Here’s how you can be a Miss World judge

Curtain raiser: Could it be true that the Side A band is signing up with MCA-Universal "as soon as possible" now that the group’s contract with Warner Music Philippines has expired? What could have precipitated the group’s big leap to MCA-Universal? How come Side A didn’t renew its contract with Warner Music? Is MCA-Universal giving Side A a better deal, an offer too tempting to refuse?

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Here’s good news to beauty-lovers and beauty connoisseurs out there: You can actually be a judge in the ongoing Miss World pageant and realize your dream of helping the official board of judges in choosing the world’s most beautiful woman.

Called a "public voting," the process is being introduced in the world’s original and oldest beauty contest, with 105 delegates from the same number of countries competing for the coveted title, the only one so far not won by the Philippines (which has two Misses Universe, three Misses International, half a dozen Misses Asia and a few other international but "minor" titles). For the first time, China is joining the pageant.

The best shot by any Philippine bet ever was accomplished by Evangeline Pascual who placed second in the 1973 Miss World contest. The winner, USA’s Marjorie Wallace, was dethroned and Evangeline could have assumed the title, she being the first runner-up, but she refused for reasons only she knew. In 1994, Ruffa Gutierrez placed third (Second Princess) in the same contest. Back in 1968, Pinky Amabuyok finished third runner-up.

Anyway, here’s how you can be a Miss World judge:

• Voting will take place via a number of individual Miss World telephone "voting centers" that will be in different locations around the world.

• Each voting center will host a number of country specific telephone lines. Each of the 105 competing countries will have its own voting line.

• After a voting period, all the separate country top 10’s will be collated into one final top 10 which will be announced during the grand finals. This will account for 50 percent of the votes for the beachwear section (the other 50 percent will be given by the judging panel).

• The public will be able to call and register their vote during and after the beachwear show. Lines will be open for between four and seven days depending on local TV broadcasting conditions.

Here are the numbers to call: +44(0)208-743-3232 (landline), +44(0)208-749-6548 (FAX), or +44(0)7850-099324 (mobile).

The voting will officially start this afternoon when the contest’s swimsuit competition is telecast on IBC 13 "live" at 12:30 to 3:30 (replay at 10:30 also tonight) from Sun City, South Africa, where the grand coronation night will also be held on Nov. 17 (Saturday) from 5 to 8 a.m., with a replay same day, same channel, 9 p.m. to 12 midnight. The voting will go on until coronation night, so you can call anytime.

The Philippine bet is Gilrhea Quinzon (you might want to vote for her), the last of the four Bb. Pilipinas beauties to compete abroad. The three others have done fairly well: Bb. Pilipinas-Universe Zorayda Ruth Andam lost to Miss Puerto Rico in the Miss U pageant held in Puerto Rico and won a special title (Miss International Tourism-Asia) in Colombia; Bb. Pilipinas runner-up Maricar Balagtas won the Miss Globe International title in Turkey where, a few months later, first runner-up Michelle Reyes won as Miss World Tourism.

Not a bad batting average, is it?

Okay, are you ready to vote? Game ka na ba?

Stay glued to your seats and enjoy your stint as a Miss World judge – now!