Precious Lara Quigaman to get back in shape

MANILA, Philippines- It was not easy for 2005 Miss International Precious Lara Quigaman to get back in shape after giving birth.

She gave birth to her first child Noah on Nov. 10 last year. This was four months after she tied the knot last July 2012 with her longtime boyfriend Marco Alcaraz.

She was five months pregnant then, and it was announced on the day of their wedding.

(READ: A Precious mom)

The former beauty queen gained 50 lbs during her pregnancy and lost only 10 lbs after giving birth, “’yung baby ko lang ang nabawas,” she remarked.

“Gradually naglo-lose talaga ako, pero may point na ayaw na talaga niya bumaba.”

But by following a strict diet and with the help of a wellness clinic, Lara was able to get back in shape, and even got slimmer.

But aside from her weight, another thing that bothered the beauty queen-turned-actress is her, “dark stretch marks,” which she got during her pregnancy.

So when she was approached to be the brand ambassador of Bio Oil, a product which helps improve the appearance of stretch marks, Lara immediately said yes.

“Kasi ‘yung stretch marks ko sobrang dark talaga,” she shares. “As in dark so it really helped na mag-lighten ‘yung stretch marks. Pero it will not make it go away.”

Lara is now confident again to wear skin-revealing outfits, just like the cut-out dress that she wore at the launch last night, in a hotel in Ortigas City.

This is just timely since her son Noah will celebrate his first birthday and dedication on November 10.

Though they don’t have concrete plans yet, Lara says it will be a “Noah’s Ark” themed celebration.