English Language for Miss Universe Winning Answer

"For me Miss Universe is not about being able to speak a particular language, it's about being able to influence and inspire other people. No matter what language you have as long as you have the heart you can inspire other people." This is Miss Universe 2012 first runner-up Janine Tugonon’s answer as to speaking English being a prerequisite for Ms. Universe. Her answer has been tagged as one of the best answers from  contestants who didn't get the crown.

All eyes and ears are now on Philippines’s representative to Ms. Universe 2016 - Maxine Medina. She is poised to make a history for Philippine pageantry if she will be crowned by fellow Filipina Ms. Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach. A standout beauty, Maxine is pressed by her ability to deliver during question and answer portion. Her poor command in English might  jeopardize her chance of at least a runner-up position. Is it time for our representative to ask for an interpreter just like undefeated powerhouse Venezuela been doing all these years?

Miss Universe is about HUMAN DIVERSITY. Though it is a competition I believe that a contestant must be gauged not on language alone that she is capable of speaking but on intention that lies behind her answer no matter how it is delivered. A contestant can choose between her native language and accepted international languages so long as she can confidently deliver her answer with clarity. Venezuelan Miss Universe 2008 Dayana Mendoza is one of my favorite title holders because she (go check!) answered her final question with wit, style, clarity and confidence.

Image source: GMA

Philippines is now caught by its cultural identity crisis. It is a country known to have English as language commonly used in business and media. The US- inspired Philippine Constitution is written in English. From kindergarten up to college English language is used as medium of instruction. According to a TOEFL scores (2010) based ranking, Philippines is ranked 35th out of 163 countries worldwide lagging behind Singapore and India for 3rd and 19th respectively.

First three Filipina Ms. Universe title holders all answered their questions in English. Same with title holders from India; Sushmita Sen and Lara Dutta. Interestingly, Venezuela who ranked second (not verified) in “big five” is non English-speaking country. Most of the winners (by country) used their native language for the final question. Judges for the upcoming Ms. Universe did their reviews for sure- with them knowing Maxine to use an interpreter for her weakness could affect her chance.

As of this writing time, there are no reports that Maxine will submit herself to the management of BPCI to ask for an interpreter during the pageant proper. Whatever will be her decision, let us try to support her by being objective in our criticisms. It's just so ironic that I read a lot of negative comments (mostly from countrymen) criticizing her “English”. If English is matrix for intelligence then perhaps a lot will fail ESPECIALLY THOSE WHOSE PHRASE IS LIMITED ONLY TO POPULAR EXPRESSIONS or SLANGS! RIGHT BESH?