A COMMENT FROM THE PHILIPPINES, ON MY BLOG TODAY….
Dear Ines,
I don’t know you personally, but here’s what I think of you based on how you have advertised your public persona through your own actions.
1. You know your stuff
It can’t be denied that you know how to train your girls for Miss Universe and that the image you’ve constructed for them seems to appeal to MU Org based on the recent successes of the girls.
2. You are extremely Media-savvy
You know the large volume of international visitor hits you get on your blog and you use that to drum up interest in your girls by publicizing their training routine, their clothes, their hair etc. Any national director who knows how the Internet/Media works would do what you do if they thought it would give their girls a higher chance of placing at Miss Universe.
3. You know how to make Filipinos eat out of your hand
You know for yourself the uproar you created last year on the internet pageant forums when you posted disparaging comments Riyo had made on the girls she was competing with, like the fiasco with Miss Philippines (reported by you/Rio as having said she was not from Asia). Having received plenty of reactions and hits on your blog, you know the power of your words and the extent of your readership, especially in the face of the millions of pageant netizens from the Philippines. You now have the filipinos eating out of your hand now with your “kind” offer of bringing a preliminary competition gown for Miss Philippines (without the consent/knowledge of the Philippines National Director).
You portray yourself as doing it from the goodness of your heart, yet you deliberately undermine the work of the Philippines National Director. If you really had Philippines’ interest at heart, you would simply liaise with the National Director quietly and not advertise your charity work and indirectly intimate that Stella Araneta is ineffective as a director. You portray yourself as a savior coming to lift Philippines out of their pageant doldrums. It’s not their interest you have at heart but your own. You know that if you can get a Miss Philippines to place after not having placed since 1999, it will speak more about you than the Philippines. You aren’t interested in the fact that there are just as capable local talent, who given the opportunity, could do much better with the filipinas. No, banish the thought, only Ines Ligron can save the Philippines.
4. You contradict yourself.
In your recent blog entry you wrote that “some girls really stand out for they real-girl look , fresh beauty and good heart. The look that Miss Universe is looking for.” I dare you to define good heart, Ines. A girl with a good heart would compete honestly. A girl with a good heart would be confident in her own abilities and be so insecure that she resorts to having her National Director post disparaging comments on her blog about her competition being “fake, old-fashion and looking like drag-queens”, as you quoted Hiroko as having said. Same scenario with the catty comments from “good-hearted” Riyo last year, whom you claim MUO staff and Trump think is one of the two best Miss Universes ever (by the way, Jennifer Hawkins was trained by a Filipino, yes a FILIPINO)
5. There is something sinister about your actions
Do you think that it is very professional of you as a National Director to post disparaging remarks about other girls taking part in Miss Universe. You being associated with Miss Universe, how would Donald Trump feel when he knows that a national director is doing this to damage the reputation of “his” girls in “his” pageant. I am sure you know this is unprofessional, but this is what makes your actions even more sinister. That you would stoop to this level of unprofessional conduct to play the media to your advantage.
Prove me wrong, Ines. I would really like to hear what you have to say. As I said, I don’t know you personally, but all this is based on your actions.
ps. you do not have to be so modest when you said you were not sure whether Miss Philippines “will want to listen to me or accept my help, she doesn’t know me and probably she has never heard of me….. and she will think who the hell is this woman?!.” Of course Miss Philippines knows who you are. You are the national director that was responsible for a fellow Asian girl winning the last Miss Universe competition. Do you think Jennifer is that ignorant? It comes off as false modesty on your part.
From DL dl2008@hotmail.com
My reply:
DL,
I indeed read your email and think that it is interesting to see how easily I can be misinterpreted.
I received so many sweet and genuine comments from Filipinos – a country full of people that I love and relate to. I have SO many Filipinos friends around the world, also including 2 members of my own family!! For your information, I am the niece of Mr. Areneta, which makes Stella my aunt! How would I dare step on her feet?
I am simply saying that I will bring a dress to Vietnam for Jennifer because my dear friend there, who has arranged her wardrobe and training, is Stella’s brother, and of course this dress will be passed on to him and he will decide what to do with it. I will not address Jennifer directly as I said she probably would think -who is she?
In 2006, everyone hated Kurara’s gown at the preliminary. Many directors, including Fadil Berisha, kindly proposed to loan me a gown, and at the end the only one that could fit Kurara was from my sweetheart friend Peter, the national director of Trinidad & Tobago, who loan me a black gown. Kurara placed top 2 because of that; she would have not looked good in her initial dress. Did I get stubborn when many directors came to me and told me “you MUST change that dress!!, NO! Instead I felt loved and supported by my fellow colleagues.
DL, you should open your heart and your mind because people are not as dark and calculating as you think. What I say and what I write is uncensored and honest, so you should appreciate that, because in this world everything is censored and fake particularly when you read the press. At least in my blog I speak openly and not talking as a diplomat which I am obviously not!
And also, I decided to train Miss Korea for the challenge and because Japan and Korea have historical tensions. It has been a real pleasure to train Sun as she is such a lovely, fun and hard-working girl, but I swear it was too much work for me at the end and too much stress, because i really wanted to give the same amount of attention and love to both girls, and there is no way I will ever do that in the future because I need to take care of my 2 boys who still need me so much.
