Miss International 2005: Precious Lara Quigaman

Despite the fame that has followed her since she was proclaimed as the most beautiful woman in the world, Precious remains as genuinely humble as ever. As an international beauty queen, she carries herself with a lot of grace and her endearing personality is always shining through. What we think emanates from unforgettable beauties like her is a solid sense of self, of having a heart as big as her talent. Read our intimate discussion with the 4th Miss International of the Philippines and discover the magic that she carries all her own.

Which do you consider the best part of your reign as Miss International?
The best part of my reign was when I was invited to different churches, schools, youth groups and was able to share with them my victory, and encourage them that they can achieve anything if they would allow God to work in them and through them. It was the best part because I know that I have impacted a lot in other people's lives.

And the worst part, if any?
The worst would be how easy it is for people to take advantage of my victory and how they can easily make up the most untruthful stories about you.

Flashback. How were you judged as a contestant of Miss International? Describe its judging process and what the judges are looking for.
We didn't really have any preliminary judging, unlike in Miss Universe. The 12 finalists were chosen during the actual pageant night. Although I believe that we were being looked-at during the whole duration of our stay in Japan because wherever we go, there would be a camera and a photographer from the Miss International Organization that followed us and covered everything that we were doing. And I believe that some of the judges and especially the president of the Org watched those videos before the pageant night. And the staff told me that the reason I won was because there was something 'different' in me that the judges saw.

In what event do you think you shined most that earned you the judges' approval to win that crown?
I would like to believe that God made me the most beautiful that night. And so must have shined in every segment of the competition. And I also believe that what made them really decide to give me the crown was after the 12 finalists delivered their speech. Many of my co-candidates, the chaperones and my mom told me that once I started speaking, everyone had to listen.

Tell us about your winning moment and what went through your head.
My mind was sort of blank when the host was about to call out the winner, maybe I already felt it, but I really can't remember, but a few minutes before that I was sort of thinking that Miss Turkey or Venezuela would get the crown. And then suddenly the host said, "and the winner is YOU- Miss PHILIPPINES," 'kinilabutan ako' (I trembled), I felt unbelief, happiness, excitement, sadness and gratefulness rush all over my body, I was shaking... It was so unbelievable, it was what I had been praying for, desiring for, longing for... And I have dreamed of that moment many times, but I never knew how truly overwhelmingly great the feeling would be. And then I saw my mom and my brother and some Filipino friends jumping and waving the flag, and I felt so proud and I suddenly remembered Papa and how I wished he was standing and jumping with my mom that night... But knowing the fact that he was probably jumping with God while the angels in heaven was comforting me. Even now when I remember that moment, I would still get goose bumps.

What was it like to be a crown-wearer of one the longest-running and prestigious global pageants? What's the difference or distinction of Miss International from other pageants?
I feel very blessed to be crowned Miss International. The Miss International beauty pageant is pretty much the same as other international beauty pageants. It brings together different women from all over the world to push for a certain cause. With us it's to deepen friendship among countries. To try and understand each other despite language and culture barriers.

3 words that best describe you?
Precious, blessed, loving.

Name three beauty products you can't live without?
Moisturizer, powder, blush

What's inside your bag right now?
Chocolate, make-up kit, cell phone and a mandarin phrasebook

Any practical beauty secrets you would like to share with us?
Smile. A sincere smile can make anyone look her best. Other than that, never sleep with make-up on, moisturize.

You have ventured into the world of showbusiness during your reign and made two movies. Do you intend to push through with this career and do you have any pending offers that you're mulling over?
At first I thought that a career as an actress was what I wanted to do. But it turned out that it's not. I did enjoy doing those 2 movies and other TV programs but it's not something that I would want to do for a long period of time. I think I prefer hosting where there is less stress, less time commitment.

For your countless male admirers, what type of guy do you fantasize about?
I don't really fantasize about other men, because I have already found the one I will be with for the rest of my life.

The Philippines had recently experienced its longest losing streak in Miss Universe. Filipinos blame the so-called Colombian makeover that jeopardizes the chances of our Binibinis. What’s your take on this?
I don't think we should blame anyone for that. It just wasn't God's will. And Bb. Pilipinas is doing what they think is best to prepare us for a pageant. But if I were given the choice, I would rather have our girls trained by Filipinos, their gowns, national costumes and everything else by Filipino designers, Filipino stylist, etc.

Past Filipina int'l beauty titleholders have become pillars of show business and politics, aside from being the Filipinos' 4th Miss International, how would you like to be remembered?
I've said this before I don't mind if nobody remembers my name or who I was and what I did. As long as people were blessed through me and that they can say that 'God has blessed me through this lady.'

You've been touring from Japan to China during your reign. What have you learned significantly from these countries?
That the people are also very much like us. That even though they have a different language, culture, etc., they still laugh at the same jokes, feel sad, angry, happy about the same things.

What's your impression on this year's Miss International delegates? Do you have any favorites so far?
Everyone seems to be more beautiful this year and they are all very tall! And unlike last year a lot of the girls seem very competitive. A lot of them really want to win. Favorites- Philippines of course, India, Colombia, Venezuela, Korea, Brazil and France.

Who was your greatest influence that contributed greatly to your successes? Here's another chance to thank them.
There were so many people who have truly been there for me and have helped me in great ways. I will not name them here as I'm afraid I might forget some but they know who they are and I will forever be grateful to God for them.

What message can you offer young women who look up to you and aspire to be a beauty queen someday?
Nothing is impossible. If they know in their heart that they can make it, then they can. But they have to be willing to sacrifice a lot of their time and do everything they can to prepare for it. And the most important of all is that they offer everything to God. And He will bless them and give them the desires of their heart.

Finally, leave a message to your Filipino fans and supporters worldwide.
Thank you! Remember that we can do anything if we put God first in our lives.

Links: Precious' Blog, Precious' Official Site, Precious' Special Page