Blog exclusive: Interview with Christopher Vincent, CEO of Miss Multinational Pageant


missmultinational2014a I’ve had the pleasure of exchanging correspondences with Christopher Vincent, CEO of Miss Multinational Pageant – a recently-founded UK-based competition aiming to break barriers in the pageant world starting with the holding of its inaugural edition in 2014.

The man was gracious enough to agree to an exclusive interview after I made an initial feature about the brand new pageant last May 21.

Foreword from Mr. Vincent:
“Thank you for taking the time to write about The Miss Multinational Pageant on your website. We appreciate being recognised by a website that follows the pageant industry and this recognition is why we were more than happy to give an exclusive interview to you and your readers.”

NB: Pageant followers would like to know what makes Miss Multinational different from the rest and why it deserves our time and attention.

CV: The pageant industry is booming, but sadly most of the new emerging pageants are copies of what already exists. The Miss Multinational Pageant, however, has been completely redesigned to provide a whole new concept to the pageant industry and its devoted fans.

We focused on what we felt the world needs and wants; a positive role model for girls and women around the world. Instead of finding yet another pretty face, we wanted to find a young woman who is passionate about making a difference in the world. Other pageants claim to be looking for the same – but actions speak louder than words – which is why we have introduced new rounds such as The Final Speech, which sees each representative that makes it into the “Top 5″ present a speech to the judges and viewing audience about the chosen cause and charity they wish to be a spokeswoman for during their reign.

Overall, we want to find a young woman that will be active in making a difference around the world, not just a pretty woman who can strike a pose in front of cameras with a crown and title.

NB: If Miss Multinational intends to break barriers beyond the usual beauty pageant norms, what is the most important qualification you are looking for in a candidate, or an eventual winner for that matter?

CV: Passion for change. Our slogan is “An Ambassador for the World”, and that’s exactly what we’re looking for. Representatives from each nation should be ambassadors for their countries so that they can make a significant difference to their countries, even if they don’t win the Miss Multinational crown.

NB: What is your initial 3 year-plan, if any, for The Miss Multinational Pageant?

CV: We can’t tell you all our secrets, but our vision for The Miss Multinational Pageant is for countries around the world to recognise that we are not a “beauty” pageant – because we’re not focused on, or scoring on, beauty. Our pageant aims to find representatives/ambassadors from each country who will then compete to represent the whole world. By removing many of the superficial aspects of beauty pageants, we hope that many countries will see the benefits of these events and endorse their representatives.

A new concept The Miss Multinational Pageant is introducing is the hosting system. Unlike the other major pageants, which host the final of their pageants in the country of origin/ the country who offers the most money/ the country who can afford the massive hosting fee, The Miss Multinational Pageant has joined the various other global events that open themselves up to Hosting Bids. This means that every country has an equal opportunity to host The Miss Multinational Pageant, generating interest and tourism for developing or overlooked nations.

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NB: Let’s say I want to compare Miss Multinational with the long-established beauty competitions around the world, what will it be a cross-breed of?

CV: Our aim for The Miss Multinational Pageant is for it to be as entertaining and vibrant as Miss Universe, with an important focus like Miss Earth and be as respectable and honest as Miss World. We would also throw in The Olympic Games as well, as our hosting system and hopes for generating national pride for all participating countries is inspired by this event.

NB: Is Miss Multinational open to accepting transgender applicants?

The Miss Multinational Pageant isn’t open to transgender applicants, but we absolutely love the transgender community and are currently developing a partner-pageant specifically for transgender women. The Miss Multinational Pageant is our primary pageant at the moment, but we are also in the process of getting the following partner-pageants ready to be unveiled; Mister Multinational (for men), Miss Teen Multinational (for girls aged 15-18), Mr Gay Multinational (to find a role model and advocate for gay rights) and Miss Transnational (for transgender women, to find a role model and advocate for transgender acceptance).

NB: A beauty competition without a swimsuit/bikini portion is like being asked to eat a bland spice-less meal. How will the organization be able to elevate the interest level in its objective/s?

CV: As The Miss Multinational Pageant isn’t focused on beauty, it seemed irrelevant for us to have a swimsuit round. This round has often been controversial, with various people and groups feeling it is outdated, demeaning to women and promoting “size zero” to young girls. With Miss Multinational becoming a role model to girls and women around the world, we felt it important to show that there is more to being a woman than having a perfect bikini body.

