Last night, Miss Mexico won the Miss Universe pageant, but anyone who watched the show knew that from the auditorium full of Filipinos to host Natalie Morales’ exasperated “Wow, it looks like all of the Philippines is cheering her on tonight!” it was really Miss Philippines’ contest to lose. And lose she did: after sailing through the final five category, Venus Raj horrified the final judging panel by answering that in her 22 years, there is nothing “major major [she] has done in her life” when asked if she’s made any life mistakes. And all the sudden, it is possible for a Mexican to beat a Filipino in Las Vegas! HEY-YO!
Fellow 8Asians blogger Rosemary best said it best on her Twitter: “Oh, Miss Philippines. By holding on to cultural conventions — saving face on national television — you completely sucked ass at answering the question.” But no Asian Americans can relate to that, can they? (Holding on to cultural conventions; not losing Miss Universe.)
