| Subject: MISS PHILIPPINES 2005 INTERVIEW |
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Date Posted: 11:39:51 05/06/05 Fri
Tall, tan, young and lovely Gionna Cabrera is the nation's representative in this year's Miss Universe beauty pageant. Recently crowned Binibining Pilipinas Universe 2005, the 22-year-old, 5'10" beauty is equipped with staggering, supermodel-like looks, elegant composure and grace, as well as an accomplished and erudite manner of speaking.
Making an indelible impression on local judges and audiences alike in the competition last March, it is hoped that she will extend her winning streak to the prestigious pageant on May 31 in Bangkok, Thailand.
I feel very rewarded," Gionna says in an exclusive interview with Planet Philippines . "God has given this to me. It's not only a chance to participate in the most celebrated beauty pageant in the world, but also an avenue for me to express myself as a person and to be able to contribute something to society."
The eldest of five children of Rodrigo Cabrera and Nida Jimenez, Gionna relates that even at an early age she was encouraged to parlay her impressive physical gifts into a potentially lucrative modeling and fashion career. On family trips abroad, Gionna would be constantly approached by agents and offered modeling contracts and runway or ramp opportunities on the spot. The problem? Her youth (she was once mistaken for a 16-year-old when she was only 12) and her parents' insistence that she finish her studies first.
It took some time for her to get used to the idea of being a model. "My real dream was to become a diplomat or a doctor," she says. "But as I got older, I saw my potential for participating in the beauty field. Ever since I was four, I remember people have been telling me to model, and that I should be participating in beauty contests, of which my mom has been an avid fan. Since I was 16, I had been approached by several agents to join beauty pageants, but it was school that kept me from joining. Of course, I have to finish my studies, because it's more of a priority."
She began modeling professionally when Pascal Banet, house designer of Rustan's Makati, saw Gionna and asked her if she could model for his creations in the popular department store. Since then, she has continually modeled in both print and on the runway. She has appeared in ads for companies as diverse as Pond's, Smart and Union Bank.
It was while attending a party at the Glorietta Mall in Makati, when Gionna was spotted by Jonas Gaffud, a talent manager, who encouraged her to take part in the Bb. Pilipinas pageant. "I took the chance and gave it my best shot," she says. Gaffud now acts as her agent and mentor. "He's my source of strength. He keeps pushing me and telling me to focus."
During the Coronation Night at the Araneta Coliseum, Gionna recalled the competition was tight and fierce. One of the pre-pageant favorites, Gionna was later adjudged Best in Swimsuit, Best in Long Gown, and Miss Photogenic. As Bb. Pilipinas Universe, she was awarded cash and material prizes estimated at P3 million.
The Binibining Pilipinas Pageant is a continuing project of Binibining Charities, Inc. (BPCI), as a prestigious fund-raising activity for projects to benefit orphans and indigent families. "Binibining Pilipinas has a prestigious and colorful history, having 42 years of beauty and grace, and I wanted to be part of it, especially how they're involved in civic activities," says Gionna. "Also, when you join Binibini and participate in international pageants, as a representative of the country, you will be able to apply what you would have learned in the process and be active in charity work and socio-economic activities."
She claims that winning the pageant did not change her disposition or attitude, just her schedule. "Now I really have to concentrate on maximizing my time. Before, I remember that I wasn't as disciplined as I am now since I've already been trained in a strict schedule and everything I do is planned. I get my schedule from Binibini, so they're my managers now."
Under contract with BPCI for a year and a half, Gionna serves as a spokesperson for the organization and has to fulfill a multitude of duties, which include photo shoots, judging beauty contests, and being involved in fashion shows, among others. "I'm a role model for girls my age and younger, so I have to be at my best all the time. Not just physically, but mentally, be a well-rounded person."
In addition, she is arduously training for the upcoming pageant in Bangkok. In preparation, she has undergone lessons at Berlitz Language Center and Dale Carnegie Training Center along with sessions at Avon Color, David's Salon, and Slimmer's World. She also trained for a month in Bogotá, Colombia, where she extensively continued her lessons on walking, posture, exercise, and speech. Also learn rudimentary Mandarin, French, Spanish and Thai since she will be interacting with contestants from around the world.
Not entirely nervous, Gionna welcomes the challenge of displaying her talents to the world. "I'm looking forward to setting foot in Bangkok and making an impact and representing my country well, and that is why we're all undergoing this preparation."
Admirably, she is keeping an even-keeled, positive attitude of whatever the outcome might be. "Even if I lose I'll still be reigning as Bb. Pilipinas, so I better express myself fully and maximize my potential as a person and always involving myself in different activities."
Gionna graduated last March from the University of Asia and the Pacific with a major in Integrated Marketing and Communications. She welcomes any career prospects that might come out of her newfound fame. She is fully aware that the Bb. Pilipinas title could earn her instant fame and even showbiz stardom as what had befallen on many previous winners. Gionna is willing to consider all possibilities, but on her own terms.
"If someone would ask me to enter showbiz, I'll take any opportunity as long as it's dignified and it gives me a chance to experiment," she says. "I want something more beneficial, more helpful for the common good. I'd probably be in the journalism field as a reporter, writer, or broadcaster. In broadcasting, I'll be able to disseminate information better if I have strong moral convictions."
Outside of modeling, her interests include swimming (she was a varsity swimmer), reading non-fiction books and fashion magazines, drawing, viewing art, learning European culture, and dining out and having a good time with family and friends.
Asked to describe herself, Gionna says, "I can sum up my traits as a person in three words: idealistic, faithful, and reserved. If people ask anything more, I want them to understand those three words when relating to me."
Gionna humbly requests Filipinos around the world for their support. "The Philippines hasn't had a Miss Universe since Gloria Diaz (1969) and Margie Moran (1973), and I would like to ask for everyone's support in the Internet voting." The Internet voting counts a lot in determining the top 15 semi-finalists. (Watch for further announcements at www.missuniverse.com .)
I hope all our kababayans , wherever they are, will support me and pray for my success," she says. "I'm very grateful. I'll be competing in this pageant, my second after the national pageant, so I'll do my best. Whatever happens, it will be God's will. But I wouldn't rest on my laurels and take anything for granted."
(From http://www.planetphilippines.com/)
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