Yesterday, the Philippines made yet another strong stand as far as faith is concerned.
Ms. Philippines Shamcey Supsup took the center stage and competed for the Ms. Universe crown. Whatever happened inside the competition became less important for me. I’ve heard about cheating and political biases. I’ve heard about Oprah’s statement saying that if the competition boils down to Q and A, it should have been Shamcey getting the title.
Regardless of the turnout, being crowned as the fourth most beautiful woman in the world, I think we made a very good impression, not to mention inspiration, to the global community.
Shamcey's answer may not get her the crown from the world; but I'm sure heaven celebrates her faith, and that of Filipinos.
Do you realize how powerful the statement was?
Here’s what I’ve learned from such a brave heart.
First, Shamcey’s answer embodied our faith as a nation. It proved that regardless of how much is at stake, Filipinos will stand by its faith. No matter how much money or prestige is at stake, we will put God first. Whatever it is that we do, wherever we are in the world, whatever competition we get into, God is there and we always do our very best for His glory.
Manny Pacquaio does that, too. We know that.
Second, Shamcey’s answer isn’t something that she has to think about. What does it mean? It means, Filipinos, have a God-loving nature, no matter how frequent we fall short of His love and grace. Our faith is founded deep inside our hearts. It’s not artificial. It’s not fake. It’s not falsified. Filipino champions speak from the heart. We do that because it’s built in in our very system.
The way she carried the Q and A is nothing short of a natural approach to a seemingly complicated question. Such natural beauty with a natural way of answering such question in front of millions of people watching is really something.
Third, her answer gave us the bravest representation on stage, thus, women empowerment. It tells us that Filipinas are courageous. After Shamcey’s incredible answer, Filipinas can no longer be called cheap! They can no longer be called second-class citizens! They can no longer be called maids! They have the power to take a stand and they have the grace to do just that.
Fourth, and my final take, Shamcey’s answer may not get her the crown from the world; but I’m sure heaven celebrates her faith, and that of Filipinos.
Shamcey isn’t only beautiful outside. She has what it takes to symbolize what Filipinos are. She is an inspirational beauty queen.
Hello Lloyd~ no words can express how wonderfully Shamcey’s answers has been evaluated. Proud to be a Filipino! 🙂 God bless the Philippines
Humbly, I think that the judges had to double-take on Shamcey’s answer. It was so spontaneous, honest, and sincere. At first, judges may pass it off as a politically-incorrect answer since today’s trend is for tolerance, pluralism, and common ground. However, if you read into Shamcey’s answer on the second glance, it is very respectful of differences and yet takes a stand for ‘WHO I AM’. She didn’t give a watered-down and universally neutral answer. Instead, she represented her culture. If in 10 years the Filipino culture is less religious in general, then it should be represented as such. Shamcey embodies it. In short, ‘nagpakatotoo sya’. And that takes courage instead of a politically correct, sterile, and safe answer. That took guts. That’s a Filipina.
I totally agree and proud of her answer. She proved her faith and her relationship w/ God is more important than mortal human beings who can not love her the way God loves her unconditionally no matter what or who she is. The world tells us to compromise or let go of our belief in order to have temporary happiness with a man. But I am glad Shamcey is one of the few women in this world who can forego the love of a man and remain faithful to God who will never abandon her. I am glad she’s a Filipina also. Go, Pinay power.
Shamcey’s answer came from her heart. It reflects who she is, her faith and her belief. This is very important for a beauty queen. Her answer shows her good heart, her breeding, and her personality. It shows no cover up but honesty to herself, to her family, to her religion and to those who believe in her. Her answer also reveals how strong is the faith of every Filipino all around the world regarding his religious belief. We should be proud of her.