spectacular
The Philippine Computer Society (the largest Philippine IT association) is running a search for the women who best exemplify the qualities expected of future leaders of the Philippine information and communications technology (ICT) industry. Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? Well, maybe not. The application form begins as one might expect, asking for name, address, number of years working in ICT, but is followed by:
- Height (in centimeters).
- Weight (in kilograms).
- Bust (in centimeters).
- Waist (in centimeters).
- Hips (in centimeters).
And, of course, completed application forms must be acompanied by two photographs—one close-up and one full-body. Uhm, what?
It doesn’t get any better. The selection criteria are:
- Text votes (people’s choice): 20%.
- Intelligence, technical knowledge: 40%.
- Beauty, presentability: 20%.
- Poise, personality: 20%.
So let me see: that’s 60% for popularity and appearance based criteria, and 40% for intelligence and technical knowledge. Oh yeah, that makes total sense for an ICT professional award.
The awards will be presented not at an award ceremony, but at a “coronation,” which will be preceded by a competition, comprising four categories:
- Elegant/smart-casual wear competition or sports (jogging pants) competition.
- Corporate wear competition.
- Formal wear competition.
- Question & answer competition
Finally, the form also states that the winner and runners-up must attend all PCS official functions during their “reign.” I can’t help but think that if this were a contest open to males also, there would be no such demands on time (or use of the word “reign”).
Way to go PCS. You know, if you’re going to hold a beauty contest, you might as well say so up-front.
(Oh, and the application form is here, in case you want to see for yourself. Thanks, Sacha, for pointing the contest out and putting the form online.)
January 17th, 2005 at 12:56 pm
So are you entering - the world (and Philippines) needs future leaders like you - go for it!!!!
….. and I am scared to see what will follow this contribution!
January 18th, 2005 at 1:09 am
I called up Media G8way - it’s so horrible but it’s so true that they are holding this contest. Argh. I am watching Sacha’s blog from time to time for updates.
January 18th, 2005 at 1:19 am
Ah, you’re the person who phoned them! Thanks for doing that, Clair. I didn’t want to post my blog entry until someone had confirmed that it really wasn’t a hoax, so I really appreciate you taking the time to find out.
January 18th, 2005 at 3:48 pm
Speechless - just speechless.
On an unrelated, but equally absurd note http://www.cnn.com/2004/LAW/05/31/dorf.height.discrimination/ - apparently some Chinese girls go through leg lengthening surgery because their height might prevent them going into their chosen career or even attending certain universities. Obviously this one offends me particularly ;-)
One of my livejournal friends was complaining about putting an effort into appearance at work: your link does put it into perspective somewhat.
January 18th, 2005 at 10:00 pm
Yeah, that was me. I couldn’t stand the thought of not being able to validate the truth of the event. It really seemed like one sick joke to me.
Ugh! That bit about the leg lengthening - gee, people have skills, not just appearances. *sigh*
January 19th, 2005 at 9:42 am
On the plus side, I find it encouraging that so many people are fighting it. =) Thanks for helping spread the word!
February 3rd, 2005 at 11:22 am
PCS Scraps Digital Pinay; SJBP Announces Jesus Christ Look-Alike Quest!
Perhaps many of you felt relieved after receiving news of PCS scrapping Digital Pinay. I for one was most amused, particularly since I first heard about the contest from Hanna Wallach in Planet Debian, who in turn got it from Sacha. Perhaps the intenti…