Chapter 30
Lady USA
“Hi, Lady USA! How are you holding up so far?” Cleo asks, glad that Lady USA has agreed to a mini talk show. It also helps that since they’re three days away from coronation night, they’ve all been put into the same hotel. So now she’s going door to door, hoping to get a few minutes of their time.
Lady USA smoothes her blonde hair and smiles shyly at her. “Not fantastically, to be honest. But no matter what people say about me, I’m still trying my best to be their Lady USA. What I do with my face and my body is nobody’s business. My body, my rules.”
“That’s so true, Lady USA.”
“Yes. Thank you. I believe each one of us can grow. I wasn’t always Lady USA, you know? I was once a child who was bullied because of my awkward face, and I know we should always love ourselves as we are, but that’s not easy, and learning to do it is a long process. Joining this beauty pageant has helped build my confidence.”
Lady Kenya
One of the women Cleo most admires is Lady Kenya. Cleo would go as far as to call her a girl crush. The woman has a stout heart and a strong mind. She’s beautiful inside and out. “Is it okay if I ask you about . . .”
“Bulimia. Say it because it has a name, and it’s a serious eating disorder,” Lady Kenya says with a smile. “When I was a kid, I was skinny. I was malnourished. And then I was adopted, and my life improved, so I ate everything I could. I didn’t want ever to feel hungry again, which was why I gained weight, and it scared me. I was afraid my adoptive mother might hate me for my figure and no one would ever want me again, so I . . . I suffered. I ate too much and then purged it out.”
Cleo hates herself for doing this to Lady Kenya. She’s bringing up issues they have battled with for so long. “I’m so sorry. How are you today?”
“I’m much better than I was yesterday. This pageant made me see how much better I am. But the main reason I’m here is that I don’t want to see any more hungry children begging for love. I’ve been there, and it’s terrible.”
Lady Vietnam
Lady Vietnam wipes her tears away with a tissue. “I once had a sugar daddy because I needed the money for my mother who had cancer. Because of that man, I was able to extend my mother’s life for a year, and it was the best year of my life. I have no regrets. So, if people hate me for it, that’s fine. I did what I had to do then for my mother.”
“I’m sorry you had to go through that,” Cleo replies, and she is. Her heart breaks for Lady Vietnam. “I’m sure your mother is proud of the woman you’ve become today.”
Lady Vietnam smiles warmly at Cleo. “I hope so, because I am.”
Lady Lebanon
“Hi, Lady Lebanon. How are you?” Cleo begins, finding it more difficult to talk to the contestants she wronged. She feels crushed by her decisions, and doing this is just a tiny part of her apology.
Lady Lebanon laughs. “I’m free of all the hectic schedule as I am out of the competition. And yes, I was once married, and I thought I could hide that fact here because this was supposed to be my way of helping my people. I was married when I was only fourteen. And it wasn’t by choice.”
Cleo wants to apologize profusely to Lady Lebanon. She doesn’t deserve this outcome. “Is there anything you would like to say? I know this can be barely called a stage, but I’m sure there are people out there who are still rooting for you.”
“Well, then, if you’re still rooting for me, thank you. I’ll do what I can back home. I want to help the children live a good life and not be forced into marriage. My journey doesn’t end here, and nor does yours.”
The day of the Queen of the Universe coronation night has arrived, and everyone’s buzzing. Everyone in the country is treating it like a holiday. Some retail businesses have decided to close for the day, while barbershops and salons are open so people can watch the live telecast with them. They’re even giving discounts on haircuts. All of social media is rallying behind Cleo, and it honestly feels fantastic.
While Cleo isn’t able to talk to all the candidates, she’s at least covered a few ladies here and there. And right at this very moment, she only has herself to worry about as backstage has grown even more hectic. Various perfumes cloud the air, and the sweat is no joke, so it doesn’t smell all that good.
“Get ready,” Dom says strictly, pressured but still maintaining his composure. He’s pressing fresh powder on Cleo’s face while she’s applying lipstick.
It’s a crazy day, and the chaos isn’t subsiding in the slightest. Hairstylists and makeup artists are running all over the room carrying pins and adhesive tapes—probably due to a wardrobe malfunction. It’s a whole new war.
Once the VTR has ended, Cleo knows it’s showtime.
“Good luck,” Dom tells Cleo in all seriousness.
Cleo attempts to keep it light, keep herself composed. “Thank you.”
Cleo proceeds to the stage, a bit nervous but determined to win the crown. Since they’re being called by continent, she comes together with her group in the Asia Pacific. Parading again, they line up, smiling brightly and showing off their pearly white teeth. Looking around, she finds the man she met at the restaurant, and funnily enough, he turns out to be one of the judges. She ignores him and focuses on the task at hand.
Staring out at a sea of people, Cleo’s in awe of the glittering lights and dazzling star-speckled walls. She knows that the entire world’s watching. It’s the celebration of the beauty, heart, and soul of every woman.
