It seems like the controversial Binibining Pilipinas World 2008 Janina San Miguel will never hear the end of it. Janina Miller San Miguel, a broadcast communication student at the University of the East, has received countless criticisms because of her answer in the semi-finals interview portion (click here to read full transcript of Janina’s answer and here for the transcript of the answers of the other finalists). She has been called names and even branded as the next Melanie Marquez – the country’s reigning queen of malapropisms. And based on interviews with her after the pageant, it seems like she will not budge. Janina seems like a strong woman and she probably is hell-bent on proving her detractors wrong and prove to the world that she is tough. After all, she is one of the tough ten!
Binibining Pilipinas World 2008 Janina San Miguel
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Many Filipinos from all over the world were dismayed with the decision and are blaming the judges and the Binibining Pilipinas Charities for allowing contestants with poor communication skills to enter the contest. Some also blame (though only partly) the country’s educational system for producing students that are very poor in English. Others argue that she is a Filipina and there’s nothing wrong with speaking English with incorrect grammar. Some also suggest that we send an interpreter with her to the Miss World competiton (after all, other countries send interpreters too!).
Over at the Binibining Pilipinas official website, a Press Release automatically pops-up upon entrance, and it says:
Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. would like to congratulate the newly-crowned Binibining Pilipinas International 2008, Patricia Fernandez; Binibining Pilipinas Universe 2008, Jennifer Barrientos; and Binibining Pilipinas World 2008, Janina San Miguel. These three new queens that will represent the country in the respective global competitions are all worthy title holders.
The unanimous and final decision of the 11 distinguished International Board of judges chose them as the winners, during the Grand Coronation Night held at the Araneta Coliseum last March 8. San Miguel won Best in Swimsuit and Best in Long Gown categories.
It seems that the BPCI is upholding the decision of the judges. Call me crazy but I sense a washing of hands is apparent. But that’s just me.
And again, » Read more: A Petition to Replace Janina San Miguel?

















