Can I still be me?
Is beauty queen really just a bird in gilded cage? Miss Global Philippines National Director Pauline Sofia Laping answers
Despite the busy schedule of a beauty pageant titleholder, Pauline Sofia Laping, the woman behind Miss Global Philippines, makes sure their winner this year, Mary Ann Mungcal, still has time for herself and the leeway to be an individual.
Pauline reiterated being a beauty queen may be a full-time job but it doesn’t have to take over your life.
For one, she allows Mary Ann to wear anything she wants as long as she presents herself well. Pauline laughed at the suggestion that Mary Ann sends her a photo of her attire even if the latter is just off to the grocery.
High-heels, however, are a must for Mary Ann, particularly on formal occasions. No, she is not required to don the crown and sash all the time.
“If normal days, like charities, I think magiging istorbo ’yung crown sa ginagawa mo eh,” she said. “Besides you wouldn’t really enjoy (the event) ‘pag kunwari nahuhulog ’yung crown ’di ba?” How about makeup, we asked. According to Pauline, she is confident that Mary Ann looks beautiful with or without makeup.
“So I don’t have problem with that,” she said, smiling.
If there is one thing Pauline is strict about, it is Mary Ann’s figure. For her, staying fit and shapely is part of the responsibilities of a beauty queen.
Mary Ann is juggling several projects these days. She was recently tapped to be the endorser of beauty product Akero.
She is also promoting the organization’s advocacy, as well as the country’s tourism.
Pauline revealed they will bring Mary Ann to a soldier’s camp.
“Kasi ’di ba ’yung sa Marawi siege. So we’re going to visit them, parang just to boost their morale,” she shared.
Marry Ann is the country’s fifth official contender to the tilt and she hopes to bring the Philippines’ first Ms. Global crown, if not maintain its “semi-final streak.”
Recall that Camille Hirro, Miss Global Philippines 2016, almost bagged the crown having placed 1st runner-up in last year’s competition.
“So far, we had been placing on top 5 but we are not getting the crown yet. So let’s see this year (how it goes),” Pauline said.
She assured Mary Ann will come to the international stage fully prepared.
Mary Ann is undergoing several trainings under Kagandahang Flores (KF) camp.
Does it mean the crown is already in the bag?
“We can’t be assured about anything din kasi. You’ll never know what’s going to happen eh, like kay CJ (Camille) ang galing galing niya but then again, hindi pa rin natin alam kung ano ’yung kalalabasan,” Pauline shared.
“Basta sabi ko sa kanya, magbasa lang siya ng mga current events. Kung pwede rin mag-tounge twister para ma-improve pa lalo ’yung way of speaking niya.”