Date Posted: 02:46:49 04/22/03 Tue
Author: Gerry Diaz (mabuhaybeauties.og)

CARLA CRIES AT HER SEND-OFF PRESSCON

Carla started by recalling her initial experiences in the Bb. Pilipinas contest. She said that she joined Bb. Pilipinas without dreaming that she would win the top crown. She knew that she was up against formidable competition. Knowing that she was not among the favorites caused her morale to dip and she admitted that many times she cried. She however was determined to go on with her participation in the contest with the fatalistic thought that “if she lost, so be it.”

She then went on to say that she knows not too many people were happy with her victory.She said that she has read the unfavorable (and sometimes very nasty) comments on the various internet message boards (not on MabuhayBeauties.org) about her and added that she has been deeply hurt. At this point, it was evident that the pent-up emotions of hurt, pain and disappointment came to the fore and the dam just burst. Carla sobbed uncontrollably while continuing her talk, saying that she will do her best to bring home the crown and vowing that she will prove to both her detractors and supporters that she will be a worthy representative of the Filpino people. My heart went out to Carla as she said her piece.

Stella Marquez who was next to me was visibly disturbed that Carla has been so affected and upset by the unsavory remarks on the internet message boards. As soon as Carla finished her talk, Stella rushed to the microphone, something she does not usually do, as she always preferred to stay in the background.

Stella admonished her not to mind these unfavorable comments on the internet message boards much less be affected by it. She went on to say that she was a deserving winner and that she believed Carla will represent the Philippines well in the Miss Universe contest. That was one caring side of Stella that was made public and which I admired.

The center of activity then moved on to the poolside for more photo opportunities. Carla’s hairdo was no flattering to her face. Her long hair was brushed towards her nape and pulled together in a neat chignon. With her hair drawn away from her face, Carla’s face looked so round and chubby. Then there was a clamor for Carla to let her hair down and so Stella Marquez assisted Carla in disbanding her chignon allowing her long tresses to flow more freely. Stella likewise asked the press if they wanted Carla to pose with her top jacket on or would they prefer that she take it off. I volunteered that we take her pictures with her jacket on and later with only her bustier top so we can have two different types of shots.

As you can see in the photos, Carla looked so much better with her long tresses flowing freely as she looked so much younger, more natural and fresh-looking. While being interviewed for TV, a reporter asked Carla why she allowed herself to be so affected by the internet messages. Carla recovered her composure and remarked that she was not really affected that much. As a matter of fact, she added, she was thankful also for these negative comments because some of them gave her points for improvement and challenged her to strive even harder for the competition.

That afternoon, I saw the natural, sincere, honest and beautiful person in Carla.

GOOD LUCK, CARLA!
Here’s wishing that the next time we see you cry, they would be tears of joy.