I know I have just recently rant here how well known Filipinos are when it comes to speaking the English language. But I will be ranting now something that really bugged me for almost two days. Argh, I can't help it. Just give me this chance and we will talk normal things again next time haha. Last Sunday, the country's most prestigious beauty pageant was aired over the national television, Bb. Pilipinas whose winners will represent the country in Miss World, Miss International and Miss Universe. It was like a rule that every contestant must speak English although you are allowed to speak Tagalog if you want to and if that makes you feel comfortable. Having this pressure that everyone else in the competition speaks English, a contestant from the top 10 forced herself to speak English, and I tell you, it was a disaster.
Before the final question, the host asked her "Do you feel any pressure right now?", and the girl confidently answered, "I don't peel (instead of FEEL) eni(any) pressure right now." It was obvious with how she pronounced the words that she's having difficulty with it. And then the final question came, "What role did your family played with you as a candidate to Bb.(Miss) Pilipinas?", and here is her mind blowing answer. "Well, my family’s role for me is so important becoz there was the wa- they’re, they was the one who’s …. very… Haha (the audience are laughing and the host told her she can speak Tagalog but then she still insist on using English) .… Oh I’m so sorry, uhmm …. My pamily .… My pamily .… Oh my god …. Ok, I’m so sorry .… I .… I told you that I’m so confident .… Eto(This), uhhmm, Wait .… Hahahahaha, uhmmm, Sorry guys becoz this was really my first pageant ever becoz I’m only 17 years old and ahahaha I, I did not expect that I came from, I came from one of the tough 10 (she means to say she did not expect to be included in the top 10). Hmmm, so .… but I said that my family es the most important persons in my life. Thank you."
It was obvious that she is pressured and nervous. Right at the very moment I want to bash my television. I'm not saying we are perfect English speakers, but at least we are not trying hard to be one. Given the chance that you can speak Tagalog but turned it down while knowing that you can't speak English well is such a crazy thing to do. And the fact that that is the country's most awaited , most prestigious event adds more to her failure and funny stints. Worse is, she won the title for Bb. Pilipinas - World. Well, she won the swimsuit and long gown category and I guess that is the reason why she won the title. And October is still a long way to go, she can still practice. But still, she turned the night from a beauty pageant to a gag show.