Fun moments with my soul sisters

Perhaps you would think that it is impossible for three former beauty queen competitors to become close friends. I guess our story is entirely different from the rest.

Dianne (Necio), Czarina (Gatbonton) and I went against each other during the Binibining Pilipinas 2010 competition. I’ve known Dianne for quite a long time already since she also joined many beauty contests in Bicol. She is gifted with a very beautiful face that you can’t avoid noticing her. Many people say that she looks like Miriam Quiambao. It was my first time to meet and get to know Czarina. She hails from the beautiful island of Pamarawan in Bulacan. At first glance, Czarina resembles many beauty queens from the past. We almost have the same complexion but her smile is far better than mine.

The competition favored us three when Dianne was hailed first runner-up, Czarina grabbed the Binibining Pilipinas-World title and I was crowned Binibining Pilipinas-Universe 2010. We started working together after the coronation night. We attended the same activities and had the same training. It was cut short by my unexpected dethronement. We were not able to communicate for a long time because of what happened. But God is so good because He did not want me to lose true friends. My reinstatement started a better friendship between us.

Can you identify who’s who?

Our activities drew us closer to each other including Binibining Pilipinas second runner-up Nicolette Henson. We shared more things about ourselves and we became more open to one another. One day we found ourselves moving in to the same house. I felt a different kind of happiness because I am given the chance to share my life and my experiences with these two girls. Czarina would often call me “Inang” and Dianne calls me “Ate.” I feel that I have a mission for both of them; to guide them in their plans and give them sisterly advice. Czarina just finished competing in China for the Miss World 2010 pageant. She might not have brought home the crown but I am still very proud of her. I know she did her best to represent the Philippines. After her reign, Czarina will go back to school and finish a degree. Dianne, on the other hand, is still pondering on a big decision she is going to make but I am sure she will continue her studies after she has ironed out all her plans.

With Czarina back in the Philippines, we can go out again together and watch our favorite movies. We share many interests like going on adventure trips and trying different kinds of food. We also love to experiment and try cooking various kinds of ulam. We are now more comfortable with each other. We can share our personal problems and ask for solutions. I have learned to care and love the two of them like my younger sisters. I do not feel comfortable when they are still outside the house and it’s already late at night. I check on their makeup and outfits before they go out. I think they sometimes feel that I am a strict ate but they know that I am doing all these things for their own good. I reprimand them when I notice some wrong actions and behavior. I feel like they are already part of my system and I know I have to look after them not because it is my responsibility but because I want to.

The world of beauty pageants is not a hostile one as many see it. Many have negative impressions on beauty contestants; that they fight with each other or they just stage their being nice to one another in front of the camera and amidst many people. But these are wrong judgments on us. We are just like the rest; we mingle with other people and we make friends and sometimes we develop more meaningful friendships. I know I will carry whatever we shared together wherever I go. They are special people I am glad I have met and I have known deeper. I will forever treasure our memories together in my heart and they can be assured that I will always be there for them.