Over the weekend, a mistake was made. A woman was mistakenly crowned Miss Universe. Profuse apologies followed. Eventually, Miss Philippines won the Miss Universe title. Social media continues to buzz. End story.

Dear People of the World: Feel free to talk about these series of events all you like. Before you do, I kindly as you to do the following things:

1) Note the correct spelling of the current title holder’s country: Philippines.

2) Note the correct way to address people from said country: Filipino or Pilipino (not Philippino, Philippians or any other variation of that).

3) Confused or bothered about the title holder’s last name and/or mixed race identity? Please read up on the colonial history of the Philippines. It may take a while, but at least you’ll be informed.

4) Keep your racist comments to yourself. No one likes reading uninformed bullshit.

Maraming Salamat (Many Thanks),

Joanne L. Rondilla, Ph.D.

Fremont, CA