The Fury of the Lost Likes

How much time does it take to click the "Like" link on a photo in a Facebook album? Less than a second. How much effort? No sweat at all. But some can make a very big deal out of it! The day after the pageant, the BAF facebook page can be compared to a wall you beautify today, then you found angry graffiti splashed all over it the next day. I thought there was another hostage taking that the Philippine military failed to pacify. Somebody demanded that the organizers be sucked, oops, I mean, be "sacked"! They demanded for the mayor's intervention! Hey! What's the matter? "Mayor, nagkakagulo ang bayan dahil sa Miss Photogenic!!!" (wtf!) A SHAM and a SHAME. Huh? You were just asked to vote. Leave the computation of the final result to the Official Tabulators. (Rewind) After the briefing, 4 days before tha pageant and announcement of results, I personally told the candidate with the most "Liked" photo in FB that she must not expect to win the "special" award. The sponsor might have a different set of choices. She told me it was ok. I told her not to worry because we will reward her effort in "campaigning" with another special award, more fitting. (She was delighted when she finally got hold of it. ) So there's the confession. The photo "Likes" had been campaigned. That should not be the case because the "objectivity" of voting was lost. But I kept my views to myself during that moment. This particular candidate was amenable, maybe a little bit resigned and disappointed. She was such a sport she did not make a big fuss about it. But a few of her FB supporters was a different thing. Tsk! Tsk! Tsk! The furious posts resulted to hurling back insults from users who came to our defense, and the one who suffered most was their "favorite" candidate who was supposed to benefit from their protests. Johny Come Lately Syndrome? Uhm, for the past two years, the Miss Photogenic winner is decided by the sponsor. Siya nagbibigay ng prizes eh. I asked kung pwede ang 50% ng criteria manggaling sa result ng FB voting. Ok naman siya. Kaya nga tama yung isang user na nag comment: "ang dami niyong sinabi, bakit nandun ba kayo?" "You owe us an apology." Hello? Kapal mo ha. In a beauty competition, aim for the major title. Don't ever waste your time na makipagsabunutan manalo lang ng special award. And oh, btw, ang nakikipasabunutan eh yung kandidata kasi girl siya, o pwede rin yung PA kasi bading siya. Ikaw, makikipagsabunutan ka din ba over the Miss Photogenic award?

Fooling Her

Kung pwede lang sana, huwag na akong magsulat ng tungkol dito. Sabi nga, "bury the hatchet" na lang. Para wala ng damdamin ang masaktan pa.

But we feel the need to throw some light on the issue of the Miss Photogenic selection.

Naalala ko last year, may ingay sa isang special award, sa Miss Congeniality. The criteria is 50% for the votes among the candidates, 50% sa ticket sales. A candidate came up with the most numbers of tickets sold, but unfortunately only one of her fellow candidates found her congenial. The recipient of the award got 4 votes (rank 1) and ranked second on ticket sales. It just so happened that the Miss Congeniality special award recipient is cousin to one of the Aroroy Tourism officer. So there was some bitching about it later. We endured the sour grapes for some time, then the issue died a natural death.

This year, isang special award na naman ang naging "tinik sa lalamunan". Nakakawendang kasi ano bang meron itong mga special awards na to at ini-eksenahan pa ang major titles!

Bakit "Fooling Her" ang title ng post? Kasi, I remember this text joke about Pacman's commercial on Head & Shoulders. "To stop fooling her, use hidden soldiers!" And the issue on the Miss Photogenic was all about "fooling" some persons into believing they hold the power to decide the winner, and so they thought.

The popular definition of "photogenic" is someone who "looks attractive in photographs". At sa pagpili ng Miss Photogenic, ang pipiliin dapat yung pinaka-attractive sa lahat.

"Vote for Miss Photogenic 2010", ang title ng Facebook album. One click of the "Like" link below the candidates photo is equivalent to 1 vote. The determining factor is the total number of votes in two albums posted - The Glam Looks album and The Sweet Looks album. Supposedly, there will be a third album but since one candidate had already an overwhelming "support", the FB admin predicted the final outcome would still be the same because this particular group of supporters seemed to never letup. (Which was a little bit scary, it felt like a storm is brewing in the horizon, and we were right about it all along.)

