World Class Beauty Queens Magazine would like to welcome amazing Queen Marie Abigael Abalos-Bayuga Mrs. Philippines National Universe 2019.
Full name: Marie Abigael Abalos-Bayuga
Title/Year: Mrs. Philippines National Universe 2019
Pageant System: Mrs. Philippines International
Age: 32 years old
Zodiac sign: Sagittarius
Hobbies: Working out, running, mountaineering, Dancing and Ridding a motorcycle
Platform: Depression Awareness focusing on Youth Pregnancy
Years competed: 2018 - Mrs. Philippines International, 2019 - Mrs. Philippines International (comeback)
Likes: Travelling, Cooking, Mountaineering
Dislikes: Dark Places
Status: Married
World Class Beauty Queens: Please tell us about yourself.
I’m the youngest in a brood of 5. We were supposed to be 6, but the only male sibling we had passed away soon after birth. Primary and secondary education was steeped in religion as my school was catholic since my mother is a devoutly religious servant of the catholic church. Throughout my young life, I dreamt to be a flight attendant, traveling and visiting many countries. Therefore, I took on a course in BS Tourism. During this time was when I met the man that would become my husband as I got pregnant at the age of 19 while I was still studying. The trials I faced during this time contributed to my current advocacy centered on depression related to teen pregnancies. I want to share my story about overcoming challenges and rejections and how perseverance will ultimately help us win in the end.
I am currently an executive assistant in a prestigious accounting firm where I work for my family and for myself. Some of the virtues I value the most are patience, courage, and determination.
World Class Beauty Queens: What does women empowerment mean to you? It’s all about being comfortable in your femininity and carrying it with grace. World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about your pageant history.
I had an offer to represent our country to an international pageant even though I did not win any National Pageant, I really do appreciate the gesture and I felt like they saw something in me, but unfortunately, I had to decline it because I am more concerned with my stability at work by being regularized with my current job before anything else. Then Mrs. Laguna Pageant came. Still, I was not able to join and represent my birthplace for the same reason, under probation at work so I prayed hard and proved myself to my Supervisor and to my Bosses that I am worthy to be in our company. World Class Beauty Queens: What inspired you to do your first pageant?
I just wanted to join, because I wanted to try if I would win. It was my dream since I was young to be a queen. A queen I believe will be able to help and drive the advocacies that are dear to her heart. Also, I was thinking that since this pageant is for married women, that being a mother is not a roadblock to achieving this dream. World Class Beauty Queens: Why did you choose to compete for your current title?
The same answer as above as the first pageant is also where I won my current title. I just wanted to join, because I wanted to try if I would win. It was my dream since I was young to be a queen. A queen I believe will be able to help and drive the advocacies that are dear to her heart. Also, I was thinking that since this pageant is for married women, that being a mother is not a roadblock to achieving this dream.
World Class Beauty Queens: To those unfamiliar with your pageant system please tell us what is it about?
This is a pageant driven advocacy, who encourages all Mother to get out of their comfort shell and pursue their dream to be a beauty queen.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are you being judged on during the competition?
- Casual Wear Competition - 15%
- Talent Showcase - 15%
- Evening Wear Competition - 15%
- Preliminary Interview - 25%
- Filipiniana / Cultural Costume - 15%
- Advocacy & Charity Activities - 5%
- Attiyude & Good Character - 10%
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about your experience during the competition. I did not receive any special awards like, best in long gown, aura ambassador, best in talent, etc… but I was pretty sure that I gave them a good fight and that I can get one of the 8 titles that we were all vying for. I claimed it! since it was my comeback having failed to win last mpi 2018. I was shocked & in tears when they called my number, name, and city to enter the top 15, it was really a very tough competition. The ladies were all very friendly and we cheered each other on throughout the competition.
During the Q&A portion, I can say that I was pretty confident about it. I went with a short and precise answer and explained my advocacy which is "depression awareness focusing on youth pregnancy. I won Mrs. Philippines national universe 2019 (1st ever crowned and will represent Philippines next year in Bangkok)
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about your platform or what cause do you volunteer for.
