Philippine Daily Inquirer

Miriam is fully booked

- Dolly Anne Carvajal

THE NEW batch of Binibining Pilipinas winners should follow Miriam Quiambao’s example: She has ventured into writing. She will launch her book, “He Can Catch You When You Fall,” on March 21, 6 p.m. at National Book Store Glorietta 1.

After life’s twists and turns, Miriam has found her peace.

Tell us about your book.

My book is an inspiratio­nal memoir. I want to show how God has picked me up, not only when I fell onstage at the Miss Universe pageant in 1999, but also when I failed in different aspects of my life.

What has marriage taught you?

It has taught me to be more accepting, forgiving and loving. I am blessed because it’s easy to love and respect my husband Ardy.

How’s your relationsh­ip with your stepson?

Joshua is really sweet. Ardy and I take time to bond with him through playtime. We go on walks, read books.

Joshua, who’s only 7, surprises us with little notes, personally wrapped gifts and stories of his adventures. I’m so blessed to have him as my first child.

Any cute anecdotes about married life?

At first, I found it hard to submit to my husband. I wanted to renovate his house because the blue-and-white Santorini theme did not match my minimalist contempora­ry Asian style.

He told me that we had a limited budget. Indeed, it was a wise decision... Now, I have learned to enjoy my home. I just added a few Asian touches.

Looking back, what would you have done differentl­y?

I would have humbled myself more. I was young and proud after my Miss Universe experience and I failed to respect the Binibining Pilipinas Charities. As a result, Mrs.

Stella Marquez-Araneta didn’t allow me to do my final walk. But I have since asked for forgivenes­s and our relationsh­ip has been restored.

If you were a born-again Christian then, would you have joined it?

I was very active in a Catholic charismati­c singles’ community called “Ang Lingkod ng Panginoon” back then. I credit my win to God. I merely obeyed His will. These days, I go to a different community, Christ’s Commission Fellowship in Alabang. The journey continues and I am blessed to discover His great plans in my life.

Drew’s dream

This month, “Biyahe ni Drew,” hosted by

Drew Arellano, takes viewers to dream destinatio­ns on its second anniversar­y. On Friday, the show will feature Palawan’s secluded hideaways. It will air at 8 p.m. on GMA News TV.

 ??  ?? MIRIAM Quiambao: “Marriage has taught me to be more accepting and forgiving.”
MIRIAM Quiambao: “Marriage has taught me to be more accepting and forgiving.”
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