I know, I know.

Today is the coronation night of Miss Universe 2011 and I again am late late late! I have a love-hate relationship with my country, but when it comes to the Miss Universe competition, my patriotic blood pulses alive.

Shamcey Supsup has a very interesting and humbling story.

And I quote:

Shamcy was a valedictorian of her grade school batch, and was a salutatorian at Makati High School. She also graduated magna cum laude from the University of the Philippines on her way to topping the 2010 Architect Licensure Examination.

Though everyone could remember Shamcey being diligent especially when it comes to hitting the books, not one could believe that Shamcey would eventually join a pageant.

“Gulat na gulat ako ng sumali siya. Sabi ko, ‘Oh my God, si Shamcey! Ni hindi nga yan nag-i-sleeveless!’”(I was very surprised when Shamcey joined she doesn’t even wear sleeveless!) a college friend recalled being stunned upon learning that Shamcey joined the Binibining Pilipinas tilt.

Her Father said, “Paano ko maisip na ako nakasakay sa kalabaw at ‘yung anak ko Miss Universe contestant?… Nagpapasalamat ako sa Lord na nagtagumpay ako sa pagpalaki ng anak ko.” (I couldn’t think I’m here riding my carabao and my daughter is a Miss Universe contestant. I thank the Lord I was successful in raising my child.)

She has been leading online polls so I did my part as a good citizen and tried to vote for her.

See what you get for being late?

I’ll just have to cheer on you then, Shamcey! CHEER with a Philippine flag waving in my brain!