MIRIAM QUIAMBAO

She gained popularity as the beauty queen who fell off during the pageant night. But she justifies, “Hindi po ako nakilala dahil nahulog ako. Nakilala ako dahil bumangon ako,” Miriam Quiambao, Miss Universe 1999 1st runner-up, proudly said. After giving pride to the Philippines, she was given a break in television. She hosted GMA-7 shows such as “Unang Hirit,” “Extra! Extra!” and “Extra Challenge.”

In December 2004, she married an Italian businessman Claudio Rondinelli but their marriage didn’t work; it ended in 2006. After which, Miriam went back to work via “Pinoy Meets World” (also on GMA-7). Miriam also posed on the front cover of the August 2008 issue of Playboy Philippines.

Life behind the limelight

Little do others know that Miriam is an active supporter of World Vision Philippines since 2001. At present, she is World Vision’s Spokesperson for Anti-Child Labor Program, where she is in the forefront of helping and rescuing children from abusive child labor. At present, four children are under her sponsorship.

In a recent World Vision event where she served as the host in welcoming the Babao family to World Vision, Manila Bulletin got the chance to know what she is up to at the moment. Many have been wondering what keeps Miriam busy these days, given the fact that she hasn’t been visible on TV. Miriam confessed to having no regular TV show at present. She told the Bulletin that she is “floating” and that she’s just leaning to what comes her way.

Acting as a new interest

“What I’m doing now is I’m filming a movie. ‘Kimidora’ ang title niya. May pagka-indie siya but Bb. Joyce Bernal is the director and this is the launching movie of Ms. Eugene Domingo who is the host of ‘Cool Center’ on GMA-7,” Miriam said. She added that she has been given the support role as the executive secretary of Eugene in the film.

Being new to the craft, Miriam revealed that she enrolled last year for a three-month workshop. “I enrolled for Integrated Scriptwriting, Acting and Directing workshop. It’s a workshop that integrates scriptwriting, acting and directing. The premise is if you understand the creative process of the scriptwriter and the director, definitely you will become a better actor and vice versa. Mas naiintindihan ko ngayon yung buong creative process of filming a movie or teleserye,” she related.

Asked if given a break as an actress, would she pursue the acting craft? “I’m just leaning on to it. Depende eh. I’m very flexible naman. Kasi ‘yung acting bago pa lang ‘yun sa akin eh. So in order for it to become a passion, kailangan you’ll dive into it deeper. Alam mo naman ako, I’m floating where the tide is,” she answered.

Though still in the process of shooting and having no definite launch yet, Miriam said that she enjoys the experience in filming the movie. “Enjoy naman siya. Kasi ang ‘Kimidora’ comedy siya,” she added.

On business

Having no TV hosting jobs at the moment, Miriam does hosting jobs around the cities for events. “Actually kung meron namang opportunities, lagi naman akong bukas,” she added.

But what’s more revealing with Miriam is that she just recently passed the board exam for Real Estate brokers. “I have a Real Estate business. But I plan to be an investor and developer. So that’s what I’m doing outside of showbiz,” she ended.