Cory Quirino: I got my life back

MANILA, Philippines - Months after she has let go of the Miss World Philippines franchise, which she held for six years, Cory Quirino is reveling in her newfound freedom. The wellness guru loves the fact that “I got my life back.”

When she was national director of Miss World Philippines (a position talent manager Arnold Vegafria now holds), the pageant ruled Cory’s life.

“The planning stage took 40 percent of my time. This rose to 100 percent two months before coronation night.”

Vilma Selga, producer of Graceful Living (Saturdays, 8 p.m. at ANC) had to postpone tapings because Cory, who hosts the lifestyle show, had Miss World meetings to attend to. Today, Cory thinks, “Vilma is the happiest woman on Earth” because she doesn’t reschedule tapings anymore.

Cory decided to give up the Miss World Philippines franchise last December, weeks before she shocked the industry with her announcement about her decision to quit.

She recalls that day she re-examined her life.

”I asked myself, ‘How long do you see yourself doing this? Do you see yourself doing this 10 years from now?’ The answer is no.”

History shows that it takes 20 to 30 years to develop a Filipina Miss World. At 64 going on 65 in August, Cory doesn’t want to wait until she’s 80 to see another Filipina wearing the crown after Megan Young, who won in 2013.

Lest she be misunderstood, Cory stresses that the pageant gave her some of her most memorable moments in life.

But she’s happy to move on and leave the job to Arnold, whom Cory has worked with for years.

“He knows the routine,” Cory explains.

That happiness and serenity shows in her face, which looks like it belongs to a woman half her age.

Cory credits the absence of lines and other signs of aging to faith, a healthy lifestyle and Novuskin Lift food supplement, of which she is brand ambassador.

“Novuskin Lift provides not only skin protection but skin restoration and rejuvenation,” Cory explains. “It’s more than just a beauty product. It also offers health benefits by delaying the early signs of aging visible on the skin.”

The collagen ingredient acts as the skin’s structural support and keeps it firm and plump. Plant-based antioxidants brighten up the skin. Pine bark extract strengthens blood vessels and improves circulation.

Cory’s best beauty secret, however, comes from within.

“Your soul, mind and body must be in harmony with each other. And they all respond to one language — love. Love what you do. Love yourself by taking care of yourself and embracing wellness.”

So she prays, meditates and hits the gym. Cory refuses to let anger control her life.

“I’ve learned to control stress,” she adds.

In winning her personal battles, Cory is constantly drinking from the fountain of youth that has eluded countless worriers and those of little faith.