Comments started to pour in on the issue of "voting" through "Likes". (they are still posted in our FB page and discussion boards). The object is to vote for the most photogenic. The trend became voting with "friendship" and "kinship" factors.

On the final Briefing and Orientation of the PAs and candidates by the ATC officers and organizers, this issue was throroughly discussed. They were reminded that the criteria for the selection would be 50% - Facebook voting and 50% Sponsor's choice. Good thing the Sponsor was amenable to share half of the decision to Facebook voting outcome. Ranking system po yung ginagamit namin to calibrate ratings and scores since 2008 sa lahat ng mga competitions - major, minor and special. With this assurance, other candidates with "Facebook disadvantages" (walang FB account, hindi marunong mag sign-up, meron nga piro hindi na ma open, inactive na) - ay na appease namin. These people were assured na may pag-asa pa ding makuha ang Miss Photogenic dahil hindi naman 100% iba-base sa Facebook voting. Ang kaganapang ito ay 4 days bago ang pageant night at announcement ng winners. All 18 candidates were in attendance.

(next: The Fury of the Lost Likes)

Screaming for Screening

The moment the 18 candidates posed in front of the new municipal building of Aroroy a week before the pageant for their sweet-look pictorial, unsavory comments against some of them started pouring in.

"Bakit kasali yan, wala ba kayong screening muna?"

"Ang pangit naman ng iba, bakit pinasali pa?"

"Ha? Kasali yan? Are you sure?"

After the glamorous pictorial, the first batch of photos were uploaded on Facebook. Some couldn't help posting negative comments. Somebody created a new FB account, using a fictitious account name and info just so he/she could start bombarding derogatory posts against photos of candidates who were beyond his/her personal sharp taste. The reason for the fictitious account is obvously to save himself/herself from confrontation and personal retaliation.

One of his/her posts asked, "Wala bang naganap na screening?"

"Equal opportunity" is what we have been practicing since 2008. A girl who met the minimum requirements is accepted in the competition. Upon reading the answers to our question in the application form that says "reason for joining: to gain experience", who are we to withhold that opportunity from them? Yes, some of these applicants may not be stunningly beautiful at first sight but wait till you see them on the stage during the pageant night. I have been witness to many instances where these once plain-looking girls metamorphosed into somebody sophisticated and glamorous. So far, in the three years we have been organizing this local beauty pageant, the usual number of applicants have not yet exceeded the maximum we set, that is 20 candidates at the most. So all candidates were accepted. Only on 2008 we had a case of three applicants backing out, so the remaining 17 competed for the three major titles. In 2009, we had 17 candidates and nobody backed out.

If we impose a thorough screening, it would be equivalent to having the major winners already. And trimming the candidates to just a few who will move on to the pre-pageant and pageant proper would save us, organizers, a lot of trouble and expenses. But these girls really just wanted to prove to themselves and to others (specially those who are putting them down) that they can do something to boost their self-esteem and morale. And they believe joining in the search for Bb. Aroroy Foundation is their way to do it.

I guess telling outrightly or just even hinting to any of these girls your view about them having no chance of winning is both unfair and inhuman. Don't you agree?

If in case we will be flocked with applicants numbering to 30 or more, maybe that is the time we will conduct proper screening. That would be a good excuse for rejecting gilrs who we think have slim chances of winning the title. It would save us both the trouble.

Final Answers Revealed

In a beauty pageant, the scariest part is the Question and Answer portion. Not only for a candidate, but for those who are watching her, specially her supporters. Almost everybody is uttering silent prayers.

Only one question was given to the five finalists. And this year, the question was: "If you win the title Bb. Aroroy Foundation 2010 tonight, what are you going to do to uplift tourism in Aroroy during your one year reign?"

