THE QUEEN TAKES HER WEDDING VOW

By Deybid Natanawan

In 2001, Precious Lara Quigaman joined the screening for the Binibining Pilipinas after her 1^st runner-up placement in that segment of Eat Bulaga.  Precious’ beautiful face failed to launch a thousand ships during that edition of the pageant. She might have become a forgettable persona had she not decided to come back to the Philippines after staying and studying in England where her parents are based. In England, In England, she attended South Gloucestershire and Stroud College, where she studied Media Production and Communication. She also pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Childhood and Youth Studies at Bristol University. 

In 2003, my passion for beauty pageants heightened. I got hold of a copy of the 2001 edition of the Binibining Pilipinas. I was really wondering why Precious Lara did not enter the Top 10 as she had a beautiful face and an exceedingly well-trimmed body physique. One friend retorted that she was petite and that she will not matter in international pageants. I was not discouraged with what my friend told me, I corresponded with Precious Lara and asked her if she has plans of joining the pageant again. She said yes but she has to finish her studies first. That she did and in 2005 she tried sailing the same ocean again and under the tutelage of Rodgil Flores, Precious Lara was crowned as Binibining Pilipinas-International 2005. It was history from that time on. After 26 years, the Philippines had another Miss International crown coming from the heels of Ms. Melanie Marquez who won in 1979. Lara became the 4^th Philippine Miss International, Gemma Cruz in 1964 and Aurora Pijuan in 1970.

Her triumph spelled hope from individuals with lesser heights. They started emulating her – her walk, her poise and her eloquence. From that time on, she ventured on television, movies and product endorsements. There is no looking and turning back; Lara has become part of the entertainment as well as the fashion industry.

Photo Courtesy: Mango Red at Philstar.com

It is in this aspect that Lara found the man of her life in the person of Marco Alcaraz, model actor. They were wedded under a Christian ceremony at Hacienda Isabella in Indang Cavite last July 18, 2012. It was a very beautiful wedding surrounded by people whom she loves and I cringe at the idea why I did not join the wedding celebration as I see familiar faces with the pictures posted by friends in Facebook. One of the greatest and joyous revelations during that wedding is the fact that Lara and Marco are expecting their first baby this November. If it were a girl, will this offspring follow in the footsteps of her beauty queen mother?

Photo Courtesy: Melo Balingit for PEP.ph

We wish Lara and Marco well on their life ahead.