MANILA, Philippines – Former Miss International Precious Lara Quigaman was happy to return to the stage of Binibining Pilipinas after several years away from the country.
She lives in Canada with her husband, actor Marco Alcaraz, and their three boys.
“I feel very old,” he joked in an interview with The STAR after the announcement of the 36 official nominees in this year’s edition of the longest-running national competition.
The latter group was reviewed and selected by a panel led by Precious Lara, together with members of the executive committee of Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI) and the ruling ladies of Binibining Pilipinas.
And other members of the executive committee of Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI) and the ruling ladies of Binibining Pilipinas during the final screening of the candidates.
“No, I’m very happy to be back. It’s been, I think, three years since my last Binibining Pilipinas, and it’s great to be back. We have a really good group of women this year. I don’t know if you were there (during the audition), but they’re very clear, they’re all very smart. “I’m very proud of them.
Although her recent visit to the country was short, Precious Lara said she is determined to return on the night of the coronation.
Photo from Binibining Pilipinas social media
When asked what he looks for in a candidate, he emphasized how more than beauty, he appreciates the candidate’s motivation and his story coming into the competition.
We know that every girl is beautiful. But I told them that I really want to see and hear the “why” – why they are joining Binibining Pilipinas. So we listened to their stories about why they are there and why they want to join. It was like that.
Precious Lara and her husband Marco Alcaraz live happily in British Columbia, Canada with their three boys.
As for the qualities she hopes to see in the next winner, Precious Lara wants them to have character and integrity.
“A girl who embodies Binibining Pilipinas. You know, someone who helps her fellow women a lot. And of course we want a Binibini who is smart and full of integrity,” she said.
When asked about the Philippines’ chances in international pageants, especially Miss International, and the so-called “secret” to bringing home the crown or title, she emphasized that there is no secret formula.
Every year naman, like last year, Myrna (Esguerra) was very close, ‘di ba? You did very well. And I think it’s really… a mystery. But actually, kailangan ng mga banana ang mga prayers and support,” he said.
For this year’s class, his advice is simple: stay true and enjoy the journey.
“So I had a chance to talk to them during the audition. Just enjoy it, give it your all, and be yourself – be a real person,” he said.
Now living in Canada with her family, Precious says she is content with her current life and is busy with her work as a preschool teacher.
“That’s what I’ve been doing. I’ve been teaching young children and doing childcare work, and obviously my boys and my husband,” she said.
He is always open to whatever the future holds, even if it means returning to the Philippines.
But for now, my children are really enjoying their life in Canada.” And of course I’m not denying it, we never know what will happen.” So, whatever God’s will is, we will follow it.
Meanwhile, he assured supporters that his health is in good shape after suffering a health scare.
Last month, she shared with her followers that her husband had to call 911 because he had “severe chest pains unlike anything I’ve ever felt before.”
He had to do a lot of tests to find out “what’s going on with my heart” even though the doctor had already said that it was not related to heart disease.
Precious Lara said she used those hours of waiting at the hospital to pray and meditate. “Sometimes, I feel anxious, waiting for the results and especially when I feel pain in my chest or when I feel weak. But I am grateful for this moment. God teaches me to trust and be quiet before Him and give him my heart – literally.”
He continued to write in a different post: “Let us all take care of our hearts physically, emotionally and spiritually.” May we always be reminded to slow down and remember that peace does not come from perfect results—it comes from knowing who is in charge of our lives.
During an interview with The STAR, he updated, “Okay, thank you. So, I just checked it before I came here.
judged that it is not a condition of the heart. They are still trying to figure out where the chest pain is coming from. Because I don’t have GERD or anything like that. (Worries?) It could be. Maybe it’s not the body, is it? So that’s at least one thing we want to know,” he shared.
He added: “Well, I feel very happy. I haven’t had chest pains recently.
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