'Beauty pageants are not as easy as many think. It takes more than just beauty and brains. It also takes courage and guts to handle the pressure competing while still managing to serve their jobs and advocacies ... But, like many queens, Tambal now has her fair share of bashers.'
The province of Leyte celebrates its first-ever Miss Universe Philippines- Leyte (MUPH-Leyte). The month-long preparation of the prestigious event finally ended as all 21 candidates competed on the evening of October 18.
The fierce competition ended with Miss La Paz, Angel Rose Tambal, bagging the crown as the first ever MUPH- Leyte title holder.
Tambal bested candidates from 18 municipalities and three cities in Leyte and bagged two major awards – Best in Swimwear and Best in Evening Gown.
An Engineer
Working as a licensed engineer for just over a year in the Department of Public Works and Highways Region 8 under the planning and design division, Tambal was personally chosen to represent their municipality among the many beauties of La Paz.
“I was actually appointed ng mayor ng La Paz, Angel Sia Jr.,kasi I think its about time na marinig ang municipality ko lalo na sa competition na ganito. Kasi wala kaming masyadong representation when it comes to beauty pageant,” Tambal told OpinYon 8.
The engineer said that the need to put her quaint municipality on the map of beauty pageants had motivated her to join and compete.
Journey to the crown
Beauty pageants are not as easy as many think. It takes more than just beauty and brains. It also takes courage and guts to handle the pressure competing while still managing to serve their jobs and advocacies.
For the young engineer, the journey was something she would always remember and treasure.
“The experience was a memorable one, isang buwan syang preparation. So from sashing to coronation night syempre there is a lot of pressure representing La Paz and at the same time competing with beautiful women na magagaling din talaga.”
A Determined One
Despite knowing what is at stake, this did not dampen her determination. This, in fact, made her experience even more worth it as she decided to simply do her best and enjoy the duration of the competition.
On the other hand, as a public servant, Tambal was thankful for the support of her colleagues who had always had her back as she pursues the crown.
“I am just really greatful for my agency for being supportive talaga. There are times nga nakaka absent ako kasi may important na schedules for Miss Universe- Leyte. But yung co-workers ko very supportive talaga, they were helping me. Pero I need to balance my time para ma fulfill ko paring ang pagiging public servant ko.”
An Unexpected Moment
Looking back, Tambal said that she was not expecting to win the “Ching crown” despite being one of the front runners of the competition.
“Para sakin kasi lahat talaga deserving. During the top 5, kahit anong place talaga ang ibigay sakin I was already grateful. So to be crowned, I was already emotional nga after all nga preparations na ginawa naming, it was paid off.”
But, like many queens, Tambal now has her fair share of “bashers” who think that the crown should not have been given to her.
“I’m just focusing sa positive side. We all have our own opinions naman kasi each and every one of us has our own bets. So yung bashing, parang yun yung ginagamit ko para mas ma motivate ako and mag work hard.”
To the queens out there...
Alas! From a quiet town in Leyte to a queen soon to compete on the national pageant stage, Tambal is role model and an inspiration that shows that Leyte or Eastern Visayas as a whole has more to offer than just sceneries and culture.
“To aspiring queens, just be yourself and showcase kung ano meron ka. And it really requires dedication and determination to represent our province talaga. So if you have that drive, that willingness to support our province on the national level then you must really work hard and focus on the goal.”
Speaking of goals, Tambal also assures her supporters and fellow Leytenos that she will do her best to be able to represent and bring pride to the province in the coming Miss Universe Philippines next year.
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