While I am still waiting for Part 2 of Episode 6 – Game Changer – on the Ring Light Series, this is how I sized up the first dozen.
After finishing 6.1 – or the first of four parts of the Miss Universe Philippines Preliminary Q&A (which runs 1.5 hours) from Aklan to Camarines Sur – I am pleased overall.
I love eleven of the twelve ladies who were interviewed in the first batch. Practically everyone articulated themselves well. But I have to share my Top 3 in terms of clarity of thoughts, delivery and an overall impactful performance in front of the judges. They are:
1) Pauline Amelinckx of Bohol – commanding; her background as events host worked well in her favor. She communicated with the panel as if they were just having tea and scones on a rainy afternoon.
2) Jan Alexis Elcano of Batanes – nervous all throughout but she took a grip on her emotions and came up with solid answers to all questions asked. Her story on the cargo vessel she took from Batanes to Manila was icing on the cake, and something that the judges listened to with much interest.
3) Skelly Ivy Florida of Biliran – charming and sincere, but with a bite. This was her edge over my 4th-ranked (Aklan). She spoke with honesty and never relied on projecting a sweet image to the judges. She knew what she was talking about.
These are just my personal opinions. To sit through Episode 6.1 is already like watching one full movie. And with the ten questions ringing in my ear and multiplying by 12 can be really challenging. So at the end of it all, the ones who stood out for me are the ladies with truly #MemorableAnswers.
P.S. If you want my Top 5, then I will definitely add Aklan and Cagayan Province. Weakest link for me was Batangas.
#MissUniversePhilippines2020
Instead of sitting around feeling stressed and upset about the pandemic brought about by Coronavirus, Miss Universe Philippines 2020 candidate Nathalia Urcia of Batangas took advantage of the luxury in time choosing what productive activities to do amidst the dragging/slow-paced lifestyle.
During the quarantine period, Nathalia stayed home in Batangas together with her family. Residing at the beach front, the main door of the house is just 20 steps away and one’s feet will get wet by the sea water. Yes, that close! And when we say sea, words like fun, peace, relaxing, calm, dream, play, happy, sad and swim are always associated with it.
Not a single day passed since without Nathalia spending moments on the beach. Alone or with companions, she always welcomed a good swim. During the mornings – after her beauty routines & rituals and properly masked (as covid prevention protocol) together with her pet dogs Brandy & Sophie – they stroll on the sandy beach back and forth. This is her kind of morning exercise – sweating-out and at the same time keeping the mighty bond with her dogs which she treats like her children. This is everyday. She has a deep love for dogs – a Cynophilist she is and always has been. Cuddling her canines, a good frolic at the sea and a trusty make up kit are her best pampering come-ons. 
Like many of her close cousins who were also locked down in Batangas, this is the perfect time for them to reconnect to each other – previously stalled by their own personal responsibilities and priorities. Aside from reliving childhood memories, all of them share the same interest of playing cards and other games.
As for her advocacy, she always believes in the strength and power of a woman. That she can also stand still through this stressful period of the pandemic; that she can be of great help to the community and to the society. You really cannot snub the great ability and courage of this pure-blooded Batangenya that despite of her complete package of beauty which she can set aside to live a simpler life to perform and deliver her duties as a citizen of this country.
normannorman.com 