Maggie Wilson: No regrets

Even after being stormed with intrigues and criticisms, Margaret "Maggie" Wilson has stood her ground, proving that she is indeed worthy to be Bb. Pilipinas World 2007.

In the brief time she spent with The Freeman Entertainment for an exclusive interview at Vudu the other week, it’s easy to recognize her worthiness, with her beauty and sparkling intelligence.

She is also a true friend who knows how to value people who have helped her. And this is the reason why despite her super-busy schedule nowadays, she made it a point to come to Cebu recently for the advance birthday celebration of her trainer, Bb. Pilipinas World 2006 Anna Maris Igpit.

Maggie was born on March 15, 1989 (they have the same birthday with Mr. World Philippines 2007 Emmanuel Mago) in Bacolod City. She is the second daughter in an all-girl brood. At the age of 18, Maggie already stands 5 feet and 9 inches tall.

"I was born in Bacolod but I was raised in Saudi Arabia. We lived in Scotland for how many years," she said, adding that her mother is from Bacolod while her father is Scottish.

Before she joined Bb. Pilipinas, Maggie graced television screens as an MTV VJ and talent managed by the GMA Artist Center. In fact, she is one of the cast members of "Asian Treasures" as lead star Angel Locsin’s best friend in the primetime TV series.

Maggie revealed to The Freeman that she initially decided not to appear during the coronation night, doubting if winning a crown was what she really wished for and that a title would truly give her personal happiness.

"I was supposed to quit in the days before the pageant because I was questioning my personal happiness. I really don’t wanna join but naging motivation ko ‘yong ibinigay kong condition sa manager ko na talagang umiyak at sa mom ko na ‘pag nanalo ako, ako na ang gagawa sa mga desisyon ko. So I really did my best to win," she said.

So, as realization of the condition she gave since winning the crown, she refused her mom’s offer to have a cotillion during her debut. "I just went out with other girls (winners of the Bb. Pilipinas) like any ordinary gimmick. I did not celebrate, eversince hindi ko talaga gusto ang bongga na birthday celebration at lalung-lalo na I don’t like a cotillion. For me, it’s a cliché," she admitted.

Maggie said she has a very strong personality—what she says, what she does, she stands for it. However, when she decided on not joining the pageant anymore, Anna was one of those who really convinced Maggie to carry on. This was why the predecessor and the successor hugged so tightly onstage on the night of Maggie’s victory.

"Of all the eight candidates that I was training, she was (Maggie) the one that I was really sure would get one of the titles. I had seen her wearing my crown," said Anna.

Another person who motivated Maggie was her ex-boyfriend who broke up with her seven months ago. "Kung sakaling manalo ako, I was thinking sana he would greet me before or after the pageant. On the day I won, he really congratulated me," recalled Maggie.

Life after the Bb. Pilipinas win

"It’s been a haywire. Everyday I’m working, sabay-sabay lahat. After Binibini at daytime, I’m a VJ at nighttime covering events and at the same time hosting. I do fashion shows also since I’m a ramp model. At night, I hang out with my friends," Maggie said on how her day is spent.

How does she chill out? "I’m a rocker, kahit na nasa isang sulok lang ako ok na yon sa akin as long as rock music ang ipinapatugtog," she said.

"Ngayon may nanliligaw sa akin na mga rockista," Maggie admitted, but was quick to point out that while she has suitors, she has no plans yet of entering into another relationship.

If eight hours are the required number of hours for sleeping, Maggie only has three hours as the maximum. "I’m a power napper;15 minutes lang buhay na ako no’n siguro dahil energetic girl ako at sumusumpong yong insomnia ko."

Because of the absences she has incurred, she still did not graduate last March from high school. "After Holy Week, I will go back to school and I will graduate before the Miss World pageant in Russia," she vowed.

Her not being a high school graduate was the issue that created the most controversy, especially after her win. But she maintained that "the issue is gone, it’s just a sour-graping thing. Binibining Pilipinas are looking for girls who have brains and who know how to speak well, whether they are a graduate or not."

Her plans in the near future

"I will be working on my advocacy for kids, all the cases that the children encounter especially those who are born with AIDS because people are looking at them in a bad way. I will let the kids to have what I have enjoyed. I’m so blessed with my work and I really thank God for that," stated Maggie.

She also has plans of buying a condominium unit. Writing a book is another. "Me and Anna will write a book about the secret lives of a beauty queen, which will include our life before and after joining and winning the Binibini. This will reveal both sides of the coin, not only the happiness but also the pains and struggles that we encounter, as well as interviews from past beauty queens."

But the most interesting and perhaps shocking plan she has after she will turn over her crown next year is to have a short, boy-cut hairdo. "In all honesty, I will cut my hair with a ‘boy-cut’ style, bakla kasi ako, nakasanayan na kasi ng mga kaibigan ko na bugay ako, minsan nga pag-nakikita nila akong naka-heels sasabihin nila ‘Yuck! Maggie babaeng-babae ka na."

Maggie is also interested in going back to showbiz. She was told by the management of GMA 7 that she can return as a Kapuso anytime she wants.

Maggie Wilson, before and after

"Nothing’s changed!" she exclaimed. "Siguro, I’m more poised now. Attitude-wise, nothing’s changed. I’m getting mature enough, more wiser and conscious when it comes to decision-making."

"I’m not a glamorous person," confessed Maggie. "I like my black shirt and I love rock music. I hang out with my friends and after our gimmicks we go to a carenderia and eat lugaw."

"When you see me on stage, it’s really the total opposite of myself. I’m frank and tactless, but I know how to act in a certain place," she stated. "I’m the most craziest beauty queen. Natatawa sila (Bb. Pilipinas organizers) ‘pag nag-tataray ako lalo na pag may mga commitments kami. Ayaw ko kasing minamaliit kami so I really fight on what I believe is right, wala akong pakialam kahit sinong tao pa sila."

Preparations for the Miss World in Russia

Maggie’s time is largely spent on the preparation for the Miss World 2007 in Russia. She is now studying and learning how to speak different languages such as Greek, Russian, Spanish and French. She also has a personal trainer for public speaking, personality development, and overall well-being. It might sound exhausting to some, but clearly she is having a blast.

As the interview came to a close, Maggie left this writer with her personal philosophy, which she believes as what has led her to where she is right now: "If I made a mistake, I would not regret what I’ve done. Instead, I would take it as a lesson for me on not to do it again. Living life with regrets is stressful and miserable."