Vanessa Mae Walters
Our teen queen almost backed out at the last minute, but thanks to the persistent prodding of her mom, she gave it a go with nary an expectation. At the initial screening of the first Miss Teen Earth in SM Consolacion last March, she was crestfallen when she saw that a lot of girls were being turned down by the organizers. She almost ran away from the long queue of some 800 aspiring teen queen—until she was called on stage. The rest, as they say, is history.
A statuesque beauty at 5 feet 8 inches, the 14-year-old half-Aussie Cebuana charmer Vanessa Mae Walters became the first ever Miss Teen Earth, continuing the winning streak of Cebuanas at national pageants. (Miss Teen Earth 2014 will be telecast at 10 p.m. tonight on GMA 7). Out of a select 20 semi-finalists from all over the archipelago who made it to the final cut in Manila, Vanessa emerged victorious. It must be the training she got from the prestigious Models Association of Cebu (MAC) since becoming a member at 13 last year, with the Philippine Daily Inquirer-organized fashion show “Face Off” as her first major stint. (“Vanessa has a distinct catwalk style all her own,” says MAC’s Valeriano “Chickoy” Tomol III.)
Now our beauty queen finds herself at the crossroads of her dream—if she really wants to live and study in Manila where the title (Her crown is worth P2.2 million, so a bodyguard is assigned to her when she wears it.) holds many responsibilities for the young ambassador. An incoming Grade 9 student, Vanessa is clearly on top of the world right now and at the threshold of a bright beginning.
What are some of your responsibilities as Miss Teen Earth 2014?
As an advocate for the environment, I am pushing for a clean-up drive to reduce the amount of plastic bags throughout communities in the Philippines. I should do my share in promoting awareness about
our environmental problems and how to address them.
Did you expect to win that night?
After the question-and-answer, I felt that I had a chance. I guess I expected it because I know I did my best and didn’t compare
myself to the other girls.
Did you know that pageant blogs were rooting for you? You were an early favorite.
Yes. Seeing it online, including Facebook and Instagram… going through the blogs and seeing that you’re in their Top 5 was just thrilling.
Was this your first pageant? What made you decide to go
for it?
Yes, it’s my first. Actually, it’s my mother who pushed me, convinced me that I could do it. I never really saw myself as a beauty queen, more so to be in a national competition. Well, things have changed.
So do you offer your crown to your Mom?
I share my crown with her! (giggles)
And what does your Dad say about your win?
I believe he’s very proud of me because it’s the first time I saw him cry. On that stage during the pageant I would always try to find my Dad among the crowd. MOA is so huge and unfortunately I didn’t spot him. It was only when the crowd started leaving that I saw him there, crying. I made him proud and it made me happy.
Looking at the pictures, you look so calm. What’s your secret?
I was just being myself. When we first came out on stage, I must admit that I was terrified. I was thinking… am I gonna fall? Am I gonna make a mistake? But then I started to loosen up, act naturally… I think that’s the secret—when you’re being yourself people will see the real you, how much confidence you exude and all that.
You seem to posses a certain maturity that most girls your age don’t have.
Maybe it’s because of the people that I am with. Maybe it’s because of my mother. Actually, I almost decided to back out at the last minute. Good timing that they announced my name to be presented on stage. It was my first screening experience—this was in SM Consolacion. Initially I got scared seeing many of the girls being rejected, but Mom insisted that I stay and finish it. True enough, some five minutes after, my name was called. I almost lost this big moment.
What important lesson did you get from this journey to
become Ms. Teen Earth?
Many things… good values. Meeting people, establishing friendships. Loving yourself. Being confident.
You won five special awards. What did you do with all the bouquets?
I brought half of them to Cebu and offered it at the altar of Mama Mary in Mandaue. For the other half, I did the same in Manila.
You’ve been here in Cebu for two years now. How’s the move been so far?
I was born and raised in Australia but we moved here two years ago. There are a lot of things that make me happy here—my school, and now my crown. My life has tremendously changed.
Tell us more about your childhood.
I had a normal childhood, but I always dreamed of becoming a celebrity one day. I would go to the mall with my friends after school almost every day in Australia. I also remember bugging my parents in the middle of the night asking for McDonald’s… I was a chubby kid back then. And I was addicted to SpongeBob SquarePants. I still am.
What activities in Australia do you you miss?
