Binibining Pilipinas 2008

Janina San Miguel, a contestant for the Binibining Pilipinas 2008, won Miss World despite a hideously grotesque blunder: She only managed to mangle her English on national stage.

Nakakahiya (translation: embarrassing). And this is an outrage.

San Miguel, who won two of the major awards on the same event -- Best in Long Gown and Best in Swimsuit – will advance to represent the Philippines at the international level. Oh, boy.

Let me be clear about one thing. A beauty pageant is a competition based on intelligent responses, not only on physical beauty, talent, and personality. So, why the hell did she still win?!?

It makes me wonder whether the other contestants were so bad that the event's judges couldn't choose a better person to represent us. But I don't think that's the case.

This whole thing just baffles me.

San Miguel, whose confidence border arrogance, also seemed to take great pleasure for her lack of knowledge of the English language. The fact that she’s a college student from a rather prestigious university doesn’t bode well, either.

I feel deeply embarrassed just watching the clip. It’s like a slow train wreck waiting to happen. The only thing is it did!

And then, it didn't.

Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg’s well-preserved structures that complement its breath-taking mountain backdrop make this city a must for extensive sightseeing. Not only is it easy to find your way around, but you will never run out of places to discover.

My wife and I stumbled upon the Mirabell Gardens, the famous backdrop for the “Sound of Music.” Before we knew anything, we were purchasing tickets for the “Sound of Music” tour. We’re also no mountain climbers, but I dare say we got intimate with Untersberg Mountain.

We even had a wonderful time trying not to get wet at the “trick fountains” at the Hellbrunn Palace despite the fact that it was already raining down hard that morning and we were already soaked.

In all its glory, and this might sound ridiculous, the one thing that I really found quite irresistible about this city was the apfel strudel. Everywhere we went, I had this strong urge to devour this wonderful dessert. I must have consumed thousands of calories, but I have no regrets.

It's been almost a year since I saw Salzburg, but I still catch my mind wandering off to this inspiring city from time to time. I know if I just close my eyes long enough, I can once again bask in it.