"The Miss Universe title appeals to me because the winner becomes an ambassador (for HIV/AIDS awareness) to the United Nations. The crown can expand my sphere of influence to be of service to many." Lia previously worked as a visa officer in the Royal Norwegian Embassy and in various nonprofit organizations. She now works for the Asia Foundation. Lia is a civic-spirited woman that has a passion for development work & foreign service. "I want to get into the foreign service. My ultimate dream is to pass the foreign service exam, and work my way up to be an ambassador. Asked if she wanted to be somebody else, she proclaims, "I'd like to be Angelina Jolie. Imagine having a boyfriend as gorgeous as Brad Pitt! Seriously, I admire Angelina for using her beauty and influence to make a difference by being a UN Ambassadress of Goodwill."

The Philippines at Miss Universe. The chairperson of the Binibining Pilipinas (Miss Philippines) pageant is Maria Stella Márquez Zawadzky (more commonly known as Madame Stella Araneta), winner of the first Miss International beauty pageant. As a race, they have a long tradition in winning beauty contests. The country has produced two Miss Universe winners: Gloria Diaz in 1969 and Maria Margarita Moran in 1973. To date, no Philippine representative was lucky enough to triplicate their feat. The last time a Filipina stood out prominently in the Miss Universe contest was in 1999, when Miriam Quiambao placed as first runner-up and was awarded with the Clairol Style Award. Filipinas beauties which includes Vida Valentina Fernandez Doria (1971), Maria Margarita Roxas Moran (1973), Aileen Leng Marfori Damiles (1996), Abbygale Williamson Arenas (1997) and last year's Gionna Jimenez Cabrera turned out to be the delight of photographers and web surfers who voted them for the Miss Photogenic award.

Lia, 2nd from left with Bb. Pilipinas Universe '05 Gionna Cabrera, their mentor
Jonas Gafud and Missosology's Bb. Pilipinas '07 early hot pick April Tanhueco.

In the countdown to the 55th edition of the Miss Universe Pageant scheduled this July in Los Angeles, California, this year's Miss Philippines will try to spawn victory for her expectant nation. Lian is an easy delegate to like. Unlike most of her predecessors, she is a complete package that exudes glaring composure and entrenched charisma. Her real beauty shines from inside out - hopefully the judges would see that.

Good luck to Lia as she readies for her Miss Universe quest.

 

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Missosology would like to thank Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc., Wikipedia, Joel Nito of AFP, Ricky Lo, Felix Manuel, Jose D. Patao, Jr., Giovanni Paolo J. Yazon, Eton Concepcion, Jonas Gafud, Boyet Blas, Jinggoy Salvador, Melvin H. Sia, Stella A. Estremera (Sun.Star Davao) & everybody who sent photos & essentials on Lia. If you have pictures of any Miss Universe 2006 delegate and you would like to have her featured in Miss Universe 2006 Focus, e-mail us: nicholo_ventura@missosology.org

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