Shamcey Supsup gets in Top 5 finalists Miss Universe pageant

Another Filipina made a historical attempt in getting the most prestigious Miss Universe crown at Sao Paulo, Brazil last Monday night (Tuesday morning in RP). Miss Philippines Shamcey Supsup bagged the 3rd runner-up place in the world largest beauty pageant.

Kudos to Shamcey for ranking higher than her predecessor Ma. Venus Raj, Binibining Pilipinas 2010 representative placing only 4th runner up.

Although it was not a major major response, Shamcey did answer the question intelligently. Asked by American actress Vivica A. Fox, the question was "Would you change your religious beliefs to marry the person you love? Why or why not?"

Supsup honestly replied, "If I have to change my religious beliefs, I would not marry the person that I love. Because the first person that I love is God, who created me."

"I have my faith and my principles, and this is what makes me who I am. If the person loves me, he'll love my God, too," she added.

Many said that her answer created negative feed backs among critics. But what will you expect, religion is such a sensitive topic. If you were thrown the same question, could you also answer with the same conviction and dignity?

It was reported that she was the only one who answer the judge's question in English language while other contestants are aided by an interpreter. Isn't she brilliant?

News spread that Supsup was also a consistent fan favorite during the pageant, where online fan votes were given weight in the competition for the first time. She was also the online voters' question-and-answer favorite with 7.5. She ranked second in the swimsuit and evening gown votes.

Shamcey Gurrea Supsup was born on May 16, 1986 in General Santos City. Supsup graduated from the University of the Philippines-Diliman as magna cum laude with a degree in architecture. She also topped the Architecture Licensure Examination in July last year.

The chink-eyed and dark beauty Miss Angola Leila Lopes brought home the crown.  She is proud not only because she became the 60th Miss Universe but also she is the first title holder of their country. Aside from Supsup, completing her retinue are :

• Miss Ukraine Olesya Stefanko (1st runner-up);
• Miss Brazil Priscila Machado (2nd runner-up); and
• Miss China Luo Zilin (4th runner up).

The panel of judges consisted of Helio Castroneves, Connie Chung, Isabeli Fontana, Vivica A. Fox, Adrienne Maloof-Nassif, Farouk Shami, Italo Zanzi, Miss Universe 2003 Amelia Vega, and our very own, singer-actress and Tony award winner Lea Salonga.  Salonga was the one who drawn by Miss Angola to ask her the question in the final category of the pageant.

Contestants from 89 countries and territories participated in this year's pageant, surpassing the previous record of 86 contestants in 2006.

Source : GMA News