On January 27, 2024, the Rodeo King & Queen 2024 competition took place in San Pablo – Isabela – Philippines. This was part of the Baka Festival aimed at promoting the livestock industry in Isabela province and was well-received by the audience. Contestant number 17, “Lala Cheena Mae Bautista,” representing Barangay Poblacion, was the last contestant in the Q&A round for the female category. She chose a random question, which the host read: “If you were a genie in a bottle, who would you want your owner to be?”
Lala Cheena Mae Bautista answered her question, but it seemed unrelated to both the question and her initial response.
She asserted: “Good evening, everyone… If I were a genie in a bottle, I would like to serve my mom as my owner… Because all I can say about this question is that no matter who you are, where you come from, your skin color, your gender identity, speak for yourself, find your voice, affirm yourself by speaking up, thank you.”
However, ARMY noticed that her words were part of RM’s speech on behalf of UNICEF during his address to the United Nations in 2018: “Tell me your story. I want to hear your voice, and I want to hear your conviction. No matter who you are, where you’re from, your skin colour, gender identity: speak yourself.”
Although Lala Cheena Mae Bautista’s answer was not 100% original, she won the competition and received several prizes. Following her victory, many ARMY expressed frustration and requested her to send thanks to RM.