I will always try to help of course other Directors whom I am related to or freind with. But I need to be conservative in how much I can handle being a mom with long working hours.
At last, I respect you; your message is very well-written. You must be really smart and well-educated. Actually, you should come to work for me!
Love and all the best to beautiful Jennifer, and to all the delegates especially from Asia!
The picture above is my gift to you. It was taken by Sanae, my staff, who flew to Vitenam for a day to deliver a complete wardrobe to Riyo. You see I have 3 baby-girls to take care of this year. Do not think it is easy on me…. but I feel blessed because I know the 3 of them love me very much and this is what it is all about for me: LOVE.
ines
- LeeSora Says:
Hi Ines, I just want to say that I am a huge fan of your work. It is sad that some people misinterpret your good intentions! I appreciate you training Miss Korea..I am from Korea! I know the people back home are elated that you took the time to train Korea as well as Japan. I love your blog because it is so real and fun! I love your blogs so much, I keep coming back for more! They are so addictive! I really really hope you are not going to change your blogs by any means because some may not understand your good intentions. I think Hiroko and Sun is phenomenal, especially since their trainer is so fashion savy, sweet, and genuine….and no one can deny how much you love your sons!
- martin co Says:
Ines – I am a Filipino based in New York. Not all Filipinos view your offer to help as sinister and calculating. I do think that this is a genuine act of kindness and I appreciate this very much. Thank you very much for your offer to help. I am sure many other Filipinos appreciate this as well. Good luck and best regards,
martin
- Ron of the Philippines Says:
Ines, please take good care of Jennifer. we need a trainor like you, who is willing to help. I wish you can motivate Jennifer to shine like Kurara and Riyo.Ines, please pursue in helping Jennifer, our Miss Philippines for Miss Universe 2008. it’s not too late for Jen to be well-noticed by the MUO, in this years pageant. I know you can really help Jen even she’s somehow a stranger to you, just like Kurara and Riyo, during your first encounter to them. Ines, I hope I can follow your foot steps; helping people especially, in the way of my passion, the pageantry. hope to see you here in the Philippines because of Jen’s success. God Bless!
- Rafa Delfin Says:
Dear Inés,
I read your blog almost regularly and I adore it! I also appreciate your honesty and passion for hard work and success! You are a great source of inspiration to me as a pageant follower and also as a commentator. Please continue what you’re doing and never allow other people to think for yourself, because if you do, you’ll never fulfill your dreams.
Tu es une femme vraiment incroyable et j’adore tout ce que tu fais pour tes filles et pour le monde de concours de beauté. Que j’espère qu’il existe une multitude d’Inés Ligron pour rendre cet univers beaucoup plus beau et beaucoup plus chic! Bisous!
- LeeSora Says:
oh yea! and regard miss philipines…please help her! I am pretty sure she will take your advice..I can honestly say that philipines consistently bring their most beautiful girl…I mean come on, how many times in a row did a philipina win a photogenic award????and somehow they never place. I really hope the gown you are going to bring can help her place…
- danni Says:
Hi, Ines, as almost everyone here I´m a big fan of you, since Kurara Chibana, who I admire and always impresses me with her charm and her beauty! I think you must be tired of reading all the comments of support, but I think one more phrase cannot do bad.. Keep doing your wonderful work and changing so many girl´s lives for the good, and of course, don´t pay attention to comments that want to take your concentration away, you have a good life and a lot of fans that will always be by your side, and by the side of such great girls like the ones you train!
Tu est belle et magnifique! Bises de Venezuela!
- chui Says:
dear ines,
i’m a big fan from the philippines, i would just like to tell you that not all filipinos think that way, we actually see your help as one asian helping another asian, eventhough your not asian but you represent miss universe japan, your always be an asian in our hearts.
i think its just one of the bad traits filipinos have that we protect our pride so much eventhough we can see that we really need help. we are pageant fanatics, as evidenced by numerous miss photogenic awards and miss world semifinalists, but our national director isn’t that energetic anymore. even our national costumes and evening gowns are coming from colombia, but its ok for us because we respect her, we take this insult year by year, correction, “I” take this insult because this might ignite something.
its ok to use foreign brands as long as they are the best, like from paris and milan fashion houses, but we have numerous filipino designers that our candidates can showcase. isn’t it nice if our candidate did not only represent the beauty of the filipinos but also our arts and fashion?
its nice to see open minded people like koreans who open handedly welcomed your much needed input. and one more thing, you dont have to defend yourself on the things you post because this is YOUR blog and not theirs!
best wishes! more power and keep up the good work! its nice to have someone who is a certified fashionista! you have evolved the pageant world by introducing high fashion, which is sorely needed!
chui ;p
- DJ Says:
Dear Ines,
First and foremost, I would to congratulate you for showing a very great courage and strength in training Miss Japan. Yeah, Japan has achieved so many victory in Miss Universe due to your work.
Ines, I wish to meet you one day. To talk and see your work in training your girls. I also wish to see you train Miss Malaysia Universe (maybe next year). I want the world knows that Malaysia also has a chance in winning Miss Universe title.
Love to hear from you Ines.
