Barely five days before crowning the pandemic queen of the Universe in the Philippines, Palawan’s bet Jennifer Linda is all at arm and having the best days of her life competing with 47 other candidates coming from different places in the country.
Consider as the youngest contender, Linda is in awe with all the praises she receives as the competition progresses, getting feedback as the “dark horse” is something Linda is thankful for. She made it to the Top 20 bets in many social media platform of pageant enthusiasts, and that is something she didn’t expect.
A dark horse refers to candidates in any competition that is considered unpopular or unexpected to win, but end up successfully in getting the title.
“Hindi ko ini-expect na matatawag akong dark horse at all kasi I join here as the youngest contender, I didn’t expect na gano’n ‘yung mangyayari but ang saya na okay, na appreciate nila, na all of efforts lumalabas na ngayon, I’m so saya hindi ko maisip na matatawag akong dark horse,” Linda said during a phone in exclusive interview with Palawan Daily.
Getting out of Palawan in these trying times of pandemic, Linda said she felt nervous at first but the management of Miss Universe Philippines (MUP) so far is doing a great job in taking care of them with all the necessary safety protocols, plus a series of swab test to ensure their health welfare.
“I started modelling when I was 12, so I’m prepared in this kind of situation because my manager Robert Gonzales already trained me how to walk, how to do my hair, do my make up, we are in the pandemic so PA (Production Assistant) and make-up artists are not allowed, we need to do everything on our own, and luckily I know how to do and how to doll up myself,” Linda shared.
Aside from praises, Linda also receive some negative reactions including belittling her capability of winning the crown. Some say she is a weak contender and just a “Saling Pusa” in this year’s first edition of MUP.
“Actually when it comes to comment especially kung negative pini-filter ko siyang lahat, ang kinukuha ko lang is ‘yung positive para mabigyan ako ng positives vibes, so why would I care sa mga negative comments, as long as I know what I can and I can do I wouldn’t mind, parang I’ll show you guys how I do it,” Linda added.
Even though with some protocols implemented like social distancing, Linda managed to make friends and go easy with some candidates this year. She said that her personality of being jolly and positive all the time wins the heart of many of her co-candidates, among she always bond and establish closeness are the representatives from Romblon, Pampanga, Batangas and many more.
Being a first timer in joining a national pageant, Linda admits that she feels intimidated when she finds out that most of her co-candidates are veterans from Binibining Pilipinas and Miss World Philippines, but she overcomes that notion and focus herself to train harder in getting the crown.
“Everyone feel nervous when you hear the word question and answer, parang nerve wracking and all, pero lagi kong iniisip na I can do this, nag prepare ako, ba’t ako kakabahan or matatakot, siyempre na-intimidate ako kasi ‘yung karamihan ng candidates are returnee from Bb. Pilipinas and Ms. World and they know how it works, tapos ako first ko lang in a national competition, I’m still adjusting and I can naman, I did great actually,” Linda said.
Miss Universe Philippines grand coronation is on Oct 25 and will be broadcasted via GMA-7 at 9 in the morning. To help Linda make it to the Top 16, vote her at Lazada App until Oct 23. The first year tourism student of STI Puerto Princesa is the second winner of commercial pageant Miss Palawan by Miss Palawan Charities, Inc of local beauty guru Bong Villanueva.