We also want to find strong independent women from as many different backgrounds and cultures as possible, and this includes from the Muslim community and from Muslim-based countries. The removal of the swimsuit round allows these women to participate now.

The Miss Multinational Pageant believes audiences will appreciate that we genuinely want to make a difference to the world; highlighting various issues from environmental issues, social issues, poverty, disease, and inequalities. The world is becoming more aware of issues around the world, with campaigns such as Kony 2012 proving how much people want to be part of a bigger change.

NB: Southeast Asians (Filipinos, Indonesians, Thais and Vietnamese in particular) are among the most avid pageant fans. Do you have a special message to them in support of Miss Multinational?

CV: I love that you asked me this! I absolutely love South-East Asia and their passion for pageants. It never fails to amaze me how supportive South-East Asians are at global pageants; their representatives always get the biggest cheers – it still makes me smile when I see Maria Venus Raj introduce herself at the start of Miss Universe 2010 and the huge applause she gets. I’m really glad to say we have already received a lot of requests to purchase National Licences for countries such as; The Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, and I hope we see them at The 2014 Miss Multinational Pageant. After all, it wouldn’t feel like a proper debut without one of those countries participating.

Thank you for the opportunity, Mr. Vincent. More power to Miss Multinational Pageant! ;-)

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Erin Brady: aiming for a back-to-back Miss Universe win?


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Can she do an Olivia Culpo and match a Venezuelan back-to-back?

Erin during her first photoshoot as Miss USA 2013 at Minus 5 Ice Bar in Las Vegas.

Erin during her first photoshoot as Miss USA 2013 at Minus 5 Ice Bar in Las Vegas.

Erin during her first photoshoot as Miss USA 2013 at Minus 5 Ice Bar in Las Vegas.[/caption] With Olivia Culpo being the reigning winner, Miss USA is looking at the possibility of a back-to-back Miss Universe win. Or it could also mean a non-placement for Erin Brady so as not to invite additional backlash for the host country winning in her own backyard last year.

However which way you look at it, there might only be nil to lukewarm interest in the US candidate performing extremely well in Moscow, Russia come November. She may just go through the motions of representing her country the best way that she can, and still fall short of leaving a mark.

At any rate, Erin is a smart and beautiful lady. Win or not, she will always have the sash factor in her favor, plus the advantage of being one of the more frequently-photographed delegates after arrival. And that already amounts to something that a lesser-known counterpart will need to work hard on before even getting noticed.

So do I see Erin winning MU2013? I say no for now. ;-)

Moscow and Miss Universe: curious pageant bedfellows (but I love it!)


Click above to know more about the venue

Click above to know more about the venue

The iconic Saint Basil's Cathedral in Moscow.

The iconic Saint Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow.

According to Wikitravel, “Moscow is the capital of Russia. Having played a central role in the development of the Russian state and its history, Moscow was the capital of the former Soviet Union and continues to pave the way as Muscovites move into the 21st century. An 860 year-old city, Moscow has many reminders of its imperial and Soviet past. It is a sprawling city with numerous museums, Soviet-era monoliths and post-Soviet kitsch. If there is one thing to remember when visiting the city and interpreting its fruits, it’s that Moscow is like a historical graffiti wall – those who have come and gone all left their mark – sometimes on top of those of their predecessors.”

Last Saturday night, I was watching the latest film adaptation of “Anna Karenina” on Blu-Ray and my eyes were flooded with waltzing couples, huge chandeliers, heavy ballgowns and freezing weather. Knowing now that Moscow will be hosting Miss Universe 2013, my mind is once more transported to images of the same country. And I am intrigued to say the least. The last time I felt like this was in 2000 when Nicosia, Cyprus was at the helm of our favorite beauty pageant.

Nicosia pales in comparison to Moscow, though. And this is why the inner build-up is so intense that I would personally cover the whole thing if only I had the financial means to spare for such an expensive destination. Not being able to go to he Russian capital won’t sadden me anyways. I know that there will still be enough information and updates to sustain the month-long celebration of beauty.

But back to the topic at hand. Moscow and Miss Universe do make curious bedfellows, right? While the former has always organized grand national beauty pageants, their style has not exactly been in the level of excitement that Miss Universe and Miss USA have evolved into. And I would be interested to know how the organizers plan to handle the whole thing. While the American technical/production crew will still be on hand, the influences of the hosts will surely be in place one way or another.

