A winner in her own right

"It was the best thing that happened to me. I was able to fulfill one of my dreams and I could not ask for more." These were the exact words of Bb. Pilipinas-World Anna Maris Igpit in a text message after she arrived in Manila from Warsaw, Poland last Monday.

There's no reason to doubt the sincerity of these words because days prior to her departure for the Miss World pageant, Anna had already conditioned her mind that "God's will be done." And that she would do the best that she could in the competition, but would be prepared as well for whatever would happen.

I honestly believe, however, that something was wrong with her hair and make-up in the first few days of the pageant, but when I asked for her comment, she refused to give one, saying she no longer wanted to dwell on it anymore. But I strongly feel that Anna was a victim of wrong instructions, and whoever gave them I hope they would realize how important it is to let the beauty of the Filipina shine on its own, instead of projecting her as somebody that she is not. I'm no beauty expert, I don't even know how to apply lipstick or eye shadow, nor am I good at hairstyling, but I would say Anna's packaging did not suit her. If only she would tell me who told her to do it that way.

Anyway, Anna may have failed to snatch the very elusive Miss World crown for the Philippines, but something bigger and better is yet to come for her. She is only 19 years old. She has a long way to go. I was telling her agent, Chicoy Tomol of the Models Association of Cebu (MAC), that maybe Anna did not win because God wants her to finish her studies. Honestly, I did not watch the entire pageant because as early as 2AM of Sunday (October 1), I already knew Anna did not make it to the semi-finals by way of a text update from good friend and The FREEMAN reporter Joberth Ocao. An hour after, Chicoy confirmed the report. My instant reaction was-well, it was not really for her.

Before I forget, let me say thank you to all friends who responded to my appeal Friday night of last week to vote via text for Anna so she could get into the Top 17 (a first-ever move by the judges after Miss Australia and Miss India tied for the one of two semi-final slots from the Asia-Pacific region; the other one went to Miss Vietnam who got in by text votes). Typhoon Milenyo was a factor because for three days people from Luzon were unable to vote as there was no electricity. But, in behalf of Anna, thank you so much for the support. Anyway, here's the rest of our exchange (via text messaging):

PenPoint: Describe to me your Miss World experience. What was the most unforgettable part?

Anna: My Miss World experience was the best I had in my 19 years of existence. It was something I will forever cherish. I met more than 100 girls, learned about their countries, cultures and languages. My favorite moment was when we went to Gizycko where we had sports event. Our welcome parade was really the best. We were in small boats in the lake waving to the people who were bringing flaglets. It was very overwhelming to see the people very excited to meet us. And I was chosen also by the organization together with Poland and Canada to talk to the people in Polish.

PenPoint: What did you learn from the pageant? Who were your close friends among the candidates?

Anna: During the competition I have grown a lot. I learned to be more open to new things given that I was surrounded by women with different personalities and backgrounds. I learned and realized how lucky I am to be there to represent my country. Not all Filipinas are given the chance to be there to compete right? So I'm a winner already. My close friends were Mongolia, Korea, Hong Kong, Indonesia but I'm super close with Singapore and Sri Lanka basically because among the Asians they were the ones who speak good English. And I love their personalities. We get along well and we were always together in all activities.

PenPoint: Upon seeing the other candidates as soon as you arrived there, what were your expectations then?

Anna: I expected to really see many pretty girls especially from the Latin American countries. And it all turned out to be true. But I just reminded myself all the time that all of us are winners in our countries and all of us have the same chances of winning the crown. The good thing about it was I just enjoyed every moment of it that after the pageant I was so happy I was there in Miss World.

PenPoint: Minutes before the pageant, what did you ask God? After the semi-finalists were revealed, what did you tell yourself?

Anna: Actually I had a nine-day novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help and St. Therese of the Child Jesus while I was there. I also prayed the Holy Rosary every night even though I would be so tired already. I always ask God to send the Holy Spirit to me and shower me the gifts of strength and understanding so that whatever outcome it would be, I will be able to accept it with an open heart and mind. That was why after the semi-finalists were announced I still had that smile on my face and I accepted everything with grace.

PenPoint: To many, Miss Czech Republic was an unexpected winner. What's your say on this?

Anna: No, she was not. Honestly, since the first day of the pageant I already told the other girls that I have a strong feeling she will do good. She had the aura of Rossana Davidson, Miss World 2003. I even told my family and friends that I will be very happy if Czech Republic will win. She is very nice and she always talks to me. After the pageant she approached me, invited me to her room because she wants to say good-bye.

PenPoint: So you were close with Miss World 2006?

Anna: Among the Asians I'm the one she always talks to. She is very quiet and always stays in one corner so I decided to talk to her one time and since then she always talks to me.

PenPoint: What's next after Miss World? Many are asking if you'd be joining showbiz eventually. Are there offers aside from the one that Cesar Montano proposed to you?

Anna: After Miss World, I will continue my studies at Southwestern University but maybe through a home study program so that I can still stay in Manila and work with the Binibining Pilipinas Charities Incorporated. Showbiz? Maybe…I'm not closing my doors. A lot of offers also to endorse products and host some shows, so I will go through each one of them and choose the best project for me.

PenPoint: Lastly Ann, since you said you were among those chosen to converse in Polish, please thank your supporters in that language. What is your message to everyone?

Anna: Djenkuje wszystkich (thank you everyone) especially to my trainers, Maricar Balagtas, Karen Agustin, Carla Balingit, Lia Ramos, Lara Quigaman, Maan Bayot and of course my dear friend Karla Bautista, to my BPCI family especially to Mrs. Araneta for all the support and for giving me this wonderful opportunity. To Congressman Edgar Chato of the first district of Bohol, to Panglao first councilor Nila Montero for the unending support they have showered me, to my MAC family, thanks for the prayers and encouragement guys. To Rodgil Flores and company, my SWU family, thank you. To direk Frits Ynfante, Douglas Nieras, Dale Carnegie, Josef Sarach and to all my family and friends, Boholanos, Cebuanos and all Filipinos who prayed and voted for me, thank you so much from the bottom of my heart. Jawaskocham (I love you all).

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Catch Joseph Bitangcol and Sandara Park today at 3PM in Gaisano Balamban and at 8PM in Gaisano Countrymall for a mini-show. Advance happy birthday to my Mama Sally who will turn 61 years old tomorrow. Thank you for raising me well.

React at@[email protected] or text me at 09286252596.