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Along the way, we're treated to a slide show about famous Filipinas of the past – everyone from Miss Universe and Ms. Marcos to the original Miss Saigon – as well as not-so-famous Filipinas swept under the carpet, like immigrant nannies.
The show's at its best, and darkest, when it subverts pageant conventions. A psychological evaluation looks at self-esteem and internalized racism; a bad folk dance number sends up all the earnest numbers we've all sat through dutifully; and a segment on beauty tips cynically tells us how to dye black hair blond.
Director Guillermo Verdecchia expertly modulates the tone between broad comedy and more restrained – and occasionally moving – social satire. He also gets nuanced performances from the three women (Aquino, Villasin and
Christina Florencio) who represent different types of young womanhood.
Some themes are hit repeatedly, and there should be more sharpness in the writing for
Fely Villasin's various mothers. But for sheer bitchy fun and a thoughtful commentary on the universal race to fit in, you can't beat Miss Orient(ed).
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