- Islander Says:
Ines, just to let you know that I personally see nothing calculating or negative about your offer. I thought it was very kind of you, and certainly, quite generous of you. Frankly, most of us understand that you have nothing to gain by offering to help Miss Philippines. You very clearly do not need this. But Jennifer certainly does.
Apologies that there is always some kind of unnecessary controversy whenever you deal with people from the Philippines. Rest assured that many more of us have a good opinion of you and your work.
Cheers!
- jlee Says:
ines, i do not know you personally either but i read your blog almost everyday and i know that you are a sweet, genuine, hard working, warm-hearted and incredible woman. you took time to train miss korea when you did not have to. you could have spent more time with hiroko and with your lovely sons but you decided to help korea. just want to let you know that people in korea are sssssssoooooo excited about this year’s pageant and they love you =). we all wish to have a national director like you. i was a little bit sad when you said that you are not going to help train miss korea anymore… but i totally understand…i know that training is fun and exciting but at the same time it can be very stressful and time consuming. your sons are adorable and they do need love and time from their mom =).ines, i really appreciate you helping miss korea this year. i wanna thank you again. thank you so much and i love you ines!take care~
- Islander Says:
To jlee– I can only share in your excitement over Ines’ training of Sun. She looks fabulous! We hope that Philippines can also join Japan and Korea’s training under Ines in 2009.
- Really, REALLY pissed off!!!! Says:
Dear Ines,
I think you have done a great job with your girls. I am very much in support of the “asian invasion” as we have come to call it here in North America. I loved the spunk Riyo had last year, and whilst I found Honey Lee to be more beautiful, I felt that Riyo’s win was well deserved.
HOWEVER, I have lost all respect for you, because of the negative comments you have published about “most of the delegates”.
Did you stop to consider thier feelings when you “quoted” that? Someone with a GOOD heart would have. Peter Elias seems to have a good heart, because he did not publish for the world to see that he loaned Kurara a gown!!
I think people who have influence in this world, such as yourself, should use it to do ONLY good, and never should it be used to degrade another human being. As a director, I am sure you are aware that these young women are only doing what they have been trained to do by thier respective directors. By insulting the girls, you are by extension, insulting thier directors.
Your excuse of being “misunderstood” is not acceptable, because a person who has high visibility SHOULD censor thier comments!
And I am sure you are also aware that MANY of these girls are representing very poor countries,and unfortunately, cannot afford designer brands as part of thier wardrobe. You probably spend more on a one dress, than they spend on thier entire wardrobe. Obvioulsy you and your girls have no empathy towards those in less fortunate circumstances than you.
I find you and your girls to be a tad tacky with thier condesending aura this year, and hopefully God is watching and that Japan does not make it into the semis this year, just because of her condesending tone towards the other girls. I am still rooting for Sun,(until you post some nasty comment she makes about the other girls).
I really hope a girl who is actually very nice wins this year. Hopefully not someone who has to rely on too much makeup, too much posturing, and too many designer clothes to win!
And finally a word of advicve to you: Consider carefully how this business works, do you really think Japan can stay on top of this game forever??? It cylical, every country has had a turn. For the moment Japan is at the top, how long before the wheel turns and you are at the bottom again? Osmel had his turn, he was once the “God of pageants”, and now he is the regarded with some degree of scorn for how he styles his girls.
God is watching Ines, and since you chose to put up this blog, so is the world!!!
I don’t expect you to publish this, but hopefully you will at least read it, and some of it will get through to you, and you can hopefull use your fame to do good, or you can become the next “Osmel”, who I belive got so drunk with power that he did the same as you are doing now.
And when you are no longer at the top, everyone will laugh at you, because you left many people hurt and offended by your comments.
- Captain Moon Says:
LOVE YOU INES! STRONG!
- jd Says:
Dear Ines,
We love how you’re redefining and modernizing the beauty pageant. And we love that you’ve put Asia back on the pageant map.
You are, quite simply, an ICON.
We love you here in the Philippines!
- Ines Says:
-
YOU ARE SO WRONG BECAUSE VENEZUELA IS GOING TO WIN THIS YEAR. OSMEL IS MY DEAR FRIEND AND I WISH YOU WOULD NOT SPEAK BADLY OF HIM. WHAT HAVE YOU PERSONNALLY ARCHIVE IN YOUR LIFE THAT MAKE YOU FEEL -ABOVE OSMEL AND MYSELF- IN YOUR OWN MIND? HOW CAN YOU JUDGE US? PLEASE IMPRESS ME….
INES
- Jerry Says:
I do not think you are the person described by a compatriot. I would say he is a friend–or avery good friend maybe–of our national director and is feels threatened. We have high hopes in you helping Jen. We may sound pathetic, but that’s the way it is. Thanks for the concern!
- to the pissed off fan Says:
I really hope you will take the time out to read this. What negative comments have Ines had on other delegates? There is not one entry where Ines said oh this girl’s outfit is TERRIBLE and THIS contestant is mean and etc! You are probably referring to what Hiroko said…And I am sorry to burst your bubbles…Many contestants probably feel the same way about the others. If you think others don’t go around bad mouthing each other, you are in what I call LALA land. Ignes is probably the only director who is bold enough to write that. I am sure many delegates went to their own directors and said the same. I understand your view on how many girls cannot afford their own fancy gowns..How many times have you seen a contestant placed when they did not have a fancy gown? Ines showed empathy by offering them the ones she got…Ines, Hiroko, and Sun helped Miss Canada by loaning them their OWN gown and shoes..you obviously missed that blog. You obviously missed the blog where sun donated all of your 20,000 winnings toward charity. I don’t see nothing tacky about that. I think you are misinterpreting their CONFIDENCE for arrogance.
