Yesterday, the Philippines made yet another strong stand as far as faith is concerned.

[caption id="attachment_4114" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Shamcey&#039;s answer may not get her the crown from the world; but I&#039;m sure heaven celebrates her faith, and that of Filipinos."]<a href="http://www.lloydluna.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/db41e2d67.jpg"><img src="http://www.lloydluna.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/db41e2d67.jpg" alt="Shamcey Supsup" title="Ms. Philippines Shacey Supsup" width="300" height="300" class="size-full wp-image-4114" /></a>[/caption]Ms. Philippines Shamcey Supsup took the center stage and competed for the Ms. Universe crown. Whatever happened inside the competition became less important for me. I've heard about cheating and political biases. I've heard about Oprah's statement saying that if the competition boils down to Q and A, it should have been Shamcey getting the title.

Regardless of the turnout, being crowned as the fourth most beautiful woman in the world, I think we made a very good impression, not to mention inspiration, to the global community. 

Asked by a judge, Shamcey said, "If I had to change my religious beliefs, I will not marry the person that I love. Because the first person that I love is GOD who created me. And I have my faith and my principles. And this is what makes me who I am. And if that person loves me, he should love my God too. Thank you.”

Do you realize how powerful the statement was?

Here's what I've learned from such a brave heart.

First, Shamcey's answer embodied our faith as a nation. It proved that regardless of how much is at stake, Filipinos will stand by its faith. No matter how much money or prestige is at stake, we will put God first. Whatever it is that we do, wherever we are in the world, whatever competition we get into, God is there and we always do our very best for His glory.

Manny Pacquaio does that, too. We know that.

Second, Shamcey's answer isn't something that she has to think about. What does it mean? It means, Filipinos, have a God-loving nature, no matter how frequent we fall short of His love and grace. Our faith is founded deep inside our hearts. It's not artificial. It's not fake. It's not falsified. Filipino champions speak from the heart. We do that because it's built in in our very system.

The way she carried the Q and A is nothing short of a natural approach to a seemingly complicated question. Such natural beauty with a natural way of answering such question in front of millions of people watching is really something.

Third, her answer gave us the bravest representation on stage, thus, women empowerment. It tells us that Filipinas are courageous. After Shamcey's incredible answer, Filipinas can no longer be called cheap! They can no longer be called second-class citizens! They can no longer be called maids! They have the power to take a stand and they have the grace to do just that.

Fourth, and my final take, Shamcey's answer may not get her the crown from the world; but I'm sure heaven celebrates her faith, and that of Filipinos.

Shamcey isn't only beautiful outside. She has what it takes to symbolize what Filipinos are. She is an inspirational beauty queen.