Be Bisaya: Gloria’s ‘Insulting’ Remarks on Cebuanos

There’s nothing offensive in the anwer of Gloria Diaz when she was asked if it is high time for Filipina representatives in international beauty pageants to have interpreters during question-and-answer portions.

“…When you think about a Cebuana can hardly speak English and of course Tagalog, maybe she should answer in Bisaya,” Diaz answered, earning herself the ire of the Cebuanos who feel offended by her statement.

Cebu Representative Cutie Del Mar then petitioned to declare Miss Universe 1969 “persona non grata,” or unwelcome person, in the province. The Vice Mayor’s League of the Philippines (VMLP)—Cebu Chapter did the same.

Diaz maintained she was misinterpreted, her message taken out of context. She explained, “I want to just make people realize… you know, say it with whatever you’re comfortable with.”

Diaz is merely advocating for her mga kababayan to express themselves with their native tongues, or with whichever language or dialect they are comfortable using. I don’t think she belittled anyone when she said “a Cebuana… should answer in Bisaya.”

Perhaps the Cebuanos (or only Del Mar and the VMLP-Cebu who are making such a big noise out of it) perceive it to be shameful not to know English and/or to speak in their native tongue.

But what’s wrong with the Bisaya dialect/language? What’s wrong with not being fluent in English? Many people from rich countries--like South Korea, China and Japan—cannot speak good English, and yet they are more progressive.

The VMLP-Cebu and Del Mar are just overreacting. Were their actions a publicity stint? Heard Del Mar was in show business prior to her political stint. Is she making a comeback in the entertainment scene?