Our beauty queens have made us proud by winning major titles abroad, the most recent of being Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach. As we Filipinos eagerly await the coronation night in Manila, let us read the most memorable experiences of our past Bb. Pilipinas Universe beauty queens.
Liza Berroya-Salud, Bb. Pilipinas Universe 1992, businesswoman
It would have to be that moment when I had a life-changing epiphany in the weeks leading up to the Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok, Thailand. It was a very stressful situation that could easily have landed me in a hospital, if not for the exceptional stamina my ballet training lent me. Then early one morning, a nearly audible voice said to me, "You belong where you are most needed." It was an assurance that no matter what the outcome of the pageant would be, everything would work out for the good.
Vida Doria- Legaspi, Bb. Pilipinas Universe 1971, fashion designer
The Miss Universe beauty pageant was held in Miami Beach, Florida, where I won the Miss Photogenic Award and trophy. It was the first time ever that the Philippines ever got the title. The press and photographers from all over the world made the selection at the venue itself, not by online voting. The Lettermen serenaded us and I also can't forget the fact that during the contest, my name was Miss Philippines, and no longer Vida Doria — and that was quite a responsibility! It dawned on me that I truly was representing our country!
Janine Tugonon, Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2012, international model
Most memorable for me is the pageant itself of course. I love being onstage and performing. When the music starts and I’m backstage and I’m about to exit… that mixture of emotions — excitement, nervousness and fun — I love it.
Gem Padilla-Thomas, Bb. Pilipinas Universe 1990, triathlete
Growing up in Barrio Obrero Tondo and having my family as one of the pioneers of our ‘hood had its perks. Before becoming Miss Philippines-Universe, I was already working as a professional fashion model for a couple of years. I didn't own a car yet so every time I needed a ride going to a fashion show or photo shoot and I needed either a jeepney or a taxi, I'd ask the yosi vendors to hail one for me. These takatak boys as they were called in the ‘90s were the cigarette/candy vendors on the streets. The day after winning Bb. Pilipinas Universe, I went home, then walked to the cemetery to offer the bouquets I got from all my special awards to my late grandmother. The jeepneys were honking and the takatak boys were doing that noise with their boxes as I walked along Rizal Avenue. The noise was deafening but it was the best applause I got all throughout my reign.
Abbygale Arenas-de Leon, Bb. Pilipinas Universe 1997, Personi-fi Image Studio, Inc. managing director
I will never forget the time I spent with Mrs. Araneta, I wasn't able to win the crown but she — and her sisters in Miami — treated me like a real Miss Universe. She personally made sure I had everything I needed. I will never forget how she made sure my parents became ready for the pageant; my mom wore a beautiful gown and my dad even had binoculars, and it was she who made sure they were escorted to the airport. One time late at night, my then boyfriend (Jun) was waiting on the stairs of the Coliseum to pick me up, I wasn't finished fitting my gown, so she invited him and gave him a tour of our dressing room (which was actually the size of a department store). Jun was officially the first boyfriend who got to be invited in the Binibining Pilipinas dressing room. I will never forget her kindness and generosity to me.
Anna Lorraine Kier-Tabora, Bb. Pilipinas Universe 1977, events planner
To this day, that fateful evening in June at the Araneta Coliseum is still so vivid in my memory. Not only did it change my life from a prude, very gawky and simple college student to an instant public figure, but it also opened doors to many wonderful avenues.
Pebbles Asis, Bb. Pilipinas Universe 1987, businesswoman
My most memorable was seeing Miss Puerto Rico and Miss Italy soon upon getting out of the plane from the Philippines. They were the first two delegates I saw at the airport terminal. I felt so ugly I wanted to go home and tried to call my mom afterwards. This happened in Singapore representing the country for 1987 Miss Universe. Miss Italy became first runner-up, Miss Puerto Rico came in fourth. I came in as fifth runner up. Memorable enough for it paved my way to professional modeling here and abroad for 15 years.
Sara Jane Paez-Santiago, Bb. Pilipinas Universe 1989
My most memorable experience as a beauty queen is the overwhelming support I got from our kababayans. From my family, friends, my hometown, my school, and important people from the Philippines who even went all the way to Cancun, Mexico. I will also always remember the Filipinos I've never met but who sent their support through flowers and postcards. The cheering of the Filipino community in Mexico made the experience more fun and exciting.
Gionna Cabrera, Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2005, realtor
My most memorable experience as a beauty queen was being able to participate in the Miss Universe 2005 contest in Bangkok, Thailand. That once-in-a lifetime event gave me three awards, one of which is the special award appointed by HRH Queen Sirikit of Thailand, Miss Royal Silk for the most elegant candidate during a fashion benefit show for one of their well-known designers. I also gained Miss Universe friends that I still keep in touch with, like candidates from Germany, Peru, Thailand, Latvia, Ireland, UK and Vietnam with whom I shared enjoyable moments during the contest.
Criselda “Dang” Cecilio-Palanca, Bb. Pilipinas Universe 1979, actress
For someone who never in her wildest dreams ever thought of becoming a beauty queen, the pageant was a wonderful and unexpected turning point in my life. Winning the crown was purely by the grace of God, and so was every single door that opened for me. My most memorable experience was the entire journey.
Desiree Verdadero- Abesamis, Bb. Pilipinas Universe 1984
Representing the Philippines in 1984 and placing third runner-up was a memory of a lifetime. Meeting a lot of people and making new friends made it more exciting but the most memorable experience during the pageant was during the long gown competition for the top 10 finalists. We had our adorable little sisters parading with us. I didn’t get to know her much but had the chance to reconnect with her after 32 years!
Maricar Mendoza-Du, Bb. Pilipinas Universe 1981
Of the many new experiences during my reign as a 20-year-old beauty queen, what stands out in hindsight is the experience of seeing the children smile. It was an amazing time when we, the winners, spent a day at what was then Fiesta Carnival. The time shared with them and seeing the joy in their hearts as they took turns on the rides touched a nerve that stays until today.