Ex-PH bet to Miss World pageant recalls fellow ‘maldita’ candidate

By: Robert R. Requintina
Published September 12, 2019, 11:32 PM

It’s not always smooth sailing among candidates in an international beauty pageant.

This was revealed by Mafae Yunon-Belasco who finished in the Top 5 among more than 100 candidates of Miss World beauty pageant held in China in 2003.

Former beauty queen Mafae Yunon-Belasco and daughter pose at the Miss World Philippines 2019 gala dinner at Novotel Manila Wednesday night. (Photo courtesy of Facebook) 

Mafae, wife of basketball star Nicholas Belasco, recalled a run-in with a fellow candidate which made her cry, during the Miss World gala dinner at Novotel Manila Araneta Center last Wednesday night.

“It was also at the gala show. So I was covering my dress and she approached me. She said: ‘What’s in there?’ I said: ‘No! You can see it later!’ She spoke to me in Spanish and I understood it,” she said.

“Then the reigning Miss World from Turkey Azra Akin saw me crying. I had to cover my face. She said: ‘Stop crying Miss Philippines! You are gorgeous.’ When she said that, I told myself ‘Wow!’ It helped me,” Mafae said.

The beauty queen-turned motivational speaker also gave pieces of advice to candidates on how to stand out.

“It’s all about the wardrobe. You have to make a difference. Sometimes I had to make an eksena. I have to be pasaway sa wardrobe pero konti lang so that I will stand out,” Mafae said.

She added: “Kung naka-suit sila, naka-gown ako. Kung naka-gown sila, naka-suit ako.”

Mafae also said that candidates should also research about the culture of the country where the international pageant would be held.

“Know the culture. In the Philippines, we are more bubbly. In China, I learned the language so I made sure I connected with them. Just simple greetings and they will love it,” she said.

At the gala dinner in Quezon City, the five semi-finalists for the top model category were announced. The winner will advance to the semis of Miss World Philippines pageant. They are Kayesha Chua, Michelle Dee, Michelle Thorlund, Katrina Llegado, and Justiene Ortega.

The grand finals of Miss World Philippines 2019 beauty pageant will be held at Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, Sept. 15.

https://entertainment.mb.com.ph/2019/09/12/ex-ph-bet-to-miss-world-pageant-recalls-fellow-maldita-candidate/