- RON Says:
Ines…
We (Filipino pageant fanatics) believe in / love you!
We will appreciate any help that you can offer for our candidate…I personally hope that you can hone our future candidates, like what you did for Korea…
Love from the Philippines
- D Says:
we love you Ines.. forget about the previous comment Ines.. to you “YOU PISS IN YOUR PANT”!!! if you dont like what INES wrote on her blog do not come back here or read…you are really a pathetic. This is all about the truth. Alot girls does look very fake and not as pretty as they are. I knew someone in vietnam she is a makeup artist and she working w. alot contestants. she told me a while back when they just arrived at the hotel even before ines wrote on her blog about MISSES fake, look like drag and plastic.. she told me alot of them are at as pretty as they seen to be and alot plastic. we all want to know the truth about the contestants.. Ines she just want to sharing with her fan about the contestants. I think that is nothing negative about that or hurt the contestant. she is not pointing about to any misses.. So, how does Ines hurting any of the contestants. We all should just sit back and enjoying the update about miss universe 2008 by INES. this is exciting. please keep up the good work Ines,Ines i supporting you writing the truth on your blog.. please we love to read what you write on your blog..
we love and support INES all the way..
- Ron of the Philippines Says:
More Power to you Ines! don’t mind too much those neagtive sayings from others, just continue your kindness, and our Creator will be happy for what good you are doing.
Best wishes, for you & for your love ones!
RoN
- Shoko Says:
Dear INES
I finish read this mail .
Why must you be criticized?
I meet you so i feel your power and smail, good inspiration, and personality,it was so good influence to me!!
if she meet to you, and tark , sake a hand,
maybe she understand to you,I wish you never give up!!
and Don’t mind some peaples opinion!!moar love
Shoko
- Chris Says:
Ines,
You, once again, proved us that you have a genuinely nice intentions. If you will really help Philippines, which I hope you REALLY do, it will show that you really has the spirit and passion in what you say and do.
Thanks Ines! Your attitude in pageant and style is such an inspiration!
- lina morales Says:
go ines make hiroko ,sun and jenniffer this years top 3…………go asians
- paw Says:
just ignore this mail Ines… check the IP address as well if the mail is genuinely from Philippines… maybe there are few people who are jealous because you gonna lend a gown for miss Philippines… I support you Ines… Ignore the negative vibe… go Ines! Bring gown for Jenifer, I’m sure its fashionable and really look nice… thank you Ines!
- jlee Says:
ines, you will always be the best miss universe director. you teach girls not just about how to look pretty in front of camera but you also teach them about inner beauty and self-confidence. in the process of training, girls gain valuable experiences from you and those lessons are more important than getting the miss universe crown. even IF none of your trainees win the crown, you are still the BEST director and a winner because you have changed the girls in many positive ways and they’ve become a better person.
cheers!!!
- belat Says:
Hello Ines,
I’m a big fan.. please don’t mind them… you can’t please everyone… What’s important is that there are more people who trusts in your capabilities…
I hope you can teach the Philippines a few of your tricks…
God bless Ines…. Merci!
- Pedro Diaz Carvalho of Manila, FILIPINAS Says:
Hey Ines, please get in touch with Jennifer Barrientos. I really do hope you could give her some tips and loan her a very nice gown to be used in Miss Universe beauty pageant. I’m tired seeing recycled Barraza gowns; I don’t think the Philippines, which is the home of great designers like Monique Lluiller, would provide its beautiful and alluring delegate a mediocre gown. If Stella is technically your aunt, I do hope you could help enlighten and update her in the most recent fashion trends. POR DIOS POR SANTO, INES, SALVAR JENNIFER BARRIENTOS ORA MISMO!!!
- Jason Says:
Oh dear…thank you for being the bigger person Ines.
- Miguela Sanchez Says:
Wassup Ines? Thanks for showing some genuine kindness to Miss Philippines. I think she is an open-minded and fashionable woman, and a very strong Asian candidate, please try to reach out to her and HELP her. THANKS A LOT, AND MORE POWER!!!
- Georgia Zaragoza (Makati City, Philippines) Says:
THANKS FOR POSTING A LOVELY PIC OF JENNIFER BARRIENTOS. I HONESTLY THINK THAT SHE’S A VERY STRONG ASIAN DELEGATE IN THIS YEAR’S COMPETITION, BUT I’M AFRAID SHE MIGHT NOT MAKE THE CUT BECAUSE OF THE BAD FASHION TASTE, POOR GOWNS, OUTDATED HAIRSTYLE AND PACKAGING THAT HER HANDLERS ARE GIVING HER. I CAN’T BELIEVE THAT THE PHILIPPINES IS LOSING ITS STATUS AS AN ASIAN POWERHOUSE OF BEAUTY. INES SAVE THE PHILIPPINES FROM THE BRINK OF OBLIVION!
