"I’m not going there to win, and glorify myself, but to promote our country. After all, I don’t have anything to prove anymore. But our country needs promotion abroad in order to erase the negative impact resulting in reports of terrorism, graft and corruption etc.."

She has her point for indeed, Melanie has proven herself in more ways than one, especially in the field of beauty. In addition to being Miss International (l979), she also won the Face of the 80s title in New York in l985; was Supermodel 1st runner-up in l986, and Most Glamorous Woman in Italy, also in l986.

For this self-imposed mission to promote the country while in competition in the Mrs. World contest, Melanie said she is spending her own money. No entity, government or private, is supporting her, she said. But she has to thank some fashion designer friends who made her some dresses to bring to India. Pitoy Moreno and Larry Espinosa did some gowns for her, Eddie Baddeo made her casual dresses, and Renee Salud, designed the national costume she’s going to wear during the finals and coronation on Feb. 25.

"I’m really very grateful to them, and to other friends who’re helping me out in the Question & Answer portion. I’ve asked them — and everyone who would want to help - to teach me how to answer possible questions." Melanie’s husband Adam Lawyer (he’s also a lawyer, by the way) is also rehearsing her answer possible questions in correct English. Melanie’s knack for "murdering" the English language is now legendary, and in fact, she’s cashing in on it as she comes out this year with a pocketbook entitled "Don’t Judge Me I’m Not a Book."

She knew of her English language blunders and the fact that she has made people laugh at her expense. But Melanie took it all good-naturedly, without misgivings. "Hindi ako napikon kahit kailan kasi alam ko nagkamali ako. I laugh at my mistakes kasi totoo naman nagkakamali ako but that’s part of my learning process. Sa America, kahit baluktot ang English ko, they understand me fully. Dito lang naman masyadong critical ang mga tao but as I’ve said hindi ako pikon. And because of this, Ricky Lo urged me to come out with a book containing my kapalpakan. I also kidded Tessie Tomas once, na kumita na siya ng husto sa mga show niya because of my blunders and that it’s time ako naman ang kikita," she laughed. People will love this book, she promised, as she enjoins everyone to contribute anecdotes of her mistakes.

A classic Melanie blunder was committed when she guested on "Debate" last year to defend her brother Joey Marquez who incurred public outrage after his bitter split with former presidential daughter Kris Aquino. Melanie wanted to say "don’t judge a book by its cover," but she couldn’t remember the whole phrase and instead blurted out "don’t judge my brother, he is not a book."

"They all laughed so hard upon hearing me say this, and they were still laughing long after the show was over," Melanie said.

Perhaps the first among the many mistakes she committed in speaking the English language was when she was still being trained in social graces by the late Conching Sunico. During a party at the Manila Hilton where the Karilagan used to stage fashion shows (Melanie was one of the models), a Duke from England noticed the bored Melanie alone in a corner. He approached her and talk to her and in the end, he offered her his card saying she could call her anytime if she needed him. He in turn asked for her calling card. Melanie’s answer was: "I don’t have a calling card because I am not a call-girl!"

Another classic Melanie quote came about when she joined Bb. Pilipinas and during the question and answer portion she was asked if she wanted to insure her legs like what Hollywood star Angie Dickinson did (she insured her legs for $1-million). Melanie said no, "I am contented with my long-legged..."

"Marami pa akong mga kapalpakan na nasa libro ko. Just wait for it. It will really make you laugh, but it will something worth your while, especially if you caught in the traffic..."

While she’s away, Melanie’s husband will be taking care of the children but he will follow her to India two days before the Mrs. World finals. Melanie and Adam have two boys, aged three and one. Melanie has two girls with Derek Dee, one with a sheik, and her eldest son, with now Senator Lito Lapid is now 21. Manuelito is working and studying at the same time in Las Vegas, Nevada. "Konting units lang ang nakukuha niya because he has to work to support himself," Melanie said in an early morning interview on GMA’s "Unang Hirit" (taped live at the poolside of the Pan Pacific Hotel) last Thursday,

It was for the educational support of Manuelito that prompted Melanie to get in touch with Senator Lapid, "but things got out of hand when my motive was misinterpreted as making habol, Melanie lamented. For this, Marissa Lapid filed a libel case against Melanie and Melanie charged her back with malicious mischief and theft.

"I’m leaving everything to God and the courts," she said.

Melanie has been a member of the Church of Jesus of Latter-Day Saints even before she met her husband, she said.

She now has six children but Melanie isn’t about to stop procreating. "I want more children, especially a girl with my husband Adam."

By the way, if they at the Mrs. World pageant ask her how to describe the country in three words, Melanie said "kind, friendly and hospitable." About Filipinas, she would say "Filipinas are women of strength who are fully committed to their roles as mother and wife...they have a caring heart."

Incidentally, if you have something inmind that could help her in the Q&A portion, you can e-mail it to melaniemarquez@hotmail.com.

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Here’s an interesting group. It’s called Hilig Awit, because as the title signifies, the members are all musically-inclined. Their keen love of music and their passion for singing have united them. They share a common mission of bringing fine choral music to different audiences with their repertoire of religious anthems, contemporary and classic Western music, and well-loved Filipino folksongs and kundimans.

But take note, the members of Hilig Awit are not singers by professions. They are academicians, businessmen, government and corporate executives and yuppies. Founded in 2003, Hilig Awit was formed through the initiative and efforts of Prof. Ester Alcantara Locson, a London-educated music professor currently teaching at the Philippine Women’s University, who is also choir director of Hilig Awit; and Ms. Rogie Rama Cabreza, an opera celebrity in her heydays, who sings with the soprano section of the group.

Needless to say, every choir member has the ability to perform solo musical numbers when needed.

Completing the members of Hilig Awit are Sol Penaverde, Nita Sagaran, Ofie Santos and Pinky Artiaga (sopranos); Aida Reyes, Beth Engle, Scarlet de Guzman and Gloria Domingo (altos); Roger Penaverde and Jun Lorena (tenors); Eli Ongtangco and Benny Santos (basses). Accompanist is Tessie Abrogar while business manager is Narding Torres.

Hilig Awit has performed in various music circle parties and soiress, musical recitals, prominent gathering and functions, and had also guested in "Dee’s Day," a weekly TV talk show on RPN 9. On Feb.13 at 7 p.m., the group will perform in a concert-for-a-cause at the Town & Country Subd. Clubhouse sponsored by the subdivision homeowners led by Portus Alma Jose.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Feb.12, go to Mrs. Alice Lacson, Mrs. Beng Atienza, Elizabeth Manlongat-Cariño, Denise Ysmael Lacson, Joe Recio, Mitos Escalambre, Honey Hazel Lim, Lourdes Calma Bisaya, David Ty, Jr., Lambert Santos of New Jersey, USA; movie columnist Nene Riego, Baby Eric Slotta, realtor Joey Sermonia and writer Marinel Cruz...