Gabriela Isler: Blessed beyond beauty

MANILA, Philippines - After more than 31 hours of flying, Miss Universe Gabriela Isler is finally in the Philippines to be one of the judges of Binibining Pilipinas 2014. Despite her hectic schedule during her five-day visit, Gabriela was generous in sharing her views about the past four months as Miss Universe 2013 and coping with pressure and different cultures. She even shared some tips to the 40 candidates of the current batch.

It has been four months since that day in Moscow when they crowned you Miss Universe. How has it been so far?

“It has been an amazing journey so far. When I won the crown, I was awed by the huge responsibility that was part of being Miss Universe. While I feel very blessed about winning, I also feel that as Miss Universe, I need to do my best to help people, especially lots of women and children. I also travel a lot but it is not all glamour. It is becoming a role model in a most enjoyable way. Yes, I am enjoying every single moment.”

Being Miss Universe must be so stressful. How do you keep looking cool and composed?

“When I feel stressed, I try to find time for myself and just try to stay calm. I watch movies and I cook. I call my family a lot and that calms me and makes me feel right at home.”

What have you learned from your travels so far? What country would you like to visit next?

“I learned a lot about different cultures and even picked up some words. But what is most amazing is that I found out that so many people actually knew me! They call out my name and follow my life. I am thrilled and humbled by the outpouring of love that I get everywhere I go. During my stay in the Philippines, I want to try and see a lot! I look forward to trying food like leche flan and halo-halo. I am not a fan of spicy food though. I would like to visit Paris, France. It is in my bucket list, maybe also because I am a romantic.”

Venezuela has won the title three times in six years. What makes your women so winnable in these pageants?

“In Venezuela, beauty pageants are more than contests; it is a national passion and we are all very committed to it. We want to win the crown not only for ourselves or for a personal dream, but also more for our country. That is why it is part of our life. And that could be the reason why we win.”

Which country do you think is Venezuela’s closest rival in international contests? Why?

“I say this not because I am here, but Venezuela and the Philippines are very similar in their passion for beauty contests. Like Venezuelans, for a lot of Filipinos, beauty pageants give happiness and pride. I am surprised at the huge fan base of pageants among Filipinos. During the Miss Universe pageant in Moscow, Crocus Palace echoed with Filipinos cheering for Ariella (Arida), while I had maybe four of my family members cheering for me. I also admire the training that Binibining Pilipinas gives. For the past years, the Philippines placed either among the Top 5 or Top 3. The girls from the Philippines come very well-prepared for the competition and they speak the English language so well.”

What are your plans after your reign as Miss Universe?

“I was a businesswoman even before I joined Miss Universe. I also want to continue my career as a model. However, a lot of people say that I might have the potential to become a television host so I plan to take up Broadcast Journalism at the New York Film Academy. It is part of my winnings as Miss Universe. I don’t think I can be an actress though. My eyes are just too transparent. You know if I’m just acting or faking it.”

How do you want to be remembered as Miss Universe?

“Being Miss Universe is not just about beauty and glamour. It is about trying to bring peace in your own simple way. I don’t want to be remembered as Miss Universe but as a simple girl who wanted to become a role model through my values, my honesty and my humility. I also want to be remembered as one who keeps the faith and who believes in the power of prayer.”

What excites you most about coming to the Philippines?

“I am very excited about being a judge during the coronation night. It is interesting to be on the other part of the stage. My advice to the contestants is just to be confident and enjoy what you are doing.

“Another thing that excites me is the visit to Coron, Palawan. Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) happened a day before the Miss Universe Pageant and that is why we feel that we have to continue doing something for the communities that were affected. I am honored to have the chance to give happiness to people and to remind the world not to forget those who still need our help.”

The Binibining Pilipinas 2014 Coronation Night will be held tomorrow, March 30 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. It will be aired on ABS-CBN’s Sunday’s Best.