Miriam hopes that she may inspire other people, to help them know themselves by knowing God.
She was named the second most beautiful woman or first runner-up in the 1999 Miss Universe Pageant. Former Bb. Pilipinas-World Miriam Redito Quiambao stood up with courage and poise after an embarrassing fall during the contest held on the Caribbean Island of Trinidad and Tobago. The grace she showed under adversity and heavy pressure won her tremendous sympathy.
Although the Miss Universe crown eventually went to the very articulate Miss Botswana Mpule Kwelagobe, an engineering student, she was the clear favorite at the pageant. Still, Quiambao scored the highest finish by a Philippine candidate at the prestigious pageant.
“I was just the symbol and the real winner is the Filipino people,” said Miriam during a previous exclusive interview. Miriam is a physical therapy graduate of the University of Sto. Tomas. She is the first child of Mr. and Mrs. Medardo and Magdalena Quiambao.
A deeply religious person, Miriam said she agreed to join the Bb. Pilipinas contests to fulfill what she calls “her mission to live for others while at the same time becoming a living witness of God’s gift of life.”
Final Answer
Miriam has already changed her mind about the answer to the final question that was asked during the Miss Universe competition. She answered yes to the question, “Should a Miss Universe be allowed to continue her reign if she became pregnant?”
Her reflections: “Some said that the final question was unfair to me and Ms. Spain because we both came from Catholic countries,” she said. “The issue of pregnancy is a moral issue between us. But at that time I was sure that I gave the best answer. I tried not to be judgmental about the whole thing. I was hoping that it would get me somewhere and I did emerge as first runner-up.
If she were to answer now that question, she would say, “The birth of a child is the most important thing in this world, and if ever the Miss Universe would get pregnant during her reign, she should resign and focus more on bringing the child into this world, and taking care of that child and herself.”
Inspiring Others
Has she changed? “Perhaps the change in me is that I’m more equipped to combat whatever adversities or problems I may undergo in life. So far, that’s one thing I know has changed in me for the better,” shared the beauty pageant titleholder, inspirational speaker, author, actress/host, model, and entrepreneur.
She hopes that she may inspire other people, help them know themselves by knowing God, encourage them not to let anyone get in between their dreams, and stand by their convictions.
Looking at her now, Miriam is an epitome of a fulfilled woman – a dutiful wife to husband Ardy Roberto, and doting mom to her two adorable children, Joshua and Elijah.
Featured photo: Personal file
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