As the competition progresses, Cleo’s home country is called. She knows from that moment on she’s doing this for the Philippines. Witnessing her bare soul carved out from the physical body are the people of her country, who have had their revolutions—many of them—through pen and sword. Tonight her heart beats with all of theirs, and she feels her oneness with every Filipino.
“How are you?” the host in a bow tie asks when he calls her name as one of the top twelve.
Smiling at him, a warm, genuine smile, Cleo answers, “I’m really, really good. Thank you.”
“And what can you say about the challenges and the comments aimed at you with your mother being a former beauty queen?”
Cleo doesn’t even need to think about this one. She can see the Philippine flag among the crowd, her kababayans supporting her. “If I win this crown, it will be for my mother as well as for me.”
The crowd roars its approval, and Cleo gives them a wink, silently telling them she’s got this.
Cleo smiles as she delivers her opening statement with her head held high. “Mabuhay, Pilipinas! As a woman, I would always hear the word no, not just in my community or my country, but everywhere in the world. No, you can’t do that. No, you have to stay at home. No, you can’t choose who to marry or even who to love. And I say: No, we will not be dictated to. Not anymore. I believe men and women must empower each other to break old norms and rise as human beings. Maraming Salamat po!”
The elimination round passes by in a flash. The candidates are down to the top six, and Cleo’s still in the competition. In her VTR, she shares her story of what it’s like to be an actress.
“When I was a kid, I knew I was going to be an actor. My dad, who is a renowned director, has been an absentee father. And for the longest time, I have been angry with him, so I promised myself I would make him proud of me someday. I became an actor, portraying the lives of people who came from different walks of life, and there is nothing more fulfilling than having the chance to tell their stories. I might have been chasing the wrong dream for a very long time, but I’m here today because of that dream. With me, I carry love for all people. I believe in people, in the feelings we all carry deep inside us. Fragile as we may all seem, we are most connected when we share our sentiments and passions.”
Hearing the words coming from her, Cleo feels overwhelmed with emotion. This is her last stand, and although she hates the terrible mistakes she’s made, she’s proud of herself for learning so much on this journey. Soon, the candidates are out in their colorful swimsuits, switching from one leg to another as they saunter. Cleo walks confidently, happy with the body she has. The regular exercise and balanced diet were worth it in the end.
Strutting her body, Cleo doesn’t feel exploited, the way she did when she was in TV shows that required her to wear a bikini. As she sashays on the stage, she feels like there’s nothing wrong with her body, and she theorizes that part of the competition’s aim is to make women feel comfortable with the bodies they have. And in her yellow two-piece suit, she owns her body, and no one has the right to tell her what to do with it.
Backstage and in preparation for the evening gown competition, Dom takes care of Cleo’s needs again. Staring at the exquisite emerald backless gown he has designed, she knows that this one is a winner. They took inspiration from a diwata, a fairy from Mount Makiling, because she had provided well for the people. She appeared in every storm that surged, restoring nature to its original state.
“Do you like it?
“Why wouldn’t I like it? We worked on it together,” Cleo beams, giving Dom a small smile. “I love it. Thank you so much for everything, Dom.”
Relieved, Dom smirks at Cleo, fixing her hair. “What would you ever do without me? I’m proud of you.”
Cleo leans back and closes her eyes. If it takes everything she has in her, she’s going to make things right.
After wearing the evening gown and re-touching her makeup, she’s back on the stage again. The people on the internet have named her walk The Maria Makiling walk. Elegant and striking, the walk spoke of rebirth, constant growth, and the flourishing of a person who went through life’s greatest storm.
“Oh, and would you look at that. She’s so at ease with her gown, and she walks as if she’s the goddess of nature,” the commentator observes. “Watching her on the stage takes me to the beautiful forest.”
The crowd went wild and their cheers came louder. They’re shouting only one word: Philippines.
Cutting down the list again with the top three, Cleo hears her name again. And for the very first time, she feels that she can do it. On her own. Without any under-the-table deals. It means so much to her since she has finally learned how to trust herself. She’s going to be in this competition until the very last walk.
In the long-awaited question-and-answer portion, Cleo smiles naturally. She’s happy with what she’s doing. Being the first one to answer, she’s nervous, but she keeps her face calm.
The question given to Cleo is: “How would you empower women as ‘The Queen of the Universe’?”
Cleo takes a deep breath and answers the question in a smooth, clear voice. “As The Queen of the Universe, I would immerse myself in the home, workplace, and public spaces for both men and women. Empowerment begins in the smallest part of society, and I believe that men must also be empowered to understand the status and the state that we, women, are currently in. Empowerment, for me, means recognizing the rights of a person.”
Wrapping up the competition, Cleo’s left with Lady Russia and Lady Kenya. They’re the top three vying to be the next Queen of the Universe. Cleo’s holding her breath. Until things had transpired to this point, deep down she’d been full of doubt that she’d get this far. But even with everything she went through, and what she has planned, she has no regrets about being in this Queen of the Universe competition.
