The life of Helen Cutaran Bennett, a celebrated beauty queen from the pre-war era, clarifying her titles, her personal life, and her connection to the prestigious Miss Universe pageant. While not a Miss Universe contestant herself, Helen Bennett held a significant title in the Philippines' own grand dame of pageants and later lived a prominent life in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental.
The Enduring Grace of Helen Bennett: From Carnival Queen to National Treasure
Helen Cutaran Bennett-Schon was a figure whose life traced a remarkable arc through twentieth-century Philippine history. Celebrated as one of the great beauties of the pre-war era, she was more than a pageant winner; she was a survivor, a public servant, and the matriarch of a family whose legacy of grace would extend for generations.
A Unique Heritage and a Queen's Credentials
Crowned Miss Visayas at the 1936 Manila Carnival, Helen Bennett represented a new and captivating Filipino identity. Born in Nueva Vizcaya, she was the daughter of Josefa Cutaran, a woman of the indigenous Gaddang people, and Roy Bennett, an American Thomasite teacher who had dedicated his life to education in the province. Her family lore even traced their American roots back to Rufus Bennett, a purported bodyguard for General George Washington. This rich, blended heritage gave Helen a unique Fil-Am mestiza beauty that stood out.
Her path to the prestigious Manila Carnival—the forerunner to modern national pageants—was paved with acclaim. The influential Philippine Free Press had already named her "Miss Pearl of the Orient Seas," making her a favorite for the national title. At the final event, she secured the Miss Visayas title, placing third overall behind Miss Philippines 1936 Mercedes Montilla and Miss Luzon Amparo Karagdag.
Resilience Through the Ravages of War
The outbreak of World War II brought a harrowing chapter to the Bennett family. Due to their American heritage, Helen and her family were interned at the University of Santo Tomas. Her younger brother, Roy Jr., an editor for the Manila Bulletin, endured unimaginable suffering when he was incarcerated and tortured at Fort Santiago for refusing to allow the Japanese to use the newspaper for propaganda. The family's survival through this dark period was a testament to their profound strength and resilience.
A Life of Service, Love, and Legacy
After the war, Helen transitioned from a symbol of beauty to a figure in nation-building, entering government service as a Foreign Secretary under President Elpidio Quirino.
She married later in life to Joseph Schon, an American engineering graduate from Johns Hopkins University. In a fascinating intersection of Philippine high society, their marriage was officiated by Supreme Court Justice Manuel Moran, the grandfather of another future beauty icon, Miss Universe 1973 Margarita "Margie" Moran.
Helen and Joseph settled in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, where they became a prominent family, managing a vast sugarcane plantation. She embraced her role as a respected matriarch, and her son, Ricky Bennett Schon, continues to be an active figure in the city's cultural and political life.
The Miss Universe Connection
While Helen herself never competed in the Miss Universe pageant, her family name is etched in its history. The common association comes from her celebrated niece, Lalaine Bennett, who became the first Filipina to place in the international pageant, earning the title of 3rd Runner-up at Miss Universe 1963.
Helen Cutaran Bennett-Schon lived an exceptionally long and active life, remaining a respected figure well into her late 90s. Her story is one of captivating beauty, enduring strength, and a quiet dedication to family and country, securing her place as a true queen in the annals of Philippine history.
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