- Jim Ariba Says:
PLEASE OFFER JENNIFER BARRIENTOS HELP… SHE NEEDS YOU SO BAD… DON’T LET HER BECOME A WASTED BEAUTY…
INES, YOU’RE A DIVA!!!
- rationalizer Says:
hi ines!
i guess i am not alone in saying that the above post does not speak for the majority of filipino pageant fans.
we genuinely appreciate your willingness to help us out.
in the end, the only thing that matters is we only want the best for miss philippines.
kudos to you and the best of luck to hiroko and sun!
- Wizard of Awe Says:
Hi there Ines,
I guess by now it is clear that there are more Filipinos anticipating your “magic touch” on our candidate than the single “mole” who chose to misunderstand your very kind gesture. I am also glad that you are related to the Araneta’s so this would make things easier.
In order to become a certified DIVA, a beauty contender must be trained by a TRUE DIVA… that’s you Ines….and We love you….
- KC Says:
miss ligron, i just have to say that you are a tireless, extremely devoted woman who just wants to see her proteges succeed. i, for one, am disappointed to see disparaging comments made about other delegates, but to be fair, i’m not in vietnam to see all these tremendously beautiful ladies firsthand.. and while negative comments are no doubt seen as disrespectful by many, you have done an amazing job with your ladies and i personally want so bad someone such as yourself to take charge of the binibining pilipinas pageant. i’ve watched over the years as so many deserving ladies have gone unplaced. you are a hard working mom with a lot of stress on your plate, but that just tells me that you’re willing to go the distance to make somebody deserving take the spotlight. kudos to you! but on the other hand, someone with your visibility in the pageant world can be misconstrued as a villain with such remarks made about “drag queens.” it’s almost impossible to balance anything in a media-infatuated world, but you’re definitely not hated in my book. keep up the good work!
KC
- yanina Says:
HI INES,
WE SUPPORT YOU ALL THE WAY….ive been reading your blog for months now and I dont see anything sinister about your actions or whatever’s written in your blog…
Yes, this is your personal blog and I believe you have all the right to say your opinions (frank and honest opinions that is)
About Plastic Beauties…duh? Trump knew this from the very start, he even quoted this during an interview…and yes the WORLD knows about plastic beauty queens… i just dont understand why we’re getting a big deal out of this.
WE SUPPORT YOU INES!!!! LOVE LOTS!!!
- alvin santiago of manila, thePHILIPPINES Says:
Madame INES, please don’t mind the e-mail, there were still others who believes in what you can do. Please do help our candidate Jen Barrientos, Ms. Philippines. Ms. Japan and Ms. Korea were very fortunate on having you. Jen needs you Madame Ines, not only Jen but also all the Filipinos like me who were longing the Philippines to be placed once again in this prestigious pageant.
take care madame, we love you.alvin
- yanina Says:
*******ONE QUESTION*********
is it true that Miss Universe 2002 Oxana Fedorova borrowed the GUCCI gown from Miss Japan during the finals???
Thanks for your reply…love lots!
- stephen Says:
dear ines,
i live in japan and if u need my service to get back on those nasty filipinos who insult u, just let me know! i think email address is visible to u when u edit ur blog. im sick and tired of these people! yes, there are lots of nice filipinos around the world, but ignorant filipinos like some of the posters here dilute our good image!
again… if u need my service, just let me know! ive been dealing with these types of people for as long as i live! im sick and tired of them! this is also one of the reasons why i avoid filipino gatherings here in japan! it’s so full of airheaded d*ckheads…! trust me, they are everywhere!!!
best regards… and take care!
stephen
- Marco Says:
My Dearest Ines,
I just want to thank you for your PURE INTENTIONS in helping other Asians in the Miss Universe pageants specially our Miss Philippines. You know, you will be blessed in return, a hundred times more! Promise! Have faith!
I remember during the Miss International Pageant in 2005, Precious Lara Quigaman, Miss Philippines International 2005 helped and teached her Asian colleagues with the proper make up, proper pose & proper catwalk even if she was prohibited by her trainer not to teach her competitors. But Precious Lara is sincere, generous, and she shared what she have, selfless, very kind and her intentions are pure in helping her Asian Collegues. She has a heart for other people. And in return, God blessed her by winning the Miss International 2005 crown (she is not expecting this). And Ines, you have a generous heart, I see it in you! You are a good samaritan and you will be rewarded in return.
I prayed you will be blessed, not only for your abilities to produce future Asian Miss Universe winners, but to blessed you and your family. I wished you the best Ines!
Marco
- DL Says:
Dear Ines
Thank you for your reply, your picture of beautiful Jennifer and for highlighting my comments, you got a lot of mileage and sympathy out of that, you wiley fox
but I am sure you saw that coming.As I said, I don’t know you personally so I am basing my impressions on your actions and I could have misinterpreted your actions. If I did, I am sorry. But I do have to comment on your reply and on Hiroko’s comments.
You justify your “honesty” and “openness” by saying that “in this world everything is censored and fake particularly when you read the press.” Ines, you know you are free to post whatever you like on your blog. But please do not liken real censorship on cold hard FACTS in the world at large (like the Weapons of Mass Destruction fiasco) to gossip on Miss Universe girls. The Internet, Pageant forums and media are full of comments on Miss Universe girls, both positive and negative. What censorship and fakeness are you talking about?