The top three look out to the audience with their dazzling smiles as the announcement begins. The end of the pageant was going to be a new beginning for someone.
“And now the moment you’ve all been waiting for!” the host teases, holding an envelope that contains the result. “The second runner-up for Queen of the Universe is . . .”
Cleo prays silently.
“Kenya!”
Cleo cheers for Kenya, giving her a huge smile. Finally, the moment everyone has been waiting for has come. It’s either Cleo or Lady Russia. Facing each other, they hold each other’s hands.
“You have both been beautiful and amazing throughout your journey, but only one of you will be crowned the next Queen of the Universe,” the host reminds them.
Cleo’s terrified. What she longs for is to become the Queen that serves her people. She envisions a bright future not only for her country but also for the entire world. She wants to be the woman that renews and restores the spirits and hearts of others. And she’ll do just that, no matter what happens, because she is no longer a pawn in this game.
“The Queen of the Universe is . . .”
Catching her breath, Cleo bows her head, humbled by the extraordinary ladies she’s gotten the chance to be with during the competition.
“PHILIPPINES!”
The home crowd erupts, all of them chanting her name: Cleo Walter, The Queen of the Universe.
Cleo’s immediately enfolded in Lady Russia’s arms.
“Congratulations!” Lady Russia says, smiling.
It’s a beautiful moment as Cleo receives her Queen of the Universe sash. The crown, exquisitely encrusted with diamonds, comes next. It’s every little girl’s dream and then some. From her mother’s island to Manila, she’s brought home two crowns and sashes. She’s given her country a public figure, a queen who embodies the true Filipina. They may be a small country, but the citizens’ fighting spirit makes them bigger than any crisis.
“Take your first walk as the Queen of the Universe.” The host looks at Cleo, a grin on his face.
But this is just the beginning. Cleo smiles for the audience and the cameras—and removes the crown from her head. The crowd gasps, and the host tries to help her get the crown back to her head, but then when he sees that she’s doing this on purpose, he backs away, gawking at her.
“I can’t accept this,” Cleo announces. She looks toward Lady Russia, who smiles and takes a step forward. “The first runner-up is also not a legitimate contender.”
Cleo steps to Lady Kenya’s side and puts the crown on her head. “I give you the true Queen of the Universe.”
Lady Kenya covers her mouth, astonished. The audience is baffled but on their feet, clapping. They don’t know what’s happening, but they know this deserves a standing ovation. Cleo whispers something to the host, who gives her the mic.
“I cheated to win the crown, and so did Lady Russia, and for that, I apologize from my heart to every one of you.” Cleo stares at the crowd and the Philippine flag. “My countrymen, I am ashamed of what I have done. None of you deserve this. I have no excuses. Systems aren’t the only things that can be rigged. People can easily give in to temptation. I’ve been such a person. I’ve been corrupted, I may not have intended that, but I did what I did regardless, for my mother and father. I was wrong in many things, but what I do know is that this competition shouldn’t be about an individual winning a title or a crown—it should be about our country.”
Nobody is moving. Cleo launches into the story of how she got herself into this mess and how she’s regretted all of it. She knows what she did is wrong, so she’s not even going to defend herself. She’s also shared what happened in the past with Elle’s cheating to save the camp and how Guinevere and Deborah are blackmailing her now so Lady Russia can win once again. She hasn’t filtered anything; she spills the truth because the watchers, the judges, the contestants—past and present—all deserve it.
This is what Cleo’s been planning all along. She’d expose herself rather than let Guinevere and Deborah do it for her.
“What if you didn’t win?” the host interrupts Cleo. “Wouldn’t this plan fail?”
Cleo smiles sadly at the host. “I knew I was going to win because I cheated. Elle made sure I’d win. But I don’t want to win based on a fake version of myself. I don’t want to win through a lie. I’m taking off the crown so I can step up to something more—to free myself, to do important things. I’ve also come to realize that the power is not just in the crown—it’s in the woman herself.”
Suddenly, Elle arrives on the stage, pulling Cleo to her chest and murmuring her thanks. She stands on the center stage, taking the mic from Cleo. “This is not entirely her fault. If you must blame someone, here I am. I am The Elle, and I used Cleo Walter. I did it because I love the Filipino people. We wanted to win. I made it happen so I could sustain the beauty camp and keep on trying to make it happen. If I made mistakes along the way, I did it because I love my country and I want to do all I can to help us be seen and recognized. But while my reasons were right, my actions were wrong, and I am sorry. Nobody deserves to be used and nobody deserves less than a fair and honest pageant.”
Cleo waves goodbye to everyone. She takes her final walk and goes backstage. Dom welcomes her with open arms and she bolts to him, crying.
“I’m sorry, Dom.”
“Shh,” Dom caresses Cleo’s back. “You’re not your father, Cleo. You owned up to it.”
“I owned up to it.”