Comparing historians to Marites and 'my body, my choice': Read the Q&A segment of Bb. Pilipinas 2022

Q: Do you think beauty pageants have adapted and kept up with the beauty standards of right now?
#5: Karen Laurrie Mendoza of Iloilo City

A: For me, yes. Before, I have been struggling and people have been criticizing me because of my body. When Catriona Gray to the next Miss Universe, she told us the mountains she conquered and that inspired me. Then I joined Bb. Pilipinas last year and this night, and here I am standing in front of you, telling you that no matter size, shape, you are beautiful. Thank you.

Q: A beauty pageant is a space for transformation. What has been your character transformation since you joined and how could this make you deserving of the crown?
#8: Nicole Budol of Angono, Rizal

A: Maraming salamat po. Para sakin, isang karangalan na nakatungtong ako dito sa Bb. Pilipinas bilang isang binibining hindi inaasahan. Para sa akin, ang sarap po palang mangarap. Walang imposible. Isa po akong comedyante na laki sa hirap, at ang aking transpormasyon ay ang magbigay ng inspirasyon. Because I know for myself that I am uniquely beautiful with a mission.

Q: For you, how important is it to look back on our history and learn more about the personalities of our past in order to build a better future?
#17: Chelsea Fernandez of Tacloban

A: I believe it is really important and we should not disregard our history. Because it is part of our culture, it is part of our past and it is part of who we are today as Filipinos.

Q: On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate yourself as a responsible Filipino citizen and why?
#23: Nicole Borromeo of Cebu

A: I'd like myself a good 8, because I know there is always room to improve. There' so much I don't know and there's so much I'm willing to learn and I'm hoping to do that with you.

Q: Pageants are a celebration of beauty and goodwill. However, there's also a lot of toxicity online and offline that fail to empower us women. If you win, how will you deal with fake news and other comments criticizing your looks, intelligence, and the way you live your life.
#28: Gabrielle Basiano of Borongan of Eastern Samar

A: I have been receiving a lot of complaints from people and I am not complaining about because people are entitled to their own opinion. As for me, I will always remind women that we are strong, independent, and courageous because these are traits that are very critical to the complicated roles that us women play in today's society. 

Q: What are your thoughts and sentiments on the advocacy: my body, my choice?
#31: Yllana Marie S. Aduana of Laguna

A: I believe that all women should always be entitled to our own opinion and we should have the most autonomy on whatever decision that we have towards our own body. Because us women we are a tower of strength, a pillar of hope, and champions of purpose and we should always believe that all our choices should always come into our hands. Thank you.

Q: How can a pageant still attract young women to its platform when the internet can make instant celebrities out of content creators?
#35: Diana Mackey of Nueva Ecija

A: I know that both platforms can give you fame and influence. But through pageants, you can be your own person, voice out your opinions, your advocacies. That is the exact reason why I joined Bb. Pilipinas because I was an influencer before. I did Pinoy Big Brother but I decided to join this pageant because I wanted to use my voice, my advocacy. Thank you.

Q: Studies say that Filipinos are one of the happiest people on Earth. Why is this so despite the huge challenges Filipinos face every day?
#39: Jasmine Omay of Tarlac Province

A. I personally experience such difficulties during the past three months of Bb. Pilipinas. Traveling all the way from Tarlac to Manila in split hours and I know that Filipinos are happy because we love to do our passion, our purpose in life, and that is the greatest reason why we are happy. And I know I am happy right now and I hope you are too. Thank you so much.

Q: We often hear the word "essentials." At this point in your life, what are the missing essentials and why do you say so?
#40: Roberta Angela Tamondong of San Pablo, Laguna

A. I think one of the missing essential nowadays, especially since we come from a generation X is maybe old telephones because the reason why I remember my dad and I going to a vintage shop and buying vintage telephone and with that we can really see the importance of our history and what we think of the past. Thank you.

Q: What are you willing to give up for fame?
#25: Annalena Lakrini of Bataan

A. Actually a couple of months ago, I just moved to the Philippines. My whole life changed. For me, that wasn't a sacrifice because it was my dream and I always wanted to be in the Philippines not only to join Bb. Pilipinas but also to be closer to my family and to my Filipino heritage, and today I am living the dream on this stage.

Q: What would you rather be, a person who leads or a person who innovates?
 #32: Anna Carres De Mesa of Batangas

A: I'd rather be a person who innovates, especially nowadays that is what we need. We need innovators. We need people who would push us further in our future. Because what we need is people who would help us for a more progressive future especially now that we're under a pandemic we need people who would help us. That is why I would love to encourage everyone to become innovators, to push for your decisions in life and don't be scared to take risks.

Q: How do you distinguish a historian from a Marites?
#1: Stacey Daniella B. Gabriel of Cainta, Rizal

A: A historian is someone who recognizes our painful past, with factual evidence. Looking back at our rich vibrant history and as well as the time when our humanity was trampled on and our heritage was almost erased. If we look at our past, we can surely move onward and upward and rebuild, rise from this pandemic and dream of a safer, healthier, and happier Philippines.