You have to understand that Hiroko’s opinion that some girls appear fake, old-fashioned and like drag queens is simply that – an OPINION, they are not FACTS. There is no inherent TRUTH in Hiroko’s OPINION that makes publishing these OPINIONS on a blog some exercise in being HONEST and OPEN as you say, and thus something to be appreciated. If Hiroko were to be REALLY honest and open about her opinions, she would simply say what she thinks of these girls straight to their faces, and not have her national director post her opinions on her blog. In fact, smiling and acting friendly towards these girls she thinks are fake and then bitching about them behind their backs on a blog is in itself being FAKE, wouldn’t you agree?
Which brings me to my next point. You openly admit not being a diplomat as if that is what is at stake. But do you not accept that you, as a National Director, somehow represent the image of the Miss Universe Organisation (just as Hiroko does) by being part of this event? Do you not think that as a National Director at Miss Universe, it is more important be discreet about Hiroko’s private bitching about her competition to you than to be “honest” and publish these negative opinions (not facts)? It’s not about being diplomatic nor about being honest, nor about the censorship of the press. It’s about admitting that with power comes responsibility. I am not going to say more, because if you can’t see it, then it speaks loads about you.
As for all the Filipinos eating out of your hand, I would like to ask them how they would react if the Philippines’ National Director posted Jennifer’s private bitching on her competition (not that she has or ever will) for all to read and use as ammunition against her character. In fact, you saw how they reacted to your incriminating post on Anna Licaros last year. But I am sure if Hiroko and you bitched about Jennifer in your quest for honesty and non-censorship, they still wouldn’t mind because they think that you are going to save Bb Pilipinas. I somehow wouldn’t blame them: doing well in a beauty pageant is so integral to national and individual self-worth in the Philippines that Filipinos will sell their souls just to enjoy the thrill of a Filipina winning at an international pageant.
Thanks for being the bigger person and for the invitation to work with you but I will have to decline your kind offer. I would feel very uncomfortable if my boss posted on her blog my private thoughts I told her in confidence. But I am sure any one of my fellow countrymen eating out of your hand will jump at the offer.
I’ve said my peace. All the best with your future plans and ambitions. You’re a very competent and creative woman and you indeed know what you’re doing.
- fliptoronto Says:
*********INES PLEASE REAAD THIS*************
Hey INES,
Im a filipino based in Toronto and on behalf all the filipino community around the globa i would like to apologize for DL’s misinterpreation of your act. i really do appreciate and most of us do on your willingness to help Jennifer. I hope you can really do help her out gownwise and hairstyle wise. If she make it at least to the semi finals just because of your help i think its one step closer to our dream to make drastic changes in our pageant system here. Youll prove and make the BBPCI realize that we are already living in the 20th century because i hate to admit it but they are old fashioned when it comes to that. Who knows maybe if Jennifer at least made it to the semis Stella would be happy to get you as Philippines’ trainor as well.
I really do hope it works out between you and Jen’s wardrobe consultants and most espacially i hope Jen will accept your open wide arms open. Thanks very much and please please please im begging you to help us. People are entitled for their own oponion , it just so happened that DL is very very narrowed to closed minded. They think that a competition will always stay a competition. They dont even know what really is going on behind the cameras and all where all delegate help out each other contrasting to what they see on pic and videos. I hope you accept our apologies.
- Ines Says:
Paw, you are so right… he is from Holland, not the Philippines…. I checked the IP…
and to you Dl get a life… which planet are you from? The lonely planet?
Sorry I did not read your post entirely, I stoped reading it from the 3rd paragraph…. but at your honor, I am politely keeping it up… as far as I do not know what you wrote, I don’t mind.
And, I dearly wish you a happy life like mine.
Cheers!
ines
- lito_mora Says:
dear ines,
this is my very first time to post comment on your blog, i am a pageant fanatic and you can always find me leaving comments in a philippine based pageant forum, miss philippines and beyond…
the reason in posting a comment is that i can’t just take what this DL moron is talking about (in our group at voy.com/13953/) we are free to discuss things such as what we do observe on how BPCI is running our delegates on their respective pageants, in such case nothing more is to prove bout your ability to come up with a decent showing for your girls, that’s why most filipino pageant fanatics are now looking for you to take over the looming clouds surrounding our delagates year after year.
when you mention out of your kinded heart a little help for our delagate we we’re happy, in fact if you visit the board which i belong to, you can see how much we appreciated your little effort to help ms. barrientos. but some stupid egotistical whimp here is accusing you of using it to gain something from it. we believe whoever he/she is hiding in that pseudo is very sick and insecure human being we even believe base on how he addresses the BPCI pageant director could mean he/she might be one of them ( a BPCI insider), judging on how he viewed your willingness to help and we are challenging him not to hide his/her identity, so we can lay all cards on the table. we can criticize each other but not stepping on ones face and kinda lose grip on what we called RESPECT. otherwise, if they are doing thair job right (take note it’s almost been a decade after miriam quiambao, they cannot produce not a even one semifinals finish) we will not be heeding such calls. just take a look at what miss colombia and compared that of to our representative… only one word would come up on your mind SABOTAGE!!! and mrs. araneta (a former miss colombia) is allowing all of this to happen… hmmm. CONSPIRACY?
we just hope you dont get it wrong, he does not represent the whole philippine pageant fanatics, and we do really take our pageants seriously and that’s why we are willing to take any help from you. please save miss philippines from the trinity of evil that is CUMBIA, CUBAO, AND COLOMBIA…
- Filipino Fan Says:
In behalf of those maligning “filipinos” our apologies. Just wanna thank you for the help you are willing to do.
