Presenting! The Philippine Independence Week Committee Beauty Queens 2015!

An American friend who is quite new to our “happy lifestyle”  to our weekend swinging on the dance floor, asked me: “Why do the Filipinos always have beauty queens at their Philippine Independence Day celebrations or even at some private fundraisers?”

“Good question,” I replied and explained: “Beauty Queens to grace an important celebration like our Philippine Independence Day is one of the cultural reminiscences WE,  Filipinos, have inherited from Spain that ruled the Islands for over 350 years. The Filipina Maiden during those days was placed on a pedestal, best described by poets like Dr. Jose Rizal, the Philippine National Hero, as “dainty, demure Filipina. A maid with rosy cheek, dark eyes and hair…”  She is looked up to by her family as their Princess. It is an honor for them once she is voted  to grace thePiyesta or Festivals as the Queen!

 

Modern times and equality was enjoyed by the Filipinos when the Americans came in 1898 and made the Philippines her colony after paying Spain $200 thousand dollars under the Tydings-McDuffie Act. The Philippines became “Americanized,” especially in the social gatherings attuned to the music and dance of “Charleston,” “Tango,” etc.  Later, the “Miss Philippines Beauty Pageant” and “Mutya ng Pilipinas” came along, highly-commercialized, and influenced by international Beauty Pageants like “Miss USA,” & “Miss America. “Miss Universe” first Filipina winner, our very own Gloria Diaz (1969) was followed by Margie Moran (1973); and “Miss International” crown won by Filipinas Gemma Cruz (1964),  Aurora Pijuan (1970) and Melanie Marquez (1979), “Miss World” title went to Megan Young, a Fil-Am, in 2012,  as far as I can remember.  

It used to be that to become a Beauty Queen, a candidate  must  possess the following qualifications: beauty and brain, height, poise, ability to answer and handle an interview question. All the points from these qualifications were summed up to win the highest title, and down the line.  No Money involved on the part of the candidates as long as she has the above qualifications.

TODAY’s BEAUTY QUEENS live in a different world.  Firstly, they have to be beautiful! More importantly, they have to work hard to raise funds for the organizations to win the titles, as follows:  sell (expensive) dinner tickets and raffle tickets for their guests, solicit advertisements for the souvenir program book– to raise funds for the sponsoring organization like the PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE WEEK COMMITTEE or PIWC.  In exchange for their hard work – their Beauty Titles are given to them before the coronation. No more pageantry.  But  hard work in raising funds!

Therefore, it is right and proper for the organization like the PIWC to give due honors to all their Beauty Queens who, without them, there will be no Gala Celebration!

This year, the PIWC has six Beauty Queens who are gifted with Beauty in their own rights: physical and more so, beauty in their hearts unseen by the naked eye. Here they are, Ladies and Gentlemen  and our dear Via Times readers:

“MRS. PHILIPPINES” PIWC 2015,  GINALENE CASTANOS LOPEZ,married to Oscar Lopez, they have one son, Dylan Gabriel Lopez, is one “demure Filipina” with a smile. She hails from Ozamis City; her parents are Mrs. Thelma and Mr. Tito Castanos. A nurse by profession and an entrepreneur, currently, she is Director of Nursing at All-Wellness Healthcare, Inc. Ginalene is a recipient of several awards related to her nursing profession, and as a model. She is also involved in charitable work. Asked what she knows about PIWC, she said: “I understand PIWC stands for a good cause like sending help back home. I take pride for being “Mrs. Philippines 2015”. I want to help promote our Filipino culture by giving back to our community through  some good causes. What I hope to see is more solidarity and respect among us. Let’s make a difference and preserve our Filipino culture of respect and love for one another.” Ginalene is a beauty-full Lady… heart and soul.*

 

“MISS PHILIPPINES” PIWC 2015, JACQUELINE TORRE RECINTOwas born in Chicago to her loving parents — Joel Recinto and Joanah Torre Recinto. Blessed with beauty and brain, Jacki was in the Gifted Program at Thorp Academy in Chicago; graduated from Lincoln Park High School; got accepted at the International Baccalaureate Program, and in 2010, she graduated from the University of Chicago with BS degree in Computer Science, specializing in Communications, Network and Security. Currently, she holds a challenging job as Business Development Manager at SPR Consulting. Indeed, with her intelligence and hard work, Jacki’s professional future looks brighter every day.  She takes pride in her title as “MISS PHILIPPINES PIWC 2015” and thanks her loving family specially her Grandma, Elba Torre, who is also a PIWC Committee Chair, for her love and care. Typical among  young Americans, Jacki loves sports and all Chicago Teams: Bulls, Bears, Blackhawks and Cubs!*

“MRS. PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE WEEK COMMITTEE 2015” DHOLLIE MORLES WEIL, holds a degree in Psychology; Pharmacy Technician; CNA; Insurance agent; Beauty Consultant, etc. She hails from Manila, Philippines; the daughter of Mrs. Simona and Mr. Delfin Morales, Jr. A hardworking Mom of three academically-outstanding students, Dhollie wrote: “I live simply but I am very family-oriented. I am very proud of my three children who graduated from college with honors: SHAWN DANIEL graduated summa cum laude from Northeastern University; SHERWIN DION, graduated with honors in Computer Engineer from De Paul University; Sarah Diane, a scholar, graduated with Business management degree from Arizona University.

