Chuchay Tuason: ‘Most Beautiful Girl in Phl’
That is how the Philippines Free
Press described Carmen ‘Chuchay’ Tuason in its cover story on February 1958. Then she was the reigning Miss Philippines, truly a lovely sight to behold. A UP Home Economics graduate, Miss Tuason comes from a prominent and landed family.
During the coronation night, Miss Tuason wore an elegant terno created by Manila Fashion. Like a few other Miss Philippines title holders in the ’50s and ’60s, she opted not to compete in the Miss Universe beau- ty pageant because of family objections and her own decision, as well.
After her reign, Chuchay married an Italian banker, Luciano La Guardia, and resided in countries where her husband was assigned: Venezuela, Canada, France, Singapore. They had a son, Anton.
After 15 years, the couple separated and Chuchay put up an Italian restaurant in Malate and a clothing export business. She was an ardent bridge player and even competed in tournaments abroad.
In 1981, this columnist remembers Chuchay motoring to Batangas to crown a hometown queen upon the invitation of my sister Fe Dolor Serrano. From then on, I lost touch with Chuchay.