Vanessa Aumentado Fulfills Date with Destiny on May 9

As the election campaign reaches its final stretch, Maria Vanessa Cadorna-Aumentado,who is gunning for Bohol's 2nd congressional seat, can finally ease up a bit and look back at the past year with a heady mix of emotions.

Vanessa Cadorna-Aumentado 

It has indeed been an emotional rollercoaster ride  even as she says that it was one great learning experience for her.

Vanvan, as she is known to family and friends, faces the biggest challenge in her life as she aims to become the first woman House Representative for the second district of Bohol.

She has forayed into Bohol's political fray armed with nothing but a strong faith in God, a solid platform, strong determination, an inherent belief in the goodness of man, experience culled from years of being a people person and wife to the incumbent congressman and the earnest desire to serve the people. 

For political observers and oldtimers who were waiting for Vanessa to stumble or crack under the intense pressure, they were in for a surprise. The political hopeful has taken to the grueling and intense campaign like fish to water. 

Cong. Aris & Vanessa Aumentado 

Of course, as wife of Cong. Aris Aumentado, who served for three terms and now running for Bohol's gubernatorial position, she has been exposed to all kinds of people and is familiar already with the intricacies of the position.

With regards the skepticism of some quarters that she lacks the experience, she is actually more than ready for the position. 

Being married to a high- profile public servant has prepared her for what is to come. Aside from joining him in his sorties around the district which is very familiar with like the palm of her hand, she has also represented him in various capacities as speaker, as guest of honor in project turnover ceremonies. 

Along the way, she has created a bond and a solidarity with the people that she has vowed to serve and represent. She has climbed the mountains, crossed the seas, braved the heat of the sun and got drenched from the rains from time to time. 

During the campaign period, she has laughed with them, danced and lent an ear to them. In between, she has cried with them especially at the onslaught of the devastating super typhoon that hit Bohol especially Ubay, the Aumentados' bailiwick.

From 1st RU to Ms Bohol

A few people may not know it but she has been a former Miss Bohol titleholder after the winner wasn't able to finish her reign. As first runner up, she was requested by the organizers if she would accept the roles and responsibilities of the winner. And the rest is history

No wonder, she has been able to withstand the mudslinging and the black propaganda and has shown her detractors and supporters alike what grace under pressure is all about. She is indeed someone who is like a ray of sunshine and a beacon of hope in this election that has been wracked by disinformation and lies being peddled as truth.

During the entire campaign period, she was always a picture of optimism and joy and has proven that she can withstand the rigors of a backbreaking campaign. Of course, not all days are alike. There are days when she has to stop and take a deep breath especially when their camp has to face some false accusations. But nothing can distract Vanessa. 

Thousands came for the
Ubay rally

So what lies ahead for this amiable and humble lady after the dust from the political exercise has settled? 

She would always know her priorities which is being a supportive wife and doting mother who is known for being hands-on when it comes to her children and household. Vanvan has also redefined the way campaigns are conducted. Clean, honest and sticking to facts & issues. 

This election has given us a glimpse of the gracious yet strong and iron-willed woman who makes things happen. Exactly the kind of leader who would inspire and make us proud. 

In one of her boat trips
&visits to the islands

Whatever the outcome, Vanessa has already earned the respect and admiration for the way she handled and carried herself during the intense campaign period.

Long may you serve the people. 

Why Celeste Cortesi is Miss Universe Philippines 2022

Miss Pasay Celeste Cortesi lived up to expectations when she clinched the 2022 Miss Universe Philippines crown and the right to represent our country in the next Miss Universe competition. 

The victory was a sweet redemption for Celeste who had a troubled reign as Miss Earth Philippines back in 2018. And everybody can relate with second chances. 

She has obviously learned from that experience and she arrived strong and ready for the MUPH 2022 competition. 

All the hard work paid off and right from the onset, she had been doing well and always placed in the early MUPH challenges. 

The day before the coronation night at the MOA, majority of pageant websites & experts had already picked her as the girl to beat and was number one at most prediction lists. 

Her victory was met with approval by most pageant fans and she is expected to continue the country's 12 consecutive placements in Miss Universe. 

FINAL Q & A

Her final answer may have been simple, short and sweet but it was endearing, candid and very relatable especially given the context of her stay here. 

The longing of a child for a mother or a father is a powerful universal emotion that resonated and which everyone can relate with.

Makati's final answer wasn't too impactful. She lost her momentum at the crucial make or break wringer but you can never ignore her stage presence. She really stood out.  

Misamis Oriental was very fluid in her thought process & delivery but she wasn't able to wrap up her response when she paused at the end. 

Taguig who was consistently in the top three during the entire duration of the competition, along with Pasay and Makati, tumbled to fifth place after a lackluster answer in the final round. 

Bohol, my sentimental favorite, should  have gotten the crown if  we base it on her final Q & A. It had depth and she connected it with her struggles but just like any contest where a higher competition awaits the winner, the panel always puts into consideration the girl's overall performance & the physical aesthetics. 

For one heartstoppjng moment, most Boholanos thought she had it in the bag but it wasn't meant to be. Nevertheless, it was a very proud moment for Bohol. 

Her Miss Universe Philippines- Charity title is a huge achievement already and is in fact a notch higher from her first attempt for the MUPH crown two years ago. 

Knowing Pauline, a very popular personality in Bohol, she will be using her title to actively pursue her advocacies for the less privileged.

INTERESTING TRIVIA

Past titleholders Rabiya Mateo, the inaugural MUPH winner and Bea Luigi Gomez share one thing in common with Celeste Cortesi. 

All three won the Best in Swimsuit special award. 

This confirms my belief that after all the rebranding, and all the talk about advocacy and empowered women talk, Miss Universe Philippines is still a beauty competition. 

If the competition was purely on communication skills, then Albay and Cebu City should have been in the final five. 

With so many beautiful and articulate girls in this year's edition who had to slug it out for only five final spots and ultimately one crown only, two or three favorites not making it was bound to happen. 

And as for winning the title, it's not only about beauty or eloquence, it's also a matter of destiny, timing and luck. 

Just my thoughts.