CEBU, Philippines - As the Miss Universe fever rages on with the grand coronation night happening Nov. 10 in Moscow, Russia, a Miss Universe beauty is currently in Cebu frolicking on the lush grounds of Plantation Bay Resort and Spa in Mactan for some modeling work and R&R.
Meet Miss Universe Canada 2012 Sahar Biniaz, a stunning Middle-Eastern beauty who strives to be an inspiration to bullied girls like she was once, and to use her crown even beyond her reign to make a difference in society. She was supposed to compete with our very own Janine Tugonon last year, but withdrew at the last minute due to an injury. Her other pageant titles include Miss Global Beauty Queen 2003 1st runner-up, Miss Tourism Queen International 2008 2nd runner-up and Miss Universe Canada 2008 1st runner-up.
This femme fatale was born in India, raised in Tehran, Iran and then later on moved to Vancouver, Canada. After graduating with honors in Performing Arts from the Stella Adler Academy in Los Angeles and securing a degree in Business Entrepreneurship from the University of British Columbia, the amiable Sahar is currently pursuing a career as a professional film and television actress.
One of Sahar’s goals in life is to visit one country per year, and the Philippines would be the 32nd country in that checklist. Read on to find out why Filipinos have a special affinity in this beauty queen’s heart.
Why did you withdraw at the last minute from last year’s Miss Universe?
That was the question on many people’s minds. And even though Donald Trump had tweeted about me doing really, really well…well, I’m an avid hiker. Five days before the pageant, I went on a hiking trip to one of the mountains and going down the mountain, I sprained my calcaneus. It was really unfortunate, but what happened was great proof that it doesn’t stop you from doing what you’re supposed to do. This year has been lovely. I’ve traveled to more than 12 countries as Miss Universe Canada 2012. Sometimes in life, we set certain limits for ourselves, and we shouldn’t. We should just go for it. I wanted to prove to everyone, especially myself, that I didn’t need the title to do the things that came with the title.
You first joined Miss Universe Canada in 2008 and won first runner-up. What made you decide to join again in 2012?
I think that in life, you should never give up. If you have a dream or a goal, go for it and get it. It can be as simple as asking for an ice cream – if you really want it, ask for it. If you don’t get it the first time, try again. Even in relationships; if you’re pursuing someone and you don’t get it, just continue until you get what you want. In 2008, I didn’t feel I was prepared enough. My acting background wasn’t as complete as it was in 2012.
How was it to compete with Jenna Talackova, who made history as the first transgendered female to compete in the contest?
I think Jenna is a beautiful girl, and I respect everyone that is different. I hope that she does something productive with all the publicity that she received, because there’s a lot of awareness she can bring to the subject. And I also hope that she stays away from reality shows.
What is your message to Riza Santos (former ‘Pinoy Big Brother’ housemate who briefly dabbled in Philippine showbiz), Canada’s current representative to Miss Universe?
I’m sure she’s going to shine on stage. Why? Because she has that Filipino blood and background. I had the opportunity to go to one of your shopping malls here, and I’m so intrigued at how Filipino women are so put together from head to toe. Their makeup is always done and their hair is clipped properly. That’s why I think Riza will have no problem at all at Miss Universe.
What made you move to India?
After Miss Universe Canada, I thought what if I went through Miss Universe and won it, what would I have done with it? And I would have gone to Bollywood. I’m very fortunate because I have that background of being born in India. I happened to be one of the presenters for the Best Director at the Times of India Film Awards, and they were the ones who invited me to come to India, and I fell in love with it so I moved there. That was the first time I was back in my birthplace. In ten days, I’m actually shooting a film in India. It’s an English film, but it’s done by an Indian producer and director.
Do the film and TV roles you get portray you as an Indian female?
I’m usually not cast because of my nationality, but more because of the character. Most of the roles I played are the tough chick, edgy personalities. Like in ‘Sanctuary,’ I played Kali, who is the goddess of destruction. In ‘Smallville,’ I played Hawkgirl. In the movie ‘Ambrosia,’ my character’s personality is very strong, and in this movie I’m doing in India, I play a very liberal woman against Saddam Hussein’s regime.
Are you more intent at pursuing a Bollywood career than going to Hollywood?
I know that the new James Bond is casting, and that they’re looking for a Middle-Eastern female. But the reason I went to India is because I grew up watching all these Indian films. And because the people who watch films in India, they save all their money just to watch a movie. Movies are such a big deal for the people, so you’re like a hero to them. In Hollywood, I think they care more about the gossip. In Bollywood, they don’t care about an actor’s personal life. They care because he or she is wonderful on-screen. They’re in love with the actor and not their personal lives.
How was your childhood like in Iran?
Persians are a lot like Filipinos in the sense that they place huge importance on family and sticking together. That’s what I realized being here in Cebu and in this resort. Everything you do here is with family. There’s barbecue all the time. Even my Filipino friends back in Canada, they always have family get-togethers and are always calling family members, and it is the same in Iran.
What made the family move to Canada?
It’s the same as many other citizens who emigrate to Canada. It’s important to note that there are more than 600,000 Filipinos who moved to Canada because of greener pastures and also because of the fact that there’s more freedom when it comes to exercising one’s rights. If I was in Iran, I wouldn’t have been able to participate in a pageant.
What advocacies are closest to your heart?
I’m a huge supporter of anti-bullying, because I find that so many young girls and youth give up their lives in the hands of bullies. My second cause is for the SOS Children’s Villages and Operation Smile.
What traits in a guy would garner your attention?
I would say humor. Imagine living with a guy that makes you laugh – that also helps you lose weight!
What food here in Cebu have you tried out and loved?
Oh I love everything, but your barbecues especially which are everywhere! You guys mastered barbecueing. Out on the streets, I see steam coming out from every shop. I don’t know what’s with you people, because you always have a smile on your faces! I feel that even growing up, I have this connection to the Philippines. I have talked a lot about being bullied for being different, not being able to speak properly and not knowing how to dress. But I always remember having Filipino friends who would always tell me ‘maganda’ and I’d be like, ‘salamat.’ Even when I did Miss Universe Canada, there was a lady originally from the Philippines who was one of my biggest sponsors. (FREEMAN)