FILIPINOS LOVE for beauty pageants is undoubted. Every barangay holds its own beauty contest during fiestas and even when there is no occasion. It is not just in the Philippines but also overseas that Pinoys have carried such fondness. It has taken them to international competitions and most of the time wins the coveted titles.
Another feat for the Philippines after Zandra G. Flores was crowned Miss Supranational England in July. She will represent England Great Britain in the Miss Supranational 2014 International finals in Poland on December. Zandra has wowed the notable judges not just with her Filipina beauty but also with her wit during the nerve-wracking question and answer portion. Despite of her hectic schedule, Pinoy Parazzi was given the privilege to do a Q&A with the newly crowned Miss Supranational England.
CAN YOU INTRODUCE YOURSELF BRIEFLY?
Hi! I’m Zandra Flores, 25 years old and I am the reigning Miss Supranational UK 2014. I have lived in the UK for half of my life, 4 years in Saudi Arabia and the rest in the Philippines.
HOW DID YOU FIND ABOUT THE PAGEANT?
After competing in Miss Universe Great Britain 2014, which was the first pageant my sister attended, it was when she saw my performance on stage. She witnessed how I enjoyed every moment, but unfortunately I wasn’t able to snatch the coveted title. She then searched for the next heat and she came across Miss Supranational UK 2014 organised by Miss Motors F1 lead by Bernice Catterall. She encouraged me to join again, but this time we decided to do it discreetly.
CAN YOU TELL US BRIEFLY WHAT’S THIS PAGEANT ALL ABOUT?
Miss Supranational is a prestigious pageant which is quite new as it has not been around that long like the Miss World and Miss Universe, but it is the same level in the industry which has gained so much popularity in just a short span of time. It promotes tourism, goodwill among all nations and the slogan “Beauty with a Purpose” where it supports and makes awareness of a charitable cause.
WHAT DO YOU THINK MADE U WIN IN THE PAGEANT?
Well, having been able to compete in many beauty pageants. It has genuinely improved me overall as a person inside and out. In terms of the outside appearance, I was able to correctly apply make-up that suits and enhance my features, walk gracefully and confidently, stand in good pose and posture, dress elegantly and presentably and create a hairstyle according to what I am wearing at that moment in time. In terms of internal characteristics, through personality development I have experienced all throughout my life. It has developed my communication skills that allow me to deliver words with meaning and conviction. It has also improved my social skills, which I believe is vital to engage a conversation with anyone especially to this event with the judges. Most importantly, having been able to travel to places that are less privileged strengthened my belief and reason to join and pursue to win a coveted title, which I can use as a tool to continue with my advocacy. All of these aspects have contributed massively in my chance in winning the crown, which I believe any titleholder should possess to effectively carry out her duty as a beauty queen.
AMONG ALL THE CATEGORIES, WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU STOOD OUT?
Well, I would say I was able to master creating a look that is suitable and appealing to the eyes of the audience when competing. Most importantly even though I stand only as a 5”6 in height, I was trained to walk that gives a strong stage presence.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF THE BODY?
My favourite part of my body would be my legs. They are not that long but they look long on stage which create an illusion of me being so tall.
WHAT MAKES YOU A FILIPINA AND BRITISH AT THE SAME TIME?
I look very Asian, but I sound very British. As a full-blooded Filipina who have acquired British citizenship by law for living, studying and contributing to the society and the land where I was flooded and blessed with opportunities both unifies my love for both counties. I still recognize my heritage by taking part, supporting and celebrating the culture in any activities or events organised by Filipino-British communities in which I also do the same as of when there are also events and activities held that would interest me such as supporting any charitable causes or for leisure. I love the food, entertainment, and lifestyle catered by both nations.
IF YOU WILL BE INVITED TO SPEAK IN FRONT OF FILIPINO TEENAGE GIRLS, WHAT LESSON IN LIFE WILL YOU GIVE THEM?
Love yourself first, but never to forget to share the blessings. Also, as many elders would say prioritise education first as someday whatever they have gained from it, It will definitely help them decide whatever they may want to do in the future maybe not in the same arena of what they studied, but in any wishes or passion they may want to continue. It is because educationallows a person to be more knowledgeable and powerful in his or her own right.
WHAT’S YOUR NEXT PLAN AFTER THE PAGEANT?
My next plan after the pageant would be to compete internationally in Poland on the 5th December for the Miss Supranational 2014 title. I would still want to continue to serve in any humanitarian mission, as one of my greatest achievements in life would be being able to make a difference in some-one else’s life.
WHAT’S YOUR STAND ON TRANSSEXUALS JOINING REGULAR BEAUTY PAGEANTS? WHAT MAKES YOU A WOMAN?
As we all know that we are created as individuals with unique identity, which is proven by the DNA we carry in our cells. We also have to remember that it is He the Almighty God has given us the chance to experience life and only He is able to judge both the living and the dead. I encourage all of us to respect each and everyone’s decision and individuality as through this we can achieve greater and better things in life.
Beauty pageant is not just about who’s the best and most aesthetically beautiful. It’s about who is willing to display their character and stand proud of who they are.
By Joy Mesina
