According to Maxine Medina, having an interpreter for the Q&A portion of Miss Universe is quite a good idea.The Binibining Pilipinas Universe current title holder said that she will ask for an interpreter if it is necessary.
“Wala namang masamang magpa-translate. I’m just here to win… Kung kailangan ko ng interpreter, kukuha ako,” she said in an interview on Wednesday.
An advice from a legend
Recently, 1969 Miss Universe Gloria Diaz, Miss Universe 2010 fourth runner-up Venus Raj and Miss Universe 2013 third runner-up Ariella Arida shared their thoughts and advices on the issue.
Diaz explained that anyone who advances to pageant’s Q&A portion would feel intimidated. She added that the competitions back then were more difficult since speaking in English was compulsory.
“During my time… it was a must to speak always in English. Pero ngayon, hindi na ganun,” she said.
She added, “You should speak in whatever language you belong…”
The first Miss Universe from the Philippines also said that Medina should get an interpreter if she thinks that she could explain herself to the Filipino people using her mother tongue. Diaz exclaimed, “Do not recommend. Insist!”
“Bakit, [sa] pagdating mo [ba] sa stage… may pulis ba d’yan [na] nakatutok ang baril [sa’yo]; na kailangan mag-English ka? Magtagalog ka. Who’s gonna stop you?”
Regrets and hopes
Raj believes that she could have given a better answer on the Q&A portion of the prestigious pageant if only Binibining Pilipinas allowed her to use Tagalog instead.
As a matter of fact, Raj confirmed that she requested an interpreter but Binibining Pilipinas didn’t allow her because “the Philippines is known as [an] English-speaking country.”
“Pero kung ako lang talaga, gustong-gusto [kong magkaroon ng interpreter]. I really want. My answer could have framed it in a way na… wow!”
She added that “everything happens for a reason.”
Meanwhile, Arida hopes that Filipino language will take center stage in Miss Universe someday.
“Sana, there will be a time na makapagsalita tayo sa sarili nating wika,” she said in an interview.
The Miss Universe coronation will be held on January 30 at Mall of Asia Arena.
