Perseverance is what Philippines has taught the world! After a long drought of 10 years at Miss Universe, it was Venus Raj who ended the dry run of Philippines at the pageant by not just gifting her nation with a placement but by winning the fourth runner up title. Since then Philippines had become a prevalent sash at international pageants, proving its mettle fair and square. After giving a magnificent performance at all the pageants in 2015, Philippines is the country of the year!
They never gave up and were unswerving in their uphill struggle! Philippines had won two Miss Universe formerly in the year 1969 and 1973 respectively and four runner ups till 2010. After Miriam Redito Quiambao smashing finish as first Runner Up at Miss Universe 1999, the nation fell under the curse of one of the longest drought at Miss Universe pageant. After Venus Raj wore the sash of Philippines, the new era began with a tumultuous story, a tale which created a majestic history for the entire pageantry!
Venus Raj started the placement streak of Philippines becoming the fourth Runner Up at Miss Universe 2010. Thereafter the Pearl of Orient Sea placed back to back in Top 5 of Miss Universe for four consecutive years, whereby Shamcey Gurrea Supsup won the third runner up title, Janine Marie Raymundo Tugonon won first runner up spot and Ariella Hernandez Arida won third runner up spot at Miss Universe 2011, 2012 and 2013 respectively. Even in Miss Universe 2014, the Filipina titleholder, Mary Jean Lastimosa finished as a Top 10 finalist.
Binibining Pilipinas earlier was also responsible for sending delegates to Miss World but in 2011 the Miss World Philippines franchise took hold of the charge of sending delegates to Miss World. Cory Quirino did a commendable work in her very first year by sending Gwendoline Gaelle Ramos Ruais to Miss World 2011 whereby she finished as first runner up to Ivian Sarcos from Venezuela. All the Filipino delegates to Miss World have been placing at the pageant consecutively since the inception of the pageant and the nation won its first Miss World crown through Megan Young in Miss World 2013.
This year had been a remarkable year for Philippines as they have now become the only Asian country who can now boast of three Miss Universe titles. The nation has exceptionally performed at Miss World 2015 too with Hillarie Parungao not just winning the Miss Multimedia title but also placing as a Top 10 finalist at the pageant. Pia Wurtzbach after three trials not just won the right to represent her nation at the Miss Universe pageant but also ended the much apprehensive drought for Philippines of the Miss Universe crown after 42 years. She has literally showed the world that one should never give up trials and hopes. This year Angelia Ong also rewarded her nation with the third Miss Earth crown and first back to back victory at Miss Earth, thereby making them the only nation to have won the title back to back at the said pageant. Janciel Lubina was no less in her aura as she finished as a Top 10 finalist at Miss International 2015.
Apart from giving a nerve wrecking fight to other crown contenders at major pageants, the nation also won Miss Scuba International 2015. Parul Shah from Philippines won the third runner up spot at Miss Grand International 2015 and Rogelie Catacutan was a Top 20 finalist at the Miss Supranational 2015. Christi McGarry finished as first runner up at Miss Intercontinental 2015. The pageant crazy nation is showing it’s merit at all the pageants, be it minor or major, and this brings Philippines in the spotlight as the ultimate performer of the year! Bravo! 2015 totally belonged to Filipina beauty queens!
Do you think that this newly emerging powerhouse nation will evolve and grow like USA and Venezuela or will it suffer its status like India and Finland? Do share your opinions with us!