Getting to know Kim Therese Burden

CEBU, Philippines - She may not have won the Miss Cebu 2009 crown, but Kimberly Therese Burden has certainly become the most-talked-about candidate from among the bevy of beauties in the recently-held 25th Miss Cebu pageant.

But beyond the hullabaloo and interest that this young lady has generated because of a coronation night fiasco, this young lady’s background—which is highlighted with scholastic and youthful achievements—is also worth talking about. A valedictorian in elementary and now a dean’s lister and champion orator at Cebu Doctor’s University, a student leader and an awarded girl scout who dabbled in campus journalism during high school at Cebu City Science High School—if you’re wondering why this 19-year-old girl with many other interests ventured into the beauty pageant circuit, this is what Kim has to say: she wanted to experience the world outside school and home.

“Wala kaayo ko ma-expose sa real world, kay dili kaayo ko tiglaag and I spent most of my time with my family. Sheltered kaayo ko… Then in my realization, the world is not what it seems, daghan pa kaayong mga underlying stuffs nga wala ka mag-expect nga mahitabo diay,” Kim said.

This includes, at her age, not having experienced yet a relationship with the opposite sex. “I chose not to, and I still have a lot of time to do that because I’m still young.”

She admitted that she has no ideal man because sometimes her choices would vary in terms of looks. She heartily believes though that it is the guy’s character that matters the most.

“I want somebody who’s smart kay unsaon manang gwapo ra but mahutdan ra diay mo’g storya in the long run. Then I also want the student leader type of guy and most importantly, the man who has respect because I believe this is the most important [virtue] a person should possess,” enthused Kim.

She revealed that her ultimate crush is the famous international tennis player, Rafael Nadal. In fact, she shares that she would always watch his games and everytime the tennis superstar loses, she couldn’t help but get affected.

 “I really watched all his games and kung mapildi siya, I will really cry, honestly, murag wala pa gyuy instance nga napildi siya nga wala ko nakahilak,” Kim confirmed.

Kim is now in her junior college year taking up Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy at CDU. Kim, who stands at 5’6 ½ ft with vital statistics of 36-25-36, said that she looks up to US president Barack Obama and the widely-famous talk show host Oprah Winfrey.

Kim revealed in an interview with The FREEMAN that she wants to become an entertainment writer. When she had her first year of college at the University of the Philippines, she wanted to pursue journalism.

While at UP, her interest in the medical aspect surfaced. She is taking up PT as a pre-med course.      

“I took PT because aside from it being the best pre-med course, I can imagine myself being a physical therapist if I can’t proceed to medicine. Helping other people regain their zest for life after a great tragedy or illness through rehabilitation is very fulfilling.”

Nevertheless, she really plans to become a successful heart surgeon and help children with congenital heart disease.

When asked who she really is as a person, Kim said, “I am a lover, fighter, dreamer, and an achiever. I’m a person of contradictions. I could be very prim and proper now then really goofy with my corny jokes later. I could be very rigid and uptight with rules but I could also be very much of a softie at times. I’m someone who gets her nails done but won’t hesitate to get them chipped if the occasion calls for it.

“The relationships I have with God, my family and friends are most important to me. I have had no boyfriend since birth and so I am what some people call a skeptic when it comes to love but I still believe that true love does exist. I have always believed that life is a great blessing but it is one moment in time and I choose to live mine as one of value.”

She said that with the controversy she experienced at Miss Cebu, she bears no regret from withdrawing as 2nd runner up. Kim said she has always lived by her motto which is to “Always strive to achieve something without ever sacrificing your convictions. There is not much meaning in fighting and knowing that you will win. True courage is fighting even if you know that all odds are against you.”

When asked what advice can she give to other girls her age who’d like to be a beauty queen, she said, “Even if I have a persevering feminist streak within me, I still believe that not all beauty pageants exploit women. There are those which are perfect training grounds for young women to excel in their future endeavors. The choice of which pageant to associate yourself with is really the tricky part.

“First and foremost, joining one should be a personal decision. Don’t allow yourself to be forced into it because this is the reason why some people think pageant girls are robotic. If you think pageants aren’t good for you, then get out. You are your own person and your character isn’t molded through only this. Lastly, never forget that things may not always be what they seem to be because as they say, ‘not everything that glitters is gold’.” – Marigold P. Lebumfacil