Nicole's still a winner

Beauty queen Nicole Schmitz and I started out as acquaintances. Although I did an exclusive interview with her two days after she was crowned Miss Mandaue in May of last year, the relationship was merely "hi and hello" after that. However, last January, when my very good friend Bb. Pilipinas World Anna Maris Igpit 2005 informed me that she was training Nicole for the country's most prestigious pageant, Bb. Pilipinas, that acquaintance turned into a friendship. And then Nicole would text me, asking for my help through text votes and prayers, to all of which I said yes right away.

With that, I felt so blessed-and who am I to refuse such a chance to be of help in my own little way? Secondly, she would represent Cebu, and being a true blue Cebuano, I have always believed in the potential of our homegrown talents to make it big in the capital. And so I started campaigning for Nicole through my radio program (OkRyan-dyLA 3-4pm Monday to Friday), texting friends and praying for her, asking the Sto. Niño to let His will be done and to give her the confidence and grace on stage.

During the coronation night last Saturday, Nicole made it to the Top 13 but failed to enter the Top 5. I took it as the will of God. It was simply not yet her moment of glory in the national pageant arena.

Anna told me that she spotted Nicole's potential when the latter competed for Miss Mandaue, and Anna was part of the panel of judges. A lot told her that Nicole was too young for Bb. Pilipinas, but she nevertheless went on backing Nicole. "In international pageants they get so interested in young and bubbly ladies. She has the Latina look and she is very determined to win," Anna justified.

In fact, as the mentor, Anna gave Nicole a 9 out of 10 rating, as far as her performance last Saturday is concerned. "She was so fantastic on stage, many can attest to that. She performed like she was competing in an international pageant. Though she did not make it to the Top 5, she left a mark that night that made all pageant aficionados scream for Nicole to join next year," Anna said.

Indeed Nicole made a mark. The day after the pageant Anna said a lot have been calling her, asking for Nicole to try doing VTR for their clients to see. But the most promising of all them is the interest expressed by GMA-7 to pair Nicole with one of their brightest and biggest male stars, "because she will do well if she tries. She has the resemblance of [former Miss Universe] Dayanara Torres" so said the representatives of the network. A popular sardines brand is also very interested in Nicole, Anna added, apart from the modeling offers.

Thus, even if Nicole did not win, it seems like that the doors of opportunity are opening up for this Fil-German 18-year old beauty. Nicole is slowly but surely realizing her dream of joining show business. But she said that continuing her studies is definitely what she will do first, although she might have to go for a home study program because she does not know where opportunities would bring her soon. Presently she is home with her family in Liloan, carefully weighing her options.

Here are excerpts of our casual exchange of text messages last Wednesday afternoon.

PenPoint: How are you and what's next for you?

Nicole: I'm doing good. What is next for me? I'm not 100% sure yet but I know I wanna start focusing on my studying na.

PenPoint: Would you rejoin Bb. Pilipinas?

Nicole: Hmm… I'm still not sure yet. But there is still plenty of time to decide. It's a lot of hard work joining a pageant like that.

PenPoint: How do you feel about the results? A lot of people said you should have been part of the final 5 and that it was a surprise you were not included.

Nicole: Yes a lot of people have said that to me! Well, everyone feels as though they really deserve to be part of the Top 5… It's just really nice to know the people were really behind me. Even after the pageant was done, I seriously appreciated it so much! It's just sayang it did not happen for me this time.

PenPoint: That is destiny. It means God has prepared something bigger and better for you.

Nicole: That's true. I know God made this outcome for a reason. I'm actually fine and my family has been supportive. This pageant truly made me realize that having my family behind me is really the most important and rewarding part of this experience.

PenPoint: When you were already included in the Top 13, what was then playing on your mind?

Nicole: When I made it to the Top 13, I looked at my supporters screaming from the crowd and I just felt comfort that I made them proud. After that I just tried to relax and clear my head before my Q&A.

PenPoint: Looking back, what do you think you should have and should not have done during the pageant night?

Nicole: Looking back on the night of the pageant, I feel proud of myself and of the way I handled every part of that pageant because I know I was completely natural, and the crowd could feel that. My whole family was there and I felt the pride and love in their hearts all the way from the other side of Araneta. That kind of response yields no desire in me to change nothing that happened that night. Like I said, regret does not benefit anyone in their actions, I do everything with sureness and confidence.

PenPoint: What do you think was the worst intrigue you heard about you during the pageant race?

Nicole: A few people were questioning if I was qualified for the pageant because I have been very public about my Australian upbringing. But that was all clarified when the lawyers came in to review every candidate's documents.

PenPoint: What is your message to your detractors as well as to those who believe in you?

Nicole: To detractors? They have the right to express their own opinion; I won't take that away from them. In fact if their criticisms are constructive, I'll take them onboard and use it to my advantage. As for the false statements or things said to pull me down, I have only used them to make me stronger. To my supporters, I truly have endless gratitude to you all. I thank the Lord everyday for my blessings, including all of you guys. I honestly could not deal with the mental hardships that came with this pageant if I did not feel the support from all of you.

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