- Ron of the Philippines Says:
Ines Ligron, I am telling you that not all Filipinos have the same opinion regarding this issue.
I believe in your good intentions to help asian beauties. it was proven by Kurara & Riyo.
Now, i am wishing that you will really pursue helping Miss Philippines Jennifer Barrientos, she’s beautiful, but it will be sad if she will not be noticed because of some shortcomings. Jennifer really needs your help. it’s been 9 years since Philippines was included as semi-finalist in MU. Ines, Please make Jen become more stunning, for her to make it in the Miss Universe.
Ines, we’re wishing you to please help Jen, before the prelims, kindly loan her a noticeable gown, please advise her how to make her face seem sleeker. and please help her hair become more gorgeous.
Ines Ligron, please take care of her, and we filipinos will be very thankful for that.
more power! & also TAKE CARE of yourself, God bless you!
- mark carlos Says:
Thank you for giving the Philippines a chance to shine this year.
much appreciated.
God Bless.
- Arch Says:
Hello Ines! THANK GOODNESS you found out that the email you recieved was NOT from the Philippines. I highly doubt that that was even a Filipino.
Keep up the GREAT work and I just wanted to say I really enjoy your blog especially during the MU pageant!
- Asian Says:
Hi all.
IMO, Ines has done and accomplished lots great thing, and deserves my respect.
Anyone affected with her comments or thoughts sure know why they are reacting so much.
Let’s just respect everyone’s opinions without bashing and insults. We have to look upon our own before we throw flame to others.
Less talk, less mistake. DL’s comments has become too personal. I suggest to forget about this incident. This does not deserved to be talked about anyway. [How about deleting that post and e-mail of him, Ines. ü] And just focus and celebrate on the MU festivities. Let’s move on, folks. ü
- -j0hN- of Cebu City Says:
Hi Ines,
I have been your fan since Miyako. I believe that you have been very good at transforming simple girls to roaring beauty queens who has the “IT” top win it all.
I personally thank you for offering your help to Ms Philippines. Honestly I am not a fan of Jennifer but as a Filipino I am obliged to support her. Her success is the country’s success. I believe in teh Filipinos’ fighting spirit and I know that Jen has it. With proper training and advice, Jen can still be this years queen of beauty.
Ines, with God’s grace i hope you will be next years Philippines national director.
here is my take on Stella.
1) she was good before, the Philippines WAS a powerhouse and she was one of those responsible for it
2) now, she no logner has the “IT” to make Filipinas win, maybe because she is already old or i dont know
3) BPCI is so bad at finding girls to join the pageant
4) BPCI is worse in selecting winners, Carousel has produced better winners
5) BPCI is worst at training girlsMaybe you are Gods answer to Filipino pagenat fans who are thirsty and hungry for another Miss Universe victory.
Ines, dont mind your ditractors. There are mroe Filipinos who appreciate you, more and more Filipinos love you.
- -j0hN- of Cebu City Says:
Hi Ines,
I have been your fan since Miyako. I believe that you have been very good at transforming simple girls to roaring beauty queens who has the “IT” to win it all.
I personally thank you for offering your help to Ms Philippines. Honestly I am not a fan of Jennifer but as a Filipino I am obliged to support her. Her success is the country’s success. I believe in the Filipinos’ fighting spirit and I know that Jen has it. With proper training and advice, Jen can still be this years queen of beauty.
Ines, with God’s grace i hope you will be next years Philippines national director or at least a trainor.
Here is my take on Stella…
1) The Philippines WAS a powerhouse and she was one of those responsible for it, we will always be greatful to her
2) Now, she no logner has the “IT” to make Filipinas win, maybe because she is already old or maybe she no longer is as inspired as before
3) BPCI is so bad at finding girls to join the pageant
4) BPCI is worse in selecting winners, Carousel has produced better winners
5) BPCI is worst at training girlsMaybe you are Gods answer to Filipino pageant fans who are thirsty and hungry for another Miss Universe victory.
Ines, don’t mind your detractors. There are more Filipinos who appreciate you, more and more Filipinos love you.
- Kirk Patterson Says:
Asia should build a force that would counteract the Latin American beauties, and I hope you could lead that Ines.
Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Thailand and India are the best delegates this year. I hope all of them will make it to the finals.
- carl Says:
Hi ines,
I believe in you…your sincerity that counts…no matter what others say…just please don’t mind it..maybe he’s just envy. Most of us filipinos who happens to be pageant fanatics really appreciate it very much on your concerns with our Jennifer Barrientos…i believe that you really are concern on how she does at Miss Universe.Please go on with your previous plans of seeing jen before the prelim. I hope you can talk to her and eventually see what gown is best for her that night…Thank you and more power…By the way i am disappointed why Ms Korea didn’t make it to the Top 10 of the national costume…i just love her wearing it and how she projects…but anyway it’s not a bearing for the crown…may god always be with you and bless your family for being so kind and understanding…thanks a million.GOD BLESS
- kurara my love Says:
Hi Ines,
I’m a Filipino and i just read the mail of DL and your reply…
Just ignore his mail….
