The beauty queen is also a daddy's little girl

MANILA, Philippines - Before they became the darling of the country and of the universe, these beauty queens were the apple of that single important man in their lives — their dads. Today, even as more and more of the male species appreciate their loveliness, these ladies still hold their fathers in high esteem, even if some of them experienced a less than traditional or ideal domestic situation with their fathers.

Behind the glamour shots, the elegant evening gowns, the mega-watt smiles and the mission to earn world recognition for the country is a figure that will always be a huge influence on each Binibining Pilipinas queen. This Father’s Day, the Binibining Pilipinas queens share their fondest moments with the first man who made an impact in their lives.

Shamcey Supsup with dad Timoteo

Shamcey Supsup, Miss Universe 2011 third runner-up: “I grew up with my dad, Timoteo Supsup, in a farm. My fondest memory of my childhood was during the harvest of coconuts. We would collect them using our kariton, then when we take it to an area where we cut the coconuts open and have them dried before selling them as copra. I enjoyed it, I get to play outdoor games with my childhood friends and eat as much since every harvest time is like fiesta in the province. It was also an unspoken rule by my father to have the entire family eat together. It was his way to keeping the family together despite our many commitments. He instilled in me that there should always be time for family.”

Janine Tugonon, Miss Universe Philippines 2012: “Well, my parents have been separated since I was born, and I seldom see my dad, Jose Marie Tugonon. But I won’t forget the time he attended the Binibining Pilipinas Coronation Night. He was there to watch me! And when I won the Binibining Pilipinas-Universe crown, I saw how proud and happy he was. It just goes to show that even if we don’t spend that much time together, he cares about what I make of myself in life.”

Nicole Schmitz with dad Udo Gunther

Nicole Schmitz, Binibining Pilipinas-International 2012: “I have two fond memories of my dad, Udo Gunther Schmitz. We have always been very close. When I was younger, I accompanied my dad to a business luncheon in a restaurant for the first time. I wasn’t used to so many people talking to my dad. And even though I didn’t completely understand what they were talking about, I suddenly became very overprotective of him. So I stood up out of my chair, walked over to my dad, and said ‘Hey! This is my dad!’ to everyone in the room. They all started laughing and thought it was really cute!

More recently however, I witnessed my dad cry for the first time. It was the night I was crowned Binibining Pilipinas-International 2012. He had been there with me from the start, helping me throughout all of my preparations — even dieting and exercising with me! To see him so happy, and the look of pride in his eyes, really meant the world to me, and made all my hard work worth it!”

Katrina Jayne Dimaranan with dad Ramon

Katrina Jayne Dimaranan, Binibining Pilipinas-Tourism 2012: “It would have to be the times my dad, Ramon Dimaranan, would pick up my brother and I from school, get out of the car and start dancing so our friends would laugh and make fun of my brother and me. Haha! I was so embarrassed but now that I think about it, all of his dance moves at the time are what I see professional dancers do now!”

Elaine Kay Moll with dad Mario

Elaine Kay Moll, Binibining Pilipinas 2012 first runner-up: “My dad, Mario Moll, is a great chef! He is a chief cook so I grew up with so much food around me. We always cook and bake together. We love to make desserts, bake cookies and cakes. My favorite is the black princess cake. That’s how I’ll always remember my dad. I love you, papa!”

Annalie Forbes with dad Anatalio

Annalie Forbes, Binibining Pilipinas 2012 second runner-up: “It was in December 2009, when I was just 17. I was in a girl band then and we were about to perform at the Heritage Hotel Casino. It was my first time to be on stage as a professional performer. I was so nervous I wanted to back out and leave the stage. So when we were about to do our first number, my mind was somewhere else. And just before we started our number, I saw somebody at the corner of the hall walking very gently. It was my dad, Anatalio Forbes.

“I don’t know what happened, but it surely gave me the strength to stand and sing and dance in front of all those audiences. I gave all my best because I want my dad to be proud of me. Surely, after our set, he was smiling and I know, even if he wasn’t uttering a word, that he was so proud of me. From then on, whenever I perform on stage, I simply think of my dad and that’s enough for me to remind myself to do my best for him.”

Beauty queen or not, you can show how much you love the most awesome dad in the world on Father’s Day at the Araneta Center. On June 17 at The Gateway Mall, Araneta Center presents Wheels for Dads. All fathers get to marvel at their dream cars for a day, feast their eyes on coveted sports cars, listen to auto experts’ talk just about anything car-related from racing to maintenance and car fresheners, and enjoy freebies and discounted coffee.

A bunch of surprises await the hippest and most loving dads at Ali Mall and Farmers Plaza. Souvenirs and prizes abound. He deserves the best treat, so be there and let’s honor the great things he has done by making him feel extra special.