My focus is on teen pregnancy and how to overcome possible depression and/or mental illness brought about by the pregnancy. As such, I am working with a foundation which helps teen moms and provides shelter for them and their babies. The name of the foundation is Solo parents federations Philippines
World Class Beauty Queens: What appearances have you done with your title?
abs-cbn - Umagang kay Ganda
abs-cbn - Showtime/ Showtime Live Talk
World Class Beauty Queens: What are some of your achievements?
Surpass life, alive, regularized.
World Class Beauty Queens: What makes you stand out from all those other beautiful girls?
Short, crisp and direct to the point answers while being heartfelt.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about the moment your name was called out as the winner. Surprised while trying to be hopefully confident, it was really mixed emotions.
World Class Beauty Queens: What does it mean to you to be a Beauty Queen? You don’t need a crown to be a beauty queen. The crown is a bonus as it will help in driving the advocacies that are close to her heart. It’s not just about physical beauty, but the Queen would also need to be beautiful on the inside and be a good example for others.
World Class Beauty Queens: How did compete in pageants helped your life?
It changed me a lot. I am more feminine and I always think ahead of time taking into consideration the consequences of my actions. I want to be a good role model to others.
World Class Beauty Queens: How did pageants helped your self esteem and body image?
Losing last MPI2018 made me realize that before joining a pageant you really need to prepare yourself not just your physical appearance but you as a person. Because judges can see how confident you are once you step on the stage. World Class Beauty Queens: You are an inspiration to all the girls out there. How does it feel?
Overwhelmed, and so happy at the same time because I was able to inspire them and make them motivated, in every darkness there will always be light waiting for a new beginning.
World Class Beauty Queens: What is your on stage strategy to win the judges over?
Smile and just be me. World Class Beauty Queens: How did you prepare for your competition?
My family was not aware that I joined again. I wanted to avoid the negativity that would’ve come if they found out since I failed to progress in that same pageant in the previous year. I made sure that my mind, heart, and soul are all clear, meaning mentally, physically that I was prepared. Because I knew that any negativity I would’ve encountered would manifest on stage.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your tips for learning better pageant walk?
Find the walk that is comfortable for you, no need to imitate other beauty queens and make your own signature walk World Class Beauty Queens: What are your tips for choosing right pageant dress?
Find a dress that would reflect who you are. Also, wear the dress, don’t let the dress wear you. World Class Beauty Queens: What are your tips for winning interview?
Always make it short but precise, always go straight to the point and just be yourself.
World Class Beauty Queens: What is one mistake that you've done during competing you wish you could redo and fix it? During the first attempt in 2018, I felt like I didn’t need my family to support me during the event. In the 2019 pageant, I realized that I needed my family there with me. Their support was invaluable and gave me the strength and courage I needed during that time.
World Class Beauty Queens: What other mistakes are made by girls during the contest?
Wearing ultra-high heels and expecting too much.
World Class Beauty Queens: Any modeling or acting experience?
Yes, I’ve been a freelance model and talent before.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your plans for 2020 as a Queen?
Be a good example. Also, help the foundation I am supporting as they are cash strapped.
World Class Beauty Queens: What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?
That I overcame the challenges that was in front of me. That people would know that I’m a survivor.
International Director: Mrs. National Universe Pageant
National Director: Maria Angela Aris
Pageant website: Mrs. Philippines International
Photographer: Edmund Ong Chua II
HMUA/Stylist: Gandara Anore & Abby De Lute World Class Beauty Queens Magazine would like to say thank you for this amazing interview.
Marie Abigael Abalos-Bayuga Mrs. Philippines National Universe 2019, World Class Beauty Queens Magazine, Photographer: Edmund Ong Chua II HMUA/Stylist: Gandara Anore & Abby De Lute Interview by Derek Tokarzewski Owner/Editor in Chief Mr United Nations 2018 Platform: Women Empowerment Ambassador to International Foundation for Orphans iffocares.org
World Class Pageants, Fashion Modeling, Film and Music magazines.
Miss WorldClass and WorldClass Ambassadors.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine Facebook link.
Titles are for one year but Covers are for Ever! Dreams do come true with World Class Pageant Magazines. 96 print pageant magazines and our amazing Cover Girls.