Don’t worry, we really do appreciate your kindness for our beloved Jennifer……..
Thank you so much being so patient….
Keep up the good work, best of luck to Japan, Korea and of course Philippines…..
May your hardw work and guidance guide her to win our 3rd Miss Universe crown!!!!
Tanks and we support you all the way!!!!!
God Bless!!!!
- lito_mora Says:
dear DL, (i’m sorry ines need this space to make this dumb ass shut his stinking mouth up)
how dare you accuse every filipino pageant fanatics to be as shallow as you… the hell for you to comment that we will even sold our soul just for a beauty title. you claim yourself to be concern with miss philippines and you tried to create chaos on ines blog, and accuse her of using these issues for their delagate to he extent of insulting your own countrymen for what? for little space to be heard ( napaka KSP mo, o yan pinansin ka na… masaya ka na?)? what that makes of you…. you support BPCI or okay miss philippines, by belittling the intelligence of each Filipino pageant fanatics? you’re so pathetic….
- Lasala, Jian (Philippines) Says:
to DL:
you have to admit that our country needs help. that is why it is reflective through the way our people have lived because of our pride. ines ligron extended her help even in the past during the time of ana theresa licaros.
i believe that the philippines has a strong chance of winning however it is packaged very poorly. mdm. stella araneta doesn’t seem to know about imaging, why not send exotic beauties like ria bolivar. she might not be “Miss Venezuela-ish” beautiful but the world will be stunned by such beauty, energy and charisma.
so we need help….
to INES:
i know what you are doing is right and i believe in you so much because we are sharing the same vision. continue to do what is right and don’t listen to those who come into your way.
love lots,
Lasala,Jian
fashion designer
- randi Says:
hi ines..
i reaLLy feeL ur most sincere concern about jenn, and i understand that u want to heLp her because she’s a fiLipino and certainLy because fiLipino’s are cLose to your heart..
if i got that ryt..
anyways, thanks soo much for your concern, i hope u wiLL aproach jen and heLp her coz we reaLLy need it..
and i apoLogize for some fiLipino’s who misinterpreted u..
god bLess..
- khalil Says:
A Ines
hi…
i am a huge fan of your work, sice when i saw that documantary on M6 (66 minutes),i was impressed, you gave to me a real inspiration to realize my biggest dream ever. creating the Miss Algeria universe pageant.
i know i am still young at only 20 but i would love to have your help to make a differance in my country like you did in japan since 1998.vous etes une femme remarquable, paine de talent, mon seul et unique reve c’est de vous rencontrer un jour et de discuter de ce projet tres ambitieux.
Salutations du canada et bonne chance pour Hiroko.
- Perfect Diamond/ Perfect Pearl Says:
Mabuhay Ines!
I did not know you are related to Mr. Araneta. Off course I believe Madamme Stella Araneta will be happy if you could help her delegate Jennifer improved her chances of winning or even lame it to the Top 15.
I have a feeling that Jennifer may not even make it to the Top 15 if she wear that gown on the MU website. I think she should wear the gown on the picture here. She looks sexy in black. A beaded black dress will be fine. Plus she can wear white south sea pearls from jewelmer. Try to contact them.
Daniela Fenix-San Agustin
Marketing Manager
Jewelmer International Corporation
Rm. 701 National Life Insurance Building
6762 Ayala Avenue, Makati City 1226
Philippines
T: 632 810 0266 x: 136
http://www.jewelmer.com
marketing@jewelmer.comShe has shown interest on loaning Jennifer south sea pearl jewelry.
- dENALIdeGUZMAN Says:
Oh for f*cks sake! Since when was high fashion, modeling glamor etc. ever diplomatic? Sometimes you do what you gotta do in order to get to the top right? What counts is how you get there and remembering who helped you. Ines obviously you’ve created quite a fan base and have created positive, professional and personal relationships, that have contributed to your success. DL talks like this is the United Nations…..it’s a beauty pageant aimed at promoting tourism being fashion forward and marketing versatile models. What the hell does he think this is? CNN news broadcast? hahah MORE POWER 2 U INES! CHEERS! love from Canada.
- Beaded Jewelry Home Based Business Says:
I found your site via Google while searching for beaded jewelry home based business and your post regarding A COMMENT FROM THE PHILIPPINES, ON MY BLOG TODAY…. looks very interesting to me.
- marky Says:
hi miss ines..i’m marky from the philippines.. i just want to ask what if it’s true that you are ging to train miss philippines for next year’s miss universe pageant? lol i’m very excited about it….
Hi Ines
I just discovered your blog while reading some of the pageant blogsites.
What I understand and see is that you are indeed a good mentor/trainor/handler and your efforts have achieved successful results over the years!
You have enhanced your girl’s personalities with so much FUN, FUN AND FUN. And I think that is most important!
And despite your detractors, I believe that you are genuine person with a good heart! So carry on! Bless you!
p.s. Can I borrow some of you photos in my blog
?