The way Danica Mae and Sheryll Dimple delivered their answers were both impressive. They received the loudest cheers. Sheryll Dimple had the habbit of giving lengthy sentences (I remember advicing them to be concise and direct), so she got quite lost in the end of her answer. And Dimple had mistaken the word "reign" for "line".

Lenette Sheine got confused when the judge reading the question mispronounced "uplift" by uttering "up-left". So she asked the husky-voiced judge to repeat the question. While transcribing her answer today, I had to play the video clip over and over again just to catch up with what she was saying. Some words were slurry, there were lots of stammering in between, then some words were spoken so fast you could not get it instantly. Lenette's mind must be wandering off even at the start because she was not sure of the major title nomenclature. It might be the reason why the title evaded her.

Kristin Glori gave two sentences in a circle. But her supportes cheered because she delivered it without a major hitch.

Gladys on the other hand answered in Tagalog, which was commendable IMO. She started well, but she paused too long I heard some voice in the video, "wala na yan!". But honestly, I like the gist of her answer.

Here are the transcribed answers of the five finalists. I omitted the prelude and closing cliches.



Danica Mae: "I will be a good role model to all the youth here in Aroroy. I will be a good role model by throwing my trashes in its proper places, by segregating the wastes here in Aroroy."



Sheryll Dimple: "I will assure you that I will not disappoint you. I will engage in many activities that will uplift the municipality of Aroroy. I will pose to be a law-abiding citizen of this Aroroy. By that, I could be a good role model to each and everyone here and to young generation in Aroroy. I could also participate in any regional tours, regional conference, national conference, national seminars, in order to be updated of what is national, of what is going in the national."



Gladys: "Tatangkilikin ko kung ano ang meron ang Aroroy tapos... (long pause) Pagkatapos aking ipagmamalaki ito sa mga taga ibang lugar para madaling makilala ang ating lugar at unti-unti itong makilala."



Kristin Glori: "I can uplift the tourism of Aroroy by just being a role model to everybody. And through that I am sure that in that way I can have uplift tourism of Aroroy."



Lenette Sheine: "I will follow my heart. I will promote or I will bring the name of our, of our place the Aroroy and the Aroronians forever in my life. Wherever I go, I will, I will, I will bring the name of our municipality because with the unity... Even though I'm still young, with unity we can do whatever we want because change starts within ourselves, with that noble purpose of protecting our municipality, we can do it. For the people, by the people, and of the people."

The five did their best to answer the question. While watching, I was wishing one of them would just say "I will promote Aroroy through my Facebook account by uploading pictures showing the beauty of Aroroy." Or this answer:"I will invite my friends from other places to come here in Aroroy so that they could see for themselves the beauty of Aroroy." Not very long statements but will surely hit the bullseye!

The Basics and Basis of Our Score System

It's really all about the prettiest of them all. Seventy percent goes to beauty, poise and projection and thirty percent for the answer on the final question.

Parang wrong pag sinabing 30% for wit and intelligence. The way a candidate answer one particular question is not a correct and accurate measure of her intelligence quotient. Dapat seguro bigyan talaga ng IQ test, written and oral kung tagisan ng talino ang pag-uusapan. Kaya lang "beauty pageant" nga, eh. Hindi quiz bee.

During a Q&A workshop, I jokingly asked the candidates if ever any of them is autistic. Wala naman daw. Eh di ok! Pasok kayong lahat! Ganda na lang ang labanan! I just gave them two tips on how to tackle questions during the pageant: POM and SFYH. POM as in Presence of Mind. SFYH as is Speak From Your Heart.

Beauty is really given a big score weight. Since the minimum age requirement is 15, most of the candidates are still in their junior years in high school. Hindi pa gaanong malawak ang knowledge and experience acquired. Kaya may advantage yung mga candidates who are already in college. So maluwag kami pagdating sa "Tagisan ng Talakan". Basta assured lang talaga kami walang autistic o mongoloid sa aming mga kandidata. Kaya nga hindi masyado critical ang final question pag nakapasok na sa Top 5.

