The great composer Constancio de Guzman wrote a song titled Maria Margarita dedicated to Miss Universe of 1973, Maria Margarita Moran. With lyrics by Inocencia Revilla, the song is set to the beat of danza.
De Guzman composed such immortal songs as Maalaala Mo Kaya, Ang Tangi Kong Pag-ibig, Babalik Ka Rin and the nationalistic Bayan Ko.
The well-liked Margie was recently named chairman of the Cultural Center of the Philippines board of trustees. She is a familiar face and figure at the CCP having headed for years Ballet Philippines. After her reign as Miss Universe, Margie finished AB (cum laude) at Maryknoll College. She was involved in promoting tourism and helping the needy with livelihood and housing projects.
Here are the lyrics of Maria Margarita (danza)
Maria Margarita dangal ka ng ating bayan
Kami ay nagdiriwang dahil sa ‘yong tagumpay
Sadya kang pinagpala ganda mo’y likas na tunay
Ng butihing Pilipina at hindi matutularan
Tanglaw ka at patnubay ng ating mahal na Bayan
Ang mundo ay humanga sa taglay mong kariktan
Habang buhay di ka namin malilimutan
Maligayang bati sa ‘yo Diwatang mahal
Nang magsabog ng ganda sa lupa ang Dakilang Maykapal
Nakamit mong lahat na hirang kang Mutya ng Silangan
Maria Margaritang mahal
It would be wonderful if, say Martin Nievera or Gary Valenciano or Christian Bautista, could give the song dedicated to Margie a new interpretation…reliving the glorious days in 1973 when she won the coveted Miss Universe crown in Athens, Greece. — RKC