Bb. Pilipinas-International Melody Gersbach, who was a semi-finalist in the 2009 Miss International beauty contest held in Japan, talks to mediamen in this August 2, 2010, photo taken at the send-off party for 2010 Bb. Pilipinas-Universe Maria Venus Raj.

2009 Miss International semifinalist Melody Gersbach, who was also the trainer of Miss Philippines Maria Venus Raj for the 2010 Miss Universe beauty pageant, was killed after the vehicle she and two others were riding figured in a head-on collision in Bicol on Saturday morning.

Gersbach, 24, single, a Filipino-German beauty queen who won the Binibining Pilipinas International 2009, died on the spot along with her make-up artist Alden Orense and Santos Ramos, the driver of the Toyota Innova they were riding, said Senior Superintendent Jonathan Ablang, director of the Camarines Sur Police.

The fourth victim, Ronald Lita, was taken to the Bicol Medical Center in Naga City for treatment of serious injuries.

“It was a head-on collision, the passenger bus was reportedly travelling fast,” said Ablang in a phone interview.

The official said Gersbach and her companions were heading to Naga City to grace a gown competition for the Ms. Bicolandia beauty contest when the incident happened at around 11 a.m. along a national highway in Sitio Banasi, Barangay Pawili in Bula town.

The beauty contest is annually being held for the Peñafrancia Festival in Naga City.

The Guevarra Lines passenger bus was heading toward Legazpi City from Manila when it tried to overtake another vehicle, causing the head-on collision.

“They did not make it, three of the four people on board the Innova died as a result of the collision,” said Ablang.

Councilor Nene de Asis of Naga City, who is part of the Ms. Bicolandia executive council, was saddened by the news. “Melody had a bright future ahead of her. Mabait na bata yan. Kahit nung nanalo siya, hindi siya nakalimot.”

Despite the accident, Ablang said the activity went on in Naga City proper. He added that he is not sure if Gersbach will act as a judge for the gown competition.

“We also received reports that several of the passengers of the bus were injured,” he added.

Ablang said the driver of the passenger bus, Wilson Fontillas, yielded to the police in the nearby Pili town, also in Camarines Sur.

“But our personnel from Bula has already fetched him in Pili, he is now under the custody of the Bula Police pending the filing of the case against him,” said Ablang.

In a statement, Stella Marquez-Araneta, Bb. Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) chairperson, said: Our sincerest condolences and prayers go out to her family and friends. Her death, unfortunate and untimely, has left everyone at Bb. Pilipinas Charities, Inc. deeply saddened. Her passing will not only leave a void in our lives, but also in the hearts of everyone who knew her. Melody’s memory will always remain deep within our hearts.’’

Gersbach, who was also 2009 Bb. Pilipinas-International, was one of the trainers of Raj, now competing in the 2010 Miss Universe beauty pageant in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.

At the send-off party for Raj at the Gateway, Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City last August 2, Gersbach was among the well-wishers of Raj, 22. Both Gersbach and Raj are Bicolanas.

Gersbach had earlier expressed confidence in Raj, saying she saw her fellow Bicolana grew up as a beauty queen.

“I saw a potential in her that will bring her something to the international pageant,’’ she said.

Gersbach had said she told Raj “to relax and enjoy the Miss Universe pageant.’’

“Pagdating mo dun, dapat feeling mo ikaw ang pinakamagandang babae sa lahat. Actually, it’s one of the secret strengths, positive thinking,’’ she told Raj.

While she did not make the final three in the 2009 Miss International pageant held in Japan, Gersbach had said she did her best. “Being a  semi-finalist is a big thing for me.’’

After the Miss International contest, Gersbach focused on modeling and family restaurant business in Legazpi. She earned her degree in management at the University of Asia and the Pacific. (With a report from Amyline Ching)

See also:

• Venus Raj makes the top 10
• Miss Universe goes nude; RP’s Raj teaches them how to behave
• Another mishap: beauty queen dies
• Venus mourns, but is ready to shine
• Quiambao on Raj: 'She has what it takes…'
• Raj a top choice for Miss Universe crown