"If for any reason the new Miss Universe cannot fulfill her duties, the First Runner Up will take over. The First Runner Up is..." Almost, but not quite. These outstanding women were just a breath away from the crown and each of them could have also made an outstanding reign as Miss Universe. Here's a tribute to the spectacular women who almost won Miss Universe this decade...



Please click the thumbnail for a larger view... Thanks...

March International Women's Month Feature: Maria Josefa Gabriela Silang

Gabriela Silang: Isang Pagpupugay sa Kabayanihan ng Isang Babaeng Tinguian

Si Diego Silang ang naghimagsik sa Ilocos nuong Disyembre 1762. Napalayas niya ang mga Español mula Vigan, Ilocos Sur, at tinalo niya ang mga sandatahang Español na paulit-ulit nagtangkang lupigin siya. Nagtayo siya ng malayaang pamahalaan, ang pang-2 pamahalaan ng katutubo sa Pilipinas [nakatayo pa nuon ang malayang pamahalaan ni Dagohoy sa Bohol]. Nakipag-ugnay at kinilala ang pamahalaan niya ng sandatahang Britain, na nuon ay sumasakop sa Manila, dahil sa digmaan ng España at Britain sa Europa [seven-year war, 1756-1763]. Napatay siya nuong Mayo 1763 ng isang mamatay-taong inarkila ng mga Español. Ipinagpatuloy ng kanyang viuda, si Maria Josefa Gabriela Silang, at ng tio, si Nicolas Carino, ang paghihimagsik ngunit nagapi sa sagupaan sa Kabugao. Tumakbo sila sa Abra at nagbuo ng sandatahang lumusob sa Vigan uli ngunit natalo; binitay si Gabriela nuong Septiyembre 30, 1763.

(Sa pagdiriwang ng Pandaigdigang Buwan ng Kababaihan, ipinagmamalaki kong ang isa sa pinakamatapang na babae sa kasaysayan ng Pilipinas ay nagmula sa angkan naming mga Tinguian.)

Below are some artists' portrayals of Gabriela Silang, the early Tiguian way of life, and some vestiges of the Tinguian culture that still exist in Abra, several interior municipalities of Ilocos Norte, Sur, La Union, and the Cordilerras! Please click the each picture for clearer view. Thanks...

Goodbye...

Nothing is permanent. Perhaps change is the only constant. People are transient. They come in and out of our lives. I know I had all the chance to stay had I been wiser, but it's time to move on and things have been done. I had my heydays in Convergys and my professional life had its happiest moments working in the company. I met the most incredible people who enriched me and made me better, personally and professionally. There were moments that I was inspired and disheartened, angered and overjoyed. Certainly, there were a lot more of those fun times, only because you were there. The burden was not so much felt and not missing a day at work was the most satisfying thing because I would always see you and work with you. But everything went so swift and when I finally decided that the wisest thing was to leave, I did not have much opportunity to say goodbye and thank you all people for the wonderful experience I had in Convergys because of you.

The pain of leaving is so unspeakable. I still do not know how I will be able to get used to working days without seeing you again, laughing with you, and sharing with you precious moments at work. But then again, we all have to move on and start another chapter in our lives after one has been closed. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for making my stay in Convergys unforgettable. The friendship and professional relationships I had with you all will forever be etched in my heart wherever I may go. Our friendship will remain unparalleled. I will always be proud saying that I once worked in Convergys and that I met you all. Goodbye and may the blessings of the Invisible always bend towards us all and be never thwarted. Until we meet again...

Love,

diony