And the Moscow weather? Well, advance forecasts have it at 3°C on November 9 itself. While the temperature will play between 6°-9° weeks before the coronation night, it will still be very cold and chilly while the candidates are absorbing the country’s culture and hospitality. I hope to see no real furs, however (keep an eye, PETA). And I expect no delegate to drink vodka straight to keep them warm. What I’m sure will keep the ladies company all throughout are tubes upon endless tubes of sunblocks, BB creams and moisturizers. ;-)

Miss USA 2013 is Erin Brady of Connecticut


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Miss USA 2013 Erin Brady

Miss USA 2013 Erin Brady

And we have a new Miss USA.

After the two-hour pageant spectacle at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Connecticut’s Erin Brady was crowned Miss USA 2013. First Runner-Up is Alabama, Second Runner-Up is Illinois, Third Runner-Up is Utah, 4th Runner-Up is Texas and 5th Runner-Up is South Carolina.

Erin is 25 years old, stands 5’8″ and a graduate of Central Connecticut State University with a degree in Finance and a minor in Criminal Justice.

A twist during the announcement of Top 5 was revealed when a 6th delegate (Texas) was seeded into the finals via Twitter votes.

Top 5 + 1:
Utah, Alabama, Illinois, South Carolina, Connecticut and Texas (Twitter Choice)

Erin will now be Moscow-bound for Miss Universe 2013!

Erin will now be Moscow-bound for Miss Universe 2013!

Top 10 (remaining):
Ohio, Nevada, Louisiana, North Carolina

Miss Photogenic USA: UTAH, Marissa Powell (left)
Miss Congeniality USA: OREGON, Gabrielle Neilan

Top 15 (remaining):
Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, California, West Virginia, Maryland

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Miss USA 2013 Erin Brady being crowned by Miss USA 2012 Nana Meriwether. You do the height.

And you should know by now that Miss Universe 2013 will be held in Moscow, Russia! ;-)

The search for World Supermodel Philippines 2013 is on!


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Best Model Philippines 2012 Joy Gangan (L) and World Supermodel Philippines 2011 Brenna Gamboa during the launching of World Supermodel Philippines 2013. (Photo credit: OPMB Worldwide)

Join now!

Join now!

Last Saturday, World Supermodel Philippines 2013 was launched at the Germany Ballroom of Eurotel Quezon City. The competition is now accepting applicants for the national title where the winner will represent the country in World Supermodel 2013 to be held in Australia later in the year.

Interested applicants should be between 20-30 years old, with a height of at least 5’8″ and of good moral character. Stay tuned for more details on screening schedules.

Lloyd Lee and Shamcey Supsup’s Engagement Party


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Lloyd Lee and Shamcey Supsup (standing 2nd and 3rd from left) during their Engagement Party at Edsa Shangrila with the people behind Aces & Queens (Photo credit: Gerry Diaz)

During the engagement party of sweet good-looking couple Lloyd Lee and Miss Universe 2011 3rd Runner-Up Shamcey Supsup held earlier at EDSA Shangrila, everyone who mattered to them attended and joined in affirming their soon-to-be formalized matrimonial union. All the important people from Aces & Queens were present, including past and present beauty queens like Venus Raj, Janine Tugonon, Ara Arida, Isabella Manjon, Jennifer Barrientos and Queenie Rehman. Also in attendance were Bb. Pilipinas runners-up Pia Wurtzbach and MJ Lastimosa. And before I forget, even Valerie Lim (Miss Singapore 2011) – one of Shamcey’s closest friends during MU2011 – was there.

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Together in one frame, our Miss Universe Philippines titleholders from 2010 to 2013 (Photo credit: Arnold Mercado)

It was also the perfect opportunity for A&Q’s Arnold Mercado to gather their Miss Universe Philippines titleholders from 2010 to 2013 in one picture to capture the most successful group of winners the beauty camp has produced so far. Of course, including Ara Arida in the quartet could be a way of rubbing in the good fortunes of her three predecessors.

Back to the couple in the spotlight now, I can only offer the best felicitations for Lloyd and Shamcey. I certainly wish them a dream-like and happiness-filled wedding soon plus a blissful/bountiful marriage that will hopefully be filled with a thousand ‘happily-ever-afters’! :-)