Muriel Orais: Fragile yet tough

CEBU, Philippines - Don’t let her delicate features fool you into thinking she’s the typical pretty teen who’s lived a charmed life and winged through things by sheer good looks alone. Cebuana title-holder Muriel Orais’ sweet and happy persona belies the family heartaches and health scare she has had to endure. After placing prominently in a national beauty tilt, she is slowly getting noticed and might just be on her way to making some of her dreams come true.

Crowned Miss Philippines-Water 2011 last June 5 at Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, the 19-year old held a whirlwind homecoming recently to thank relatives, friends and the media who supported her stint at the prestigious Miss Philippines Earth pageant. Upon her arrival in Cebu, Muriel graced the launching of PAGCOR’s feeding program at the Subangdaku Elementary School and Tipolo Elementary School in Mandaue City. She also held a motorcade along Metro Cebu, attended a Carbon market clean-up activity, then walked the runway at the 5th year Gala Show of designer Lemuel Rosos. Rosos was responsible for her winning Amazon costume during the pre-pageant competition.

As the winner of Ms. Olive-C Campus Model Search 2010 and brand ambassador of Olive-C by Psalmstre, Muriel was accompanied by Psalmstre Enterprises owner Jim Acosta, whom she credits for the success she has attained so far. Her Nursing studies at Velez College will be put on hold in the meantime, as she concentrates on her Miss Philippines Water duties. Showbiz is already knocking on her door too, with Viva Films and ABS-CBN eyeing the Filipina-Chinese charmer.

In a press conference held for her at Gerry’s Grill of Ayala Center Cebu, Muriel got candid on her experiences on and off the pageant stage.

No place like home: “I super miss Cebu! I couldn’t wait to get back because it’s really different here. In Manila, it’s always work, work and work. No time for rest. Here, it’s so laidback. Although we have work, we have time to unwind and spend time with family and friends. I also miss my school which I just visited.”

On who pushed her to join Miss Philippines Earth: “At first, I was really hesitant because of my studies. School is very important for me. I was also insecure, because the pageants in Manila are already big-time so the candidates would be really beautiful and sexy. It was my mom who encouraged me to grab the opportunity. She told me I had nothing to lose. In fact, it will be a learning experience and a good exposure for me.”

Still needs improvement: “My greatest fear really, is talking on-stage in front of everyone. I even get shy when answering in the classroom, what more on national TV? I was very conscious while answering. I admit I’m not that confident in the speaking aspect yet, and I need more training.”

All eager and geared up to be an earth warrior: “I’m happy because Cathy Untalan, who was Miss Earth Water 2008, is always guiding us. We are planning to have a batch project. My personal undertaking will be more on bicycle-riding. I was supposed to attend the recent Independence Day event here in Cebu called the Road Revolution project, but I wasn’t able to come since we had activities in Manila.”

Looking back her pageant experience: “When I was young, I usually watched beauty pageants. But being there on TV, on that stage, I always thought that was so frightening and nerve-wracking. When I finally experienced it for myself, wow! The feeling was so different. It’s also fun. It’s all in the mind, that’s what I learned. I was so scared and shy at first. But I told myself, why should I be shy when this is for me? I’m here because I want to learn and I want to help. That’s how I became determined to reach the top five.”

Competition-mode over, real work begins for top five: “Now that the pageant is done, we’re okay. We need teamwork now. No more issues. And since I’m the youngest among us, they also advice me on some things. During the pageant, some would say I was the favorite because of the special awards I won. I also had haters online. I have to get used to that because not everyone can appreciate me. But never mind them. What makes me strong is the support of family and friends.”

On how her operation last year after being diagnosed with cystic teratoma changed her outlook in life: “It made me realize that God allowed me to still live because I had a meaning and purpose in life. That it’s not all about myself, I should help other people.”

Family tale fit for an MMK episode: “My mom told me I was a love child. My father is Chinese and it’s their belief they should marry a fellow Chinese, and my mom wasn’t. That’s why I never met my father. But one time when I was an incoming high school freshman, I was in a mall and he passed by. My uncle said, ‘Mao na imong Papa.’ If we would meet, he’d be like a stranger to me because I don’t know him, I have not heard his voice. Now that I’m in college, I’m very happy that I was able to meet my grandfather and an uncle from his side. They were the ones who acknowledged me.”

The father she has yet to meet and a house that’s never their own: “If we’re really destined to meet, that’s very okay for me. I’m not supposed to nurse a grudge because that won’t make me happy. I’ll just wait for him to approach me, because I’m shy to make the first move and I’m scared he might ignore me when we meet. If I’d have the opportunity, maybe I’ll ask for a hug first. I wouldn’t know what to say to him after that. I do have a stepfather. My mom married when I was five years old. They’re not in good terms now, though. We often moved from one house to another because we never had our own home. I think we moved at least seven times. Now that I’ve grown up, we still keep on moving. That’s why my dream is for me and my mom to have a house of our own here in Cebu.”

Why she’s angst-free amidst all the life trials: “I credit that to my mom. She was the one who taught and trained me since I was small. She taught me how to treat people well. She has been a big influence to me, and I’m very proud of her. You know, life would also be boring without problems. Who doesn’t have problems? It’s just up to us how we handle them.”

Celebrity crush: “Sam Milby.”

What a guy can do to get her surefire yes: “He has to court my mom first. If he gets my mom’s passing grade, then I’ll see if he’ll pass for me. For now, I’m single. Boys can wait.” (FREEMAN)