getaway. 30 days sure ain't enough! DID: 1.) Caught a Wave - I mean, really, should I say more?...But that's not all! The water activities are endless, from body boarding, stand-up paddling, wind surfing, diving, parasailing, there's so much to choose from... which, last but not the least, including the next... 2.) Rode a Banana Boat - Really, this was one of the best and most fun water activity ever. It's Rap's dream come true - me and him on the same carnival-like thrill ride! Towed by a ski boat with a crazy captain, the banana boat splashed, moved and bounced right into the deep blue ocean and against the waves forcing us to fall off the shark-infested??? water! Just kidding... 3.) Hiked Maui Mountains - Why do about 2 million tourists visit Maui every year? Because really, it's an Aang, master of land, sea, fire and air. Maui is so much more than a beach hang-out (though the beaches are truly A-mazing with a capital A) and it has some of the best short, long hikes with scenic routes to top. 4.) Jumped Off Rocks - After a long hike, what treat is it to find either a waterfall and/or a rock to jump from, to cool off? Out of the two jump sites we've been to, I've actually jumped off at least once at Swinging Bridges - a 10-15 feet tall rock beside a streaming waterfall. Clap, clap, clap for the uber-cautious bookworm! 5.) Zipped through Haleakala - Believe it or not, this next on the list is one of the things I've done before - Zipline! But this, oh this, is way faster, taller and longer. We've zipped through 5 zip courses 7 times! What's the Zipline Height and Length you say? 1st Line: 125' long, 25' above the ground 2nd Line: 165' long, 65' above the ground 3rd Line: 210' long, 75' above the ground 4th Line: 330' long, 110' above the ground 5th Line: 710' long, 125' above the ground WATCHED 1.) Ulalena - a heartfelt depiction of Hawaii's history, Ulalena is one of the best theater plays I've seen to date. The hula dancing is of course phenomenal, the audience participation (yes there is!) is a breath of fresh air and the sound effects especially the percussion and drums, is quite riveting. Among the scenes, the Sugar Cane workers stood out the most. The intensity of the drums coupled with the now clanging gong and cymbals portrayed the mixed cultures of Hawaii, while the rigidness of the dance depicted such harshness of sugar cane plantation life then. So yeah, I'll stop right there before this turns out as a full-on review. 2.) Warren and Annabelle's Magic Show and Dinner - is a great dinner date! I've never seen a live magic show before but this one has been real entertaining and funny. I wonder how's Vegas' though? Just Wiggle, Wiggle, Wiggle! (inside joke ladies and gents). 3.) Luau - Our trip would not have been complete without attending a real Luau! Luau which means "Hawaiian Feast" takes every attendee to great eats, hula lessons, live local music and some fire dancing on an open air, grassy lawn beside the beach! Nothing can get more Hawaiian than that! GRIND or pidgen for "Eat" because....A vacation is not a vacation without digging through the local foods and best restaurants. And, if you're blessed like Ralph and I, even have some of his family of chefs whip up some scrumptious, homemade dinner. And on a side note, the Maui community supports organic, farm-grown, fresh foods!!! YUM. oh, and of course SPAM! From "Poke" like Spicy Ahi Tuna wrapped with Rice and Nori, Passion Orange Guava drink, Spam Musubi (spam wrapped in rice and nori, too!), Fried Spam Musubi, Malasadas (local donut), Manapua (Siopao), Pineapples, Portuguese sausage with eggs, GuriGuri (local ice cream), Ulalani's Shave Ice, Kalbi Short Ribs, Katsu, Saimin, LauLau (pork, fish and beef wrapped in taro leaves), Loco Moco (burger steak bathed in over easy eggs and gravy), Kalua pig (pulled pork)....pasta, WHAT? | About
I dawdle through the woods, skip down the beaten path, run into the wild, rush along the gutter, soar above the waves, and somewhere along the way, I always find a moment to smile and stop.
Hello, I'm Jie. Stand still and smell the lilies with me. Contact: [email protected] ArchivesJuly 2012 CategoriesAll BlogrollDisclaimerThis personal blog is intended for entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed here are my own and not those of individuals or organizations that I may or may not be related with unless stated explicitly. I reserve the right to evolve my knowledge, thoughts, and viewpoints overtime and to change them without assigning any reason. Subscribe |
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