Being new to the Filipino American community in Chicago, Dhollie accepted the “MRS. PIWC” beauty to “experience the humanitarian spirt in our community. I used to work at Misericordia Heart of Mercy Nursing Home, I always have a soft spot for the  retirees, especially those with disabilities. I always want to help,” she said. Currently, she is the senior vice president for DCASPF Care Agency and was “Calendar Mom 2015” for the Pilipino American Social Services (PASS). Dhollie’s soft spot in her heart shows in her sweet smile.*

“MISS PHILIPPINES” PIWC 2015 MORGAN TAYLOR LOXLEY, daughter of Patrick and Maria Loxley, is a young Lady Academic Achiever! Last May, she graduated with high honors from Elk Grove High School. Her academic achievements include: member of the National Honors Society; Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction; Illinois State Scholar; Blue Ribbon Award Winner for Excellence in Journalism, and winner at District 214 Arts Unlimited LiteraryAward. With such an impressive academic record, Morgan plans to study at Swansea University in South Wales, UK, to take up undergraduate degree in psychology and masters in Neuroscience, either on neuroscience research or medical neurology.

Morgan is also a talented writer; she was a writer for her high school newspaper,  The Guardian, from  reporter to editor-in-chief. She has  written award-winning poetry and articles in  journalism. Indeed, it is not easy to find one young lady as talented as Morgan who combines science, journalism and creative writing in her academic interests. Morgan’s artistic interests include filmmaking, music, fashion, the arts, health and fitness. Her family and friends are most important to her. She adored her late great Grandmother “Inang” who lived up to 108 years… who instilled in her human values to guide her through life.*

MARITESS VERIN WYNKOOP, “MRS. ILLINOIS” PIWC 2015: To those who know Maritess very well, she is One Lady who can do it all! She finds means to solve a problem. To her friends and those who know her too well, “Maritess is a very kind and helpful lady.” And a fighter for what is right! Maritess hails from Tabaco City, Albay; her parents are Mrs. Teresa and Mr. Nestor Verin, Sr. In addition to her long list of healthcare-related certifications, Maritess is a Registered Nurse who is known as “patient advocate and Team player, who believes in empowering patients by delivering health education and nursing care which enhances wellness and quality of life.” As a student at Malcolm X College in Chicago, Maritess was on the President’s List; Dean’s List” and Honors List. In the Philippines, she won several prizes in Dance Competitions. She was a mainstay at CPRTV “Let’s dance with Nick.” Her community involvements are with the Chicagoland Lions Club, and Bikol USAMIDWEST.  She agrees with what the PIWC is doing in terms of sending help back home. “I joined the PIWC Beauty Queens because of my good friend Lindy Tan and his Mom, Tita Ellen Tan, the PIWC 2015 executive chair. I wish to see our Filipino American Community be united and do away with their “attitude like I am better than anybody.” Maritess is happily married to Craig Wynkoop. They have no children between them but are parents of six: Julian and Joseph, Craig’s sons by his first marriage, and Maritess’ from her first marriage: Melvin, Yasmin, Kae and Bea.*

SUSAN APOLINAR FRANCISCO, “MRS. CHICAGO” PIWC 2015, hails from the towns of Tiaong and Lucban, Quezon Province. Her parents were the late Mrs. Feliciana and Mr. Luis Apolinar. A registered nurse by profession, Susan is happily married to Mario Francisco, an engineer. The two have beautiful daughters, Katrina, a registered nurse and Krizia, soon-to-graduate as a nurse. Susan is a friendly lady who always smiles and makes people laugh. Oh, yes, she loves to dance, you’ll see her in almost all parties. But she loves her family the most, they always go on vacation together to various tourists spots outside and within the United States. Susan is an active member of Lucban Association of Greater Chicago and the JDC Rainbow Foundation. In this article, she wants to extend her heartfelt thanks to her friends, co-workers and most of all to her family who supported her. She told friends that “the memory of her being “Mrs. Chicago” PIWC 2015 will always be treasured in her heart and put a smile in her face.*

ALL the Beauty Queens extend their Thanks and Appreciation to their friends and relatives who extended their support to them,  especially  those who came to see the coronation and enjoyed the Philippine Independence Day Gala Night last June 13.

Leticia Birao Freihaut, Beauty Queen chair person for PIWC 2015 said: “It was my pleasure to chair the Beauty Queen Committee this year. I am very proud of all of them and their hard work to help the PIWC 2015.”

ELLEN P. TAN, the executive chair for PIWC 2015, said: “I want to thank all the Beauty Queens for their hard work. Yes, it was not easy on them, however, all of them gave the best they could do. Words are not enough to experess my heartfelt thanks to ALL THE COMMITTEE CHAIRS who are the pillars of the celebration. Yes, we have ups and downs, and even disagreements at times, however, WE were working for the same cause: the Celebration of our Philippine Independence Day and to raise funds so we can help some of our needy Kababayans (Compatriots) back home. To all our guests and advertisers, THANK YOU so much! God bless all of us always.”

The PIWC 2015 APPRECIATION NIGHT will be on Saturday, July 25, at the Lone Tree Manor, 7730 N. Milwaukee, Niles, Illinois.

Incoming PIWC 2016 overall Chairperson is Mercy Matousek, who has been involved in PIWC Committee Chairmanships for a long time. She knows what’s coming her way. Good luck, Mercy. (By Elsie Sy-Niebar)#