I was coaching/training Beck with some of the possible questions that might be asked during the Q and A portion of the pageant. Being a beauty pageant afficionado and having judged several small time pageants, I sort of have an idea of the kind of questions that are asked in these events. One possible question I thought of is, “Among the mothers/woman in the world/history, who is your role model or who do you look up to?” I told Beck that I think the best answer should be Hillary Clinton, because she was able to surpass the two biggest challenges that any wife can deal with. That is to keep the family intact in the aftermath of her husband’s infidelity and, being able to step out of her husband’s shadow and be recognized for her own achievements.
Don’t get me wrong, in fact I am extremely proud of Beck winning a major title in a prestigious beauty pageant (isn’t it obvious from the number of photos I posted in this blog?). I’m even very supportive of her joining this competition (to all my inaanaks, all of my 13th month pay and Christmas bonus went to this, so better luck next year, he he he). But I never thought that there will be a time that my wife will be more famous than me (as if I’m somebody). My own blog would be a testament to that. Several hits in my blog came from search engine referrals with “Rebekah Cantillero” as the term being used. As of last count, there are 8 huge billboards in different parts of Metro Manila (4 in EDSA, 2 in SLEX, the other two in other main thoroughfares of the city) of the pageant that includes a photo of Beck. The road trip this Christmas that my family and I were planning have to be postponed in line with the activities and gatherings that Beck has to attend. Used to be, Beck would be introduced as my wife. Now, I am being introduced as Beck’s husband.
Not that I am complaining but I couldn’t help but remember my own 15 minutes of fame, 11 years ago. And this prompts me to share with Beck a very valuable piece of wisdom that one of my college professors told me and has helped me remain grounded. “The real measure of a man’s, or a woman’s, success is not what he gains from it, but by what he becomes by it.” Stay as the humble but intellectual person that RP and I have loved through these years.
Beck with Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2002, Karen Loren Agustin Ostrea. Ms. Ostrea is one of the judges in this pageant. She and Ms. Kathering Manalo were my bet in the 2002 Bb. Pilipinas finals. Hope she considers joining the Mrs. Philippines pageant next year as she will definitely win it.
Beck with Gio Flores, her make up artist. If there’s somebody who deserves all of our thanks, it has to be Gio. Without his help, Beck’s strong finish in this pageant will hardly be possible. It was his choice for Beck to wear the Indian inspired gown she wore that evening. Like I mentioned in my previous blog entry, he is also a very professional person. After the pageant, Gio went with us at the victory party at Ascend, Bonifacio High Street. Gio went home around 3p.m. because he has to do the make up of another beauty queen and celebrity at 5:30a.m., its no other than Precious Lara Quigaman.
Sometimes it is ironic to think that the closest friendships are forged in competitions like this. Beck with Dr. Karen Mauri ,another candidate and one of the Top 16 finalists, whom she considers her closest friend during the pageant.
Beck with the Philippine Muay Thai Team. On the right most corner wearing a white polo is the president of Muay Association of the Philippines, Kru Robert Valdez. Beside him is the Head Coach of the Phil. Muay Thai Team, Kru Billy Alumno. Ajarn Pudpadnoy is dashing in his barong.
The current beauty queen and the future beauty queen.
The two most important women in my life, Beck and RP
When I was in kindergarten until I’m Grade 1, always say that I want to become the President of the Philippines, and then I’ll marry a Miss Universe title holder. I guess I married a beauty queen in advance.
