Precious moment

While the Philippines was in deep slumber last week, one precious moment was taking place – 22-year-old Precious Lara Quigaman was crowned Miss International 2005 in Tokyo, Japan.

Instantaneously, this dusky, 5’6" beauty from Taguig City, who bested 56 other contestants from all over the world, became the toast of the town. At long last, Precious Lara’s crown put an end to the 26-year drought the country experienced in the field of pomp and pageantry. She now joins the elite list of Filipina Miss International beauties namely Gemma Cruz Araneta (1964), Aurora Pijuan (1970) and Melanie Marquez (1979).

Multiple Choice recently engaged Precious Lara in a brief conversation purely about style. Here goes...

What is style?

It is an expression of oneself. It is a medium where you can showcase who and what you are.

What is your personal style?

Anything goes. I am comfortable in anything I look good in.

Who is your style icon?

Tyra Banks, supermodel, celebrity and host of America’s Next Top Model. She is gorgeous and confident with both her mind and body.

Do you think of yourself as a stylish person?

Yes. I can carry anything I wear and feel confident in almost anything.

How do you define fashion?

Fashion is all about looking good and feeling good.

What is your opinion of fashion in Manila?

In general, compared to other countries, Manila is still conservative and limited by cultural boundaries in their manner of dressing up. Most Filipinos would only wear the staple jeans and t-shirts. I believe windows and doors have to be opened because style is an adventure.

Do you feel you have to dress up more specially now that you have won the Miss International title?

Yes. Since I have embraced this new responsibility to my people, I have to dress like a queen and embody the image of Miss International.

What is your style principle?

I adopt to what I wear. I am defined by the personality of the clothes I wear. It is an endless masquerade of countless possibilities playing a multitiude of personalities. It is all part of our cinematic lives.

(E-mail the author at mymultiplechoice@yahoo.com)