Miss International Precious Lara Quigaman made a spellbinding presence at the Laguna Provincial Capitol in Sta. Cruz, Laguna during her courtesy call to Laguna Gov. Teresita "Ningning" S. Lazaro with other local officials, office chiefs and personnel, and constituents that gave Quigaman a warm welcome yesterday.

      Binibining Pilipinas Precious Lara Quigaman from Biñan, Laguna won the Miss International title last September 26, the first Filipino in 26 years to capture the crown.

      Quigaman, a 22-year-old fashion model, cried for joy as her victory was announced at the audience at a concert hall in downtown Tokyo, Japan where she beat 11 other finalists. The international pride of Laguna grew up in Biñan, Laguna and a graduate of NVQ Media Production and Communications at Filton College in the United Kingdom. She also took up Bachelor of Arts in Childhood and Youth Studies at Bristol University.

      She is the 4th Filipino to win the Miss International competition. The last Filipino to win it was Melanie Marquez in 1979. The first Philippine entry to win the beauty title was Gemma Cruz in 1965. Then Aurora Pijuan captured it in 1970.

      The 5-foot-6 Lagunense bested other 52 bets in the prestigious beauty pageant. Contestants paraded in their national costumes, as well as bikinis and evening dresses to compete in the beauty contest, organized by Japan's International Cultural Association. Yadira Geara Cury, 19, of the Dominican Republic came in second, followed by Susanna Laine, 23, of Finland.

      "On behalf of all Lagunenses, I congratulate Precious Lara Quigaman for winning the Miss International title. Precious joins a long list of Lagunenses who have brought honor and prestige to the beloved province of Laguna and to the whole nation, not only for their beauty but also for their intellect, charisma and elegance. You are indeed the new international pride of Laguna," Gov. Lazaro said in a statement.

      During the question and answer portion of the pageant, Quigaman was asked, "What do you say to the people of the world who have typecasted Filipinos as nannies?" She replied, "I take no offence on being typecasted as a nanny. But I do take offence that the educated people of the world have somehow denigrated the true sense and meaning of what a nanny is. She is someone who gives more than she takes. She is someone you trust to look after the very people most precious to you - your child, the elderly, yourself. She is the one who has made a living out of caring and loving other people. So to those who have typecasted us as nannies, thank you. It is a testament to the loving and caring culture of the Filipino people. And for that, I am forever proud and grateful of my roots and culture." # (PIO-Laguna)