Miss Universe 1974 Marks Her Golden Crowning Anniversary

The first Miss Universe edition to be held in the Far East marks its 50th anniversary. 

What better way to showcase the beauty and splendor of the Philippines than the Miss Universe pageant where the reigning queen Margarita Moran will also pass on her crown to her successor and witnessed by her countrymen.

Former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos made it happen when she singlehandedly oversaw the preparations with flair and excitement.

Amparo Muñoz y Quesada from Spain was crowned the most beautiful girl of the universe for 1974 on the morning of July 21 at the Folk Arts Theater. 

Rounding out the top five were 1st RU Miss Wales Helen Morgan, 2nd RU Miss Finland Johanna Raunio 3rd RU Miss Colombia Ella Cecilia Escandon and 4th RU Miss Aruba Maureen Ava Viera

It was however a tumultuous reign for the señorita with the fiery Spanish temperament whose reign came to a head when she threw out her crown from a hotel window. 

Despite not completing her reign, she was never dethroned and she is still acknowledged as the 1974 titleholder. She went on to carve a successful yet controversial showbiz career in Spain. 

Miss Universe 1972 Kerry Ann Wells of Australia crowned the 1975 Miss Universe 

She passed away on February 27, 2011 from a lingering ailment. She was 56 years old. She would always be fondly remembered not only by Filipino fans as the first Miss Universe to be crowned in the Philippines but also by the entire world as one of the most beautiful Miss Universe winners ever.

Farewell Queen

MUGNA/GUGMA: The Art of Book Design

Tomorrow, September 22, all roads lead to the National Museum of the Philippines – Bohol, for the MUGNA/GUGMA workshop, to be the participated by 30 experienced Boholano artists with a keen interest in the art of book design. 

In this art talk/sharing, participants will witness a sampling of the oeuvres of Felix Mago Miguel, which presents his own discoveries and explorations as an artist elevating his art out of obscurity and positioning Philippine design on the center stage.

Felix Mago Miguel's status and accomplishments as an artist, designer, and illustrator speak volumes of his inexhaustible passion and talent. 

Having lived in Bohol for almost 20 years with his wife, Amel, and their five children, Felix, as his family and fellows fondly call him - is dedicated to selflessly imparting his experience and expertise to aspiring local artists in the Philippines, especially here in Bohol. In fact, earlier this year, he led a successful two-day workshop on Illustrating Children’s Books. 

"The journey of ideas into our minds through books is not merely a leap from the author to the reader. To reach the reader, the ideas ride a vehicle and that vehicle is “design”.

It is a vehicle purposed to be invisible, but in this seemingly inconspicuous vehicle is the artist's hand. And Felix Mago Miguel is that." says  Neil Gerard P. Reyes, Information Officer II, ODVNM (BoAMSO)

This whole-day, free activity is made possible with the support of the Provincial Government of Bohol’s Center for Culture and Arts Development (PGBH-CCAD), through the Bohol Arts and Cultural Heritage Council (BACH). 

Participants and observers alike can discover and explore the essentials of book design, guided by an expert and professional artist, who generously imparts practical design tools and techniques. 

What’s only required is an eager heart, ready to learn and engage. The activity also serves as a platform for them to collaborate and possibly work together, adding more relevance and value.

As an educational institution of the government committed to promoting inclusive education, expression, and enjoyment, the MUGNA/GUGMA workshop is among the numerous public programs the National Museum of the Philippines has set before 2024 ends. 

MUGNA is the Cebuano word that means to “create, produce, or design”; GUGMA, on the other hand, is “love”. NMP remains faithful to upholding love for our heritage and helping hone the knowledge and skills of Filipinos to create world-class designs toward a progressive and sustainable future minds through books is not merely a leap from the author to the reader. 

The interactive art talk & sharing is open to participants, observers & enthusiasts from 9 am to 5 pm. So see you all!