Kris Tiffany Janson (PHOTO BY ERWIN LIM)
Tonight, pageant watchers will be watching intently as candidate No.13 Kris Tiffany Janson, a former Miss Cebu (she won in 2009 where Miss Tourism International 2012/13 Rizzini Alexis Gomez was first runner-up), makes her mark in the Binibining Pilipinas 2014 coronation night, the most prestigious national pageant that’s now on its 51st year.
(The last Cebuana who won the crown was Australian-born Nicole Schmitz, Binibining Pilipinas International 2011.)
This fashion model and finance analyst (she finished accountancy at the University of San Carlos) for a multinational Manila-based packaging company is actually favored to snatch one
of the five titles. The sash factor notwithstanding, the Philippines as the “performer of the year” is counted on to produce the likes of Ara Arrida (the winning streak of Venus Raj, Shamcey Supsup, Janine Tugunon in the Miss Universe pageant), Bea Rose Santiago and Mutya Datul (a back-to-back feat at the Miss International and Miss Supranational, respectively).
It was Kris’ father’s dream to see her join a major pageant, but he died before seeing his Akis (Kris’ nickname at home) wearing the national crown on her head competing internationally with the sash that screams “Philippines” in big, bold letters. But this carefree Cebuana who likes skimboarding, island hopping, traveling and trying out different cuisines,
is taking things in stride. What she describes as an “adventure of a lifetime” is only the beginning.
Play! managed to chat up with the beauty queen days before the coronation night, and like a true-blooded Cebuana titleholder, she vows to captivate everyone’s heart.
Kris Tiffany Janson (PHOTO BY JOSEPH ONG)
YOU WERE MISS CEBU IN 2009. WHAT TOOK YOU SO LONG TO JOIN BINIBINING PILIPINAS?
I know. And it’s not as if people like Jonas Borces and Dexter Alazas didn’t do a lot of convincing. I was just never a pageant enthusiast. Before my father passed away, we always talked about how he wanted his only daughter to be part of the most prestigious pageant in the country. And now, I am giving it a try.
WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO GIVE IT A ‘GO’ THEN?
When I turned 24, it just hit me—it will be now or never. Good thing is they changed the age limit to 26.
HOW DID YOU PREPARE YOURSELF FOR BINIBING PILIPINAS?
I went on a diet to prepare my body for the competition. Then I had to fly to Manila for my pasarela (catwalk) training and I talked to different people who have gone through the whole shebang of being a Binibini just so I’d have a feel of it.
YOU ARE TOPPING THE ONLINE POLLS. HOW ARE YOU DEALING WITH THE PRESSURE?
I am not letting it go to my head. Things may change on the night itself, but I am just overwhelmed by the number of people believing in me, rooting for me.
WHO AMONG THE CANDIDATES DO YOU FEEL IS YOUR BIGGEST THREAT TO THE CROWN?
All the ladies have the potential.
WHAT TITLE ARE YOU ASPIRING FOR?
I want to be Miss Universe Philippines and come home wearing the Miss Universe crown.
Kris Tiffany Janson (PHOTO BY JAMES GO)
LOOKWISE, WHAT ARE YOU MOST INSECURE ABOUT?
I have some, but I thank God for what He has blessed me with, instead of complaining for what I don’t have.
WHAT DO YOU THINK IS YOUR BIGGEST EDGE AMONG THE OTHER CANDIDATES?
I don’t know. I am just enjoying this journey and not putting pressure on myself.
WHO DO YOU THINK IS THE BEST BINIBINING PILIPINAS TO DATE?
The best Binibini for me would be Miss Gloria Diaz. I want to be like her. Aside from being blessed to win an international pageant, I would like to uphold the queen in me.
IS THERE ANYTHING YOU LEAST LIKE ABOUT YOUR BINIBINING PILIPINAS EXPERIENCE?
It’s something I have never experienced. I am enjoying every bit of it.
WHAT IS YOUR GAME PLAN TO BRING HOME THE CROWN?
Pray hard lang that I will be guided during the whole pageant. And be the best that I can be.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION ABOUT BEING A BEAUTY QUEEN?
“Puro ra pa gwapa.” I want to prove that beauty queens have the power to influence people and make a difference. I will let people realize it through my actions, even without having to tell the world about it.
WHAT OR WHO WILL BE YOUR LUCKY CHARM COME CORONATION NIGHT?
My family especially my Papa who will have the best seat.
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST LESSON IN THIS PAGEANT
I learned that language shouldn’t be a barrier in making new friends.
IN YOUR OFFICIAL WEB INTERVIEW, YOU SAID SOMETHING LIKE YOU JUST LOVE AIRPORTS. CARE TO EXPLAIN?
Airports symbolize new beginnings, new journeys. And travel writer Pico Iyer said “departures wear the shadow of arrivals.”
IN THE PRIMER YOU ALSO SHARED AN EXPERIENCE OF ALMOST MISSING A FLIGHT IF NOT FOR YOUR DECEASED DAD WHO’S LIKE A SPIRIT GUIDE THAT HELPED YOU TO BE ON THAT PLANE.
Yes, that is true, because to a large extent he has so many friends who work at the airport. It was because of this connections.
YOU ARE ASSIGNED THE LUCKY NO. 13. DO YOU BELIEVE IN A GOOD LUCK CHARM? DO YOU BELIEVE IN DESTINY?
I believe that I was destined to be 13. I know this number will change my life.
NOW THAT YOU WON BEST IN NATIONAL COSTUME, DO YOU FEEL MORE PRESSURED TO BAG ANY OF THE CROWNS?
Again, I am not letting it go to my head. But I am very thankful to those who helped me. Cary Santiago for the beautiful gown, Shandar for my shoes, Mommy Jonas Borces. Cheers to Team Cebu!
WHO ARE YOU CLOSEST TO AMONG THE CANDIDATES?
I have a good relationship with all of my Kagandahang Flores sisters.
WHAT WILL WE EXPECT FROM YOU TONIGHT?
A very energetic yet still graceful me.
TO WHOM WILL YOU DEDICATE YOUR PERFORMANCE TONIGHT?
To my family, of course, and fellow Cebuanos. I am overwhelmed by the support. I feel more confident now. You’re all my driving force to give this my best.
WHAT IS YOUR MESSAGE TO ALL THE CEBUANOS?
Daghang salamat sa inyo tanan ug ipadayon ang pag-ampo sa ako.