The Language of Beauty Queens

I haven’t realized the fiasco that Bb. Pilipinas has created until I heard a number of text polls conducted in FM radio stations. I was totally unaware of what happened—and I decided not to take part of it, since the roster of candidates really disappointed me. Before I knew it, I was already caught in the web of insults and criticisms about Janina San Miguel—crowned Bb. Pilipinas World.

It started when Ann (a fellow English major) sent the Youtube link to the interview portion of the most prestigious—and now laughed about—beauty pageant in the country. At first, the faculty room exploded into fits of laughter upon watching it—in fairness, it was truly funny, even Janina laughed at the unlikely manner that she exhibited (because she was only 17…). But as days go on, some thoughts slowly crept my mind. Is it really something to laugh about? Or is it something that I, as an English teacher, should worry and act upon? (Aside from showbiz questions, such as: “Are we surrounded by beautiful-only personalities?”) Why do Filipinos laugh at the mistakes of fellow Filipinos?

I admit that I really laughed upon watching the video. Ironically, that was also the time when I was pondering on an article I read from the Inquirer. It was about “myths on languages.” One of the myths, according to the article, is that we tend to conclude that a person has a low I.Q. if s/he cannot language. I was asking myself, “Is this applicable to Janina?”

However, in fairness to Janina, I commend her when she said that her weakness in English is exactly her reason for taking up communication arts in college (correct me if I’m wrong). If she’s serious about what she said; if it’s not for publicity purposes, I believe she will succeed.

But as an English teacher, I still cannot help but be bothered. This is not the first time that I’ve heard a candidate answer in such a “distorted” English, and worse, in such irrelevant manner. The Bb. Pilipinas “incident” highlighted the country’s need to elevate the education system.

They…their…there…surely is a problem; and laughing and insulting are not solutions.