Someone like you

CEBU, Philippines - Valeriano Tomol III  discovers about a former beauty queen’s most trusted fashion secret, her new life, and why she’s role model to all.

If you think this is your ordinary fairy tale, then you are grossly mistaken.

It was about 15 years ago when I met this beautiful lady at the Miss University of San Carlos contest during her high school years—meet Karla Bautista-Siao.

Ten years ago, she was hailed Miss Cebu; a year after, she took home the title of Bb. Pilipinas-World and then crowned Miss World Queen of Asia and Oceana.

The self-proclaimed “simple girl” charmed the judges with her poise, wit, and beauty—her husband Merrick Siao included—with her fun personality, simplicity, and down-to-earth appeal.

Read on, and find out why in many ways she still reigns after all these years.

The Freeman (TF): Everyone knows about your conquests, so please tell us about your days at present.

Karla Bautista-Siao (KBS): My little princess Kallasandra (her daughter) wakes me up at around six in the morning. We play a bit before bath and breakfast, and she is my new brand of caffeine. Even as a baby, she has such a beautiful way to express moods and emotions.

I then go to the office as the operations manager of Grand Royal Spa chain of wellness and beauty centers and also for Footzyfolds Luxe which normally almost always consumes my day.

TF: We know that in your teenage years you had a whistle bait figure. How do you stay fit these days?

KBS: I make sure to stay fit by going to the gym, walking, running (well, I try to at least) and some feeble attempts to do yoga. Exercise is so important for both health and mind, and it makes such a difference in the way I feel now that I’m married with a small kid. But I just have to find time—for my sake.

TF: Surely our readers are interested in knowing about your fashion style. And they’d also love to know how you keep your skin healthy, considering your workload and the stress that goes with it.

KBS: Even back then when I was modeling, I’m a classic dresser and not very trendy. I try to keep up with the times though, but most importantly, keep comfortable and feel good in whatever I wear.

As for any beauty secrets, I pamper myself with moisturizers, plus the fact that I have the spa services at my disposal. De-stressing is also a key factor to looking great—that’s for everyone, not just for me.

TF: What are some of your favorite pastimes?

KBS: Reading, bonding with my husband and my little girl and of course, seeing my friends (which for now she is very elusive). I have limited time after work, so I don’t get to do as much as I’d like.

I read all sorts of books and less on magazines. Right now I’m reading about the very interesting life of Lady Bird Johnson by Jan Jarboe Russel; before that, I read a trilogy The Hobbit by J.R. Tolkien .

I also like movies, especially romantic comedies, and pretty much anything with a good plot that can capture my interest.

TF: What do you think is the most important strength that you bring to your role at present?

KBS: Faith in God. After my years as a beauty queen and model, I joined the real world by being a cabin crew for an airline company based in Dubai. There were times I’d like to quit due to a lot of things like homesickness and yes, sickness, but the Almighty always gave me strength to tackle another day—and another and another. Then presto: Almost three years have gone by.

I saw the world differently though, but each city has become a treasure trove of experiences that can last a lifetime.

TF: Professional women often have problems in finding the right balance between career and family. Which comes first for you?

KBS: Without a doubt, family. Growing up in a family of three showed me the importance of unity, and the role of each family member. I lost my mom at a young age, and she has been very instrumental to my achievements through the years after she was gone.

My parents ingrained in us all that the material things aren’t what keep us together and get us through life. They’ve taught us the values, morals, and principles that we so diligently display (or attempt to, at least).

My sister and I have learned the value of sharing and recognizing that we all need each other in this world. Support and encouragement, love and care all start at home, and these influence and build character. These I want to impart to my new family now.

TF: What inspires you?

KBS: The fact that there is so much to live for. My little girl Kallie, my husband Merrick, my loved ones, even my job no matter how it consumes almost all of my time. A lot of people don’t have jobs. There is such a big world out there and so much to live for that if I were to let it pass me by, I’d miss out on a great opportunity to live. I am extremely thankful to say, it’s “La Dolce Vita” for me, and I pray and work hard for it continuously.

TF: Tell us about the scenario ten years from now.

KBS: Life constantly never fails to surprise me, and that’s the beauty of it all – never knowing what’s next. And since I derive my spirituality from my Catholic base, I place a lot of trust in God. Each person has a different way of being in touch with his or her spirituality. For me, I believe that God has a plan for each of us, and whatever He gives us–good or bad–He will get us through. (FREEMAN)