Long live the queen!• Bianca Guidotti
MANILA, Philippines - Beauty pageant aficionados, analysts and chroniclers can’t help but focus their attention on Mary Anne Bianca Garcia Guidotti, the Philippines’ representative to this year’s Miss International beauty pageant.
“There may be a lot of pressure, but Bea (Rose Santiago, 2013 Miss International) has already expressed how she is very willing to help me get the crown (for the country) again. That’s why I feel confident,” reveals Bianca.
Confidence, indeed, radiates brilliantly from within Bianca, who traces her roots to Pampanga and Bicol. A European Studies International Relations graduate from the Ateneo de Manila University, Bianca is a stunner at 5’10” and ticks the tape at 34-25-36.
Right after graduation, Bianca became deeply involved with Community and Family Services International, a non-government organization based in Pasay City.
“It was something that I really liked, in a sector that I really love. I saw firsthand what they were doing in the field. We tried to help those who were in the most vulnerable situations, those who are internally displaced and are refugees. These also involved our kababayans who have been affected by national disasters, violence and persecution. Eventually, this became my advocacy as well,” says Bianca, who counts the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Anne as her patron saints.
“Hearing the big roar from the crowd when my name was announced (as Bb. Pilipinas-International 2014) was truly overwhelming! Initially, I was also in a state of disbelief, but I was so happy when I won; I was able to give back in return what my family, friends and other supporters entrusted to me,” says the beauty pageant first-timer.
“Being a pageant newbie initially proved to be a weakness, in the sense that I didn’t have enough experience in beauty pageants. On the contrary, it also became one of my strengths. Since it was my first time, it was a now-or-never situation for me. Had I lost, I wouldn’t be doing this again; that is why I really gave my very best when I joined the contest,” she says.
As of this writing, Bianca is neck-deep in trainings and preparations for her forthcoming competition. She has her regular workouts at Gold’s Gym and, needless to say, maintains a healthy lifestyle. Bianca also keeps herself abreast of the latest news around the world “so as to be able to formulate my opinions and say something substantial when I am asked about these things come pageant time.”
Her greatest armament for the Miss International competition, she says, is her belief in herself. “The most important thing is knowing that you are a force to reckon with. Don’t compare yourself with anyone. Just hang on to your beliefs. I know who I am; I know my own strengths and weaknesses. I believe I’m worth it, and I deserve a crown,” she concludes with a radiant glow from her expressive eyes.
Photography by SHAIRA LUNA of At East | Jed Root • Creative direction by LUIS ESPIRITU JR. • Styling by MIKKA VELASQUEZ • Makeup by SARI CAMPOS • Hairstyling by RHOY CERVANTES • Jewelry by MILADAY JEWELS • Shot on location at SOLAIRE RESORT & CASINO’s STRIP