Well, back in Australia, I miss the Filipino community—we always had parties, all sorts of celebrations. I miss these activities.
So what does it take to become a beauty queen at 14?
Well, it’s not all about beauty. There’s more to it. It’s also about respect towards other people. It’s about taking care of your community as well as dedicating yourself to helping the country. And it’s about having a good attitude. People will not look up to someone who is negative, who doesn’t care about the people and things around him .
Are you the sporty or prim- and-proper type?
I’m actually a bit of both. When I’m at school I’m really the relaxed type. I can be crazy and be out there. I’m not really the girly-type. I hang out with the guys and play football and soccer and some girls would say. “Why is she like that? She is a model!” Well, this is just me. And I think my schoolmates are happy for me, too. I am so happy that I made Cebu proud.
Cebu has already attained a certain prestige with this winning streak of our Queens. Did you think it helped you win the crown because you are wearing the sash of Mandaue, Cebu?
Being from Cebu, I’m sure, has played a small part, but I personally think winning the crown and the title is a personal achievement through hard work and determination.
Who was your biggest competitor in the pageant?
All of the girls were great. In the Top 5, I was the second shortest candidate—really, the rest were all taller than me! Instead of being intimidated, I was just minding myself. I was competing with myself.
As a teen, what do you like to do?
The typical things. I hang out with friends. I love shopping. I love the outdoors. I love to be in front of the camera, and I love the experience of being on stage.
Are you the selfie type of girl?
I am not. I don’t take a lot of pictures of myself. But one reason why I don’t take much pictures is because I would rather enjoy the moment.
Are you a big fan of One Direction? Will you watch their concert next year?
Very much! Very much! I don’t know if I can make it. I really do have a big crush on them, although it’s somehow fading away, but I really would love to see them, of course!
Do you see yourself competing for a major pageant?
Actually my dream is to become an artista here in the Philippines, but joining Miss Teen Earth, I now desire to become a beauty queen. This is something that I am interested in now. Not so much about winning the crown but the experience of aiming for it. I will be happy in this journey… of joining competitions and meeting people. In fact, some have already been telling me to joining Ms. Universe Well, I’d love to. But, we’ll see.
What was your ambition when you were a kid?
Back in Australia I dreamed of being a singer. I always loved singing, so I also did my rounds of auditions for shows there in Australia. So far, I’ve been doing a lot of things to achieve my dreams… but maybe I was just too young. So moving here to the Philippines… good things are everywhere.
Who is your favourite singer?
Katy Perry!
Because you kind of look like her?
Yes. Some people say I do look like her when I wear makeup! But, hey, I got to sing in Manila for the Talents Night!
What is your favorite Bisaya expression?
My favorite Bisaya expression is “man gud.”
If you can trade places with anyone, who would it be?
I would like to trade places with my mother for a day to see what it’s like to have all the responsibilities that
she has… running around taking care of the family and looking after the people she cares for.
Who are your showbiz crushes?
I have a huge crush on Daniel Matsunaga and I am waiting for him to be eliminated on PBB so I can meet him! Joke lang. Hahaha. I also have a crush on this celebrity in Manila, IC Mendoza. I find him very cute. And JC de Vera, too. His face is so adorable in “The Legal Wife.”
If you can add or take away a subject in your present curiculum, what would that be?
I want environmental studies to be added as a subject so people can learn more about the environment and nature.
Are you in favor of cosmetic surgery? If you can have any part of your body enhanced, what would it be?
I am totally against it. This is how God created me so I wouldn’t change anything.
Give us your top five favorite beauty queens.
Oh, I don’t have a top five. But I love Megan Young. I also like Shamcey Supsup and Venus Raj.
If you could represent the country, which pageant would you like to compete in, Miss World or Miss Universe?
Miss Universe!
You have dual citizenship, right? If both the Philippines and Australia asked you to wear its sash, which country would you represent?
The Philippines! (Smiles at her dad.)
If Mother Earth could speak, what do you think would she be saying to us, her creations?
Mother Earth is asking us why we are harming and damaging our environment.
You are one of the models to watch out for here in Cebu. And now you are embarking on this new adventure as Miss Teen Earth 2014. How do you keep your feet on the ground?
Just like a tree, I will grow. I would stay humble. And I’ll keep my faith in God, always listen to my parents, too.
