THRONG of avid supporters, Boholano or non-Boholanos alike, of Pauline Cucharo Amelinckx demonstrated a mixed of cheers and jeers just minutes after the Miss Universe-Philippines went to Makati’s Miss Michelle Dee, the daughter of then Miss International Melanie Marquez Dee.
The unexpected botched bid for Pauline Amelinckx to get the most-coveted Miss Universe-Philippines 2023crown leaves Bohol grieving.
But Pauline told her mom, “I’m OK mama,” but not without tears rolled down to her face when they hugged tightly after the contest, according to the post of Allyn John Gujil Cenal, who was at the pageant venue.
“Pagkakita ni Pau sa yang mama, they hugged tightly and cried. Niana si Pau, “I’m ok mama,” the post said.
As this developed, some spectators who watched the show held at the Mall of Asia, started to scream, ”Bohol,” apparently showing their mourning for her loss for few minutes while they were coming out from the scene.
The same scenario took place at the backstage where a lot of supporters waited to see their favorite bet to come out. When she did, another howl reverberated, shouting “Bohol.”
“Ang singgit sa mga tao sa sulod sa arena, makabungog nga BOOOHHOOOLLLL!!!,”Cenal post said.
Videos of these yelling circumstances went viral at the moment and hundreds shared it in their respective fb account, apparently to express their lamentation and sorrow.
The sequence of the program took a twist. The lapse on the part of organizers was the sudden change of the number of bets to ”semi-final” portion. It selected 18 bets, then to 10, then again back to 18, and finally five, leaving the spectators in doubt as the integrity of the event.
One observer said that the candidate of Pampanga failed to be in the top 10, but when 18 were back, she fortunately made it to top five.
Karl Jhon Paul Sobrecarey said in his post: “When the first 5 of top 10 were called. My seatmates were saying “OMG! Pinagtabi-tabi ang mga malalakas!” Referring to Misses Makati, Bohol, Zambales, Davao Oriental and Baguio. *From Top 10 to Top 18 again due to a technical glitch daw that they opted to do manual tabulation instead. My point is, before announcing the top 10. It was checked, verified, and signed by SGV and Co. The most respected firm in the country. They couldn’t be wrong even if it was manually tabulated!”
“Putting the format back to top 18 is a call to so many questions. It was irrational, it was dubious, and definitely it benefited those who were not included in the circle of 10. My seatmate insinuated that someone from the eliminated girls is a favorite of either the organization or the sponsors. “Sino kaya ang manok nila na di pumasok?” Whoever she may be, I’d like to think that someone out there was drinking beer for getting their wishes come true.”
“Not saying that Pampanga did not deserve her placement. But if she was not included in the top 10 during the swimsuit challenge, I don’t think she would climb that far to make it to top 5. Let’s say, she performed well on evening gown. But there were at least 10 ladies who were ahead of her on swimsuit. In my opinion, her accumulated scores on swimsuit and gown will not be enough to pull her placement up. She would have ended at rank 7 or 8 the safest mark.”
He also said that, “Makati deserved the victory, no doubt. It’s just that the ambiance had us felt that everything was set up in her favor. Although, the best in gown sash was a bit questionable, I’d like to think that the crown was not. To my subjective consideration, Zambales, Baguio, or Cebu Province should have taken the Best in Gown Award. They were everything on that stage and their executions were jaw dropping.”
On Paauline’s situation, he said, “My heart bleeds for Bohol. She’s not my favorite. But she was so stunning on that white flowy gown. Prolly she came short with her answer or there were just girls who did better than her in Q&A. She was the most cheered by the way. Also, it was her third attempt to join the nationals. And quiet interestingly in those 3 years, she wore blue, red, and white evening gowns.”
On the sudden change of Pauline’s evening gown, Christine Ires Lopez had this to say: “Ingon cya, although naay mga ni suggest ug ming advice niya, iyaha jud tong choice nga mag white flowy nga gown cya. Kay ganahan sad cya ato. Mura cyag si 2002 dethroned Miss Universe Oxana Fedorova.. In fact, kung naa mo sa MOA, angayan sad cya nice tanawn and gaan ra sad for Pauline n rampa sa Stage. Not the typical gown nga atong makita maong naay wala ka uyon pero happy cya ato nga gown. Kay kung katong silver nga hubadera gown ang isuot, daghan na cyag kapareha, mo blend cya sa ubang candidates. Based sad sa reaction sa crowd sa MOA gabie, naka-uyon sad sila.”
“Michelle Dee got the crown, but Pauline Amelinckx got the crowd. MISS UNIVERSE PH that WE NEVER Have,” according to the post of Noel Abalos Peralta.
On the allegation that Michelle Dee was heavily favored, here’s what Jack Lee Irwin’s comment: “Ang TV partner Station nag Air – GMA, Ang Judge si Gozon – owner GMA, Ang talent si Michelle – GMA Winner!, Mga Judges mostly close ni Melanie, Ang Best friend ni Michelle si Celeste – ligwak!, Ang Judge Sam Versoza syota ni Rhian Ramos nga bestfriend ni Michelle Dee!, Ang Hosts puro – GMA talents”
Zambales’ Christine Opiaza is and Pampanga’s Angelique Manto bagged the 1st Runner-Up and 2nd Runner-Up, respectively.
Amelinckx settled for Supranatural in July this year, report said. She was crowned in a separate venue since the MUPH wanted to be the stand out of the pageant. Krishnah Gavidez of Baguio City is Miss Charm.
Actors Alden Richards and Xian Lim acted as hosts and Tim Yap and Maureen Montagne were the backstage hosts. Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi was a special guest host.
“Reigning Miss Universe R’Bonney Gabriel was the event’s special guest. Fil-Am singer Jessica Sanchez and Korean singer Nam Woo Hyun were the performers,” GMA said. (rvo)