Sa 70-30 scheme, ang mahigpit na kalaban ay ang next in rank sa Beauty ranking. Rank 1 beauty, Rank 5 final answer = 2.2. Ang Rank 2 beauty, Rank 1 final answer = 1.7. Ang Rank 3 beauty, Rank 1 final answer = 2.4. So makikita dito na ang Rank 2 sa beauty lang ang pwedeng mag-steal ng Rank 1 sa overall. At naagaw lang ang next higher rank pag bumubulusok sa Rank 5 ang performance sa final question ng may hawak nito. Pero pag ok naman ang naging answer at hindi nasa bottom rank ang total score, mahirap ng maagaw ang slot.

If 50-50 scheme is applied, the ranking system is susceptible to producing tieing scores. And breaking a tie is quite messy and awkward. That is why before the pageant, judges are discouraged but not prevented from giving equal ratings to two or more candidates.

Anyway, a meeting between judges and candidates is always set before the pageant night. Sa meeting pa lang, tinatanong tanong na ng mga judges ang mga kandidata. And the girls are really advised to create some good impressions when interviewed. And then, pag naging bet ng judge dahil na-impress sa beauty at pagiging smart, hindi nito talaga nilalaglag if ever mahina ang naging performance during the final Q&A sa pageant night. Yan ang napapansin ko for three years na ng BAF.

Pag ang beauty pageant kasi masyadong binabase sa performance during the Q&A, expect winners na hindi ka masyadong proud without the make-up and the get-up after the pageant. Pulbos at konting lipstick lang dapat sa isang tunay na beauty queen.

A Bb. Aroroy Foundation title holder is essentially someone who iconizes young and raw beauty, full of promises. She may not be a very intelligent girl. Average IQ will do. We, on the other hand, as organizers, are just mere instruments for the wonderful opportunities that may come on the way of these young women of Aroroy. But without your support, we will all fail in this objective.

(Next: this year's answers to the final question, transcribed!)

BAF on Facebook!

When commercial internet access became available in town this year, more Aroronians joined the Facebook mania. So the organizers took the opportunity to make use of Facebook as an avenue for advertising the event. The Bb. Aroroy Foundation page was born.



The reception was positive and warm. The last time I checked the page, here's the total number of Likes:



We were so happy to read wall posts and comments - Aroronians being proud of our undertakings.









These are the best posts, very heartwarming and inspiring. Guys, we promise to continue our best efforts in pursuing all the noble causes of Bb. Aroroy.





Disparaging comments on some of the candidates photo have been posted by page fans. This is inevitable. But some comments are downright insulting the page admin has been obliged to "permanently ban" the Facebook accounts of these inconsiderate persons. And to our rescue, Vibas (real name Rhylly) posted this:



To all who have shown their support to Bb. Aroroy Foundation: Thank you very much! God bless!

18 Candidates for Bb. Aroroy Foundation 2010, It's Official!

Candidate No.	Name	Sponsor
1	France Aiza Bertuldo Barbolino	Brgy. Balawing
2	Anjunette  Orias Alejo	Hon. Ana Chan
3	Avegail Danao Bacolod	Tamba
4	Marites Militante Rico	Poblacion League of Councilors
5	Danica Mae Dollentas Manaras	ACE
6	Mary Jenina Mae Villar Reyes	Villar Inc.
7	Sheryll Dimple Rubia Delavin	Poblacion SK
8	Ronasiel Honrubia Bernal	Hon. & Mrs. Vicente Ramilo
9	Gladys Cortes Yap	Marianas Couture
10	Rechell Ann Flores Asistol	Brgy. Poblacion
11	Anamae Dalanin Pajes	Brgy. Bangon
12	Apple Grace Masamoc	Brgy. Concepcion
13	Kristin Glori Nunez Pusing	ANHS
14	Michelle Mae Pertacorta Ramiro	Brgy. Lanang
15	Alerie Escarlan Trinidad	Brgy. Baga-uma
16	April Rances Aguilar	Brgy. Poblacion
17	Meriam Ruga Marzan	Aroroy Star Oil
18	Lenette Sheine Canale Lagat	Marjorie Queen Enterprises