Lia Andrea Ramos
The quest for the fairest-of-them-all is on once again. The tropical heat of the impending summer is a perfect excuse to flaunt beautiful bodies. Contests abound, from the best-in-bikini contests to the prestigious Bb. Pilipinas, which just recently presented their candidates.
Many mothers, maybe with secret and unfulfilled dreams of being models or beauty queens themselves, love to see their teenage daughters walk the pageant or fashion runway.
We got hold of Lia Andrea Ramos, 2006 Bb. Pilipinas Universe and Ms. Photogenic winner in the Miss Universe pageant that year, to share her beauty contest experience and how it changed her life.
PHILIPPINE STAR: Was being a model and beauty queen ever part of your dream list when you were young?LIA ANDREA RAMOS: Being a model and beauty queen was not on my dream list. When I was asked to join Binibini in 2001, I said no because I never imagined myself as a beauty queen. Five years later, I decided to give it a shot. When I won, the opportunity to become a model just happened and I found myself traveling to South Africa for my first full-time modeling stint. There are opportunities in life that you can’t allow to slip by. I don’t want to look back one day and regret not grabbing the opportunities that came my way.
What preparations did you do for the pageant?Physically, I had to train at the gym and go on a strict and healthy diet. I wasn’t in my best shape because I didn’t really work out before that and I wasn’t engaged in any sports. I had to work out and I had a personal trainer working closely with me. I also had to learn to walk on three- to four-inch heels, know more about makeup, and polish my skills on public speaking.
Were you regularly working out even before you got into this beauty contest?Unfortunately not. I have always been slim so I thought I didn’t need it, but I realized working out is not just about losing weight. It’s also about having a healthier body. And as one gets older, one’s metabolism slows down so it’s important to include working out in one’s fitness regimen.
What were your preparations during the Miss Universe competition?I had a more rigorous training at the gym. I did weight training, Pilates and cardio-dance classes. John Cuay (personal trainer) and Cristy Marasigan (senior dietitian) from my gym helped me with my training and diet. I cut down on carbs and increased my protein intake. I ate more vegetables, fruits, and nuts. I stayed away from chips and chocolates.
What part of your body are you most proud of? Why?I’d have to say my abs because I work very hard to keep it toned.
What part of your body needs further improvement?Definitely my thighs. I have the tendency to put on weight there so I have to constantly work them out.
What is your fave gym exercise?I enjoy my Pilates and boxing classes.
Do you follow any strict diet?I used to when I was preparing for the pageant and modeling abroad. But now, I am more lax. I try to avoid eating my carbs at night, and I try to stick to my white meat and veggies. But sometimes, I grab some pizza and chips. I also love pasta!
How much sleep do you get every day?On the average, eight hours. I feel tired or cranky when I get less.
Any vices?I drink, but as I’ve grown older, I drink less.
Do you have cheat days when you don’t watch what you eat at all?Any day can be a cheat day as long as you make up for it the following day at the gym.
What food cravings do you succumb to?I love potato chips! I always have a stash at home.
What is your current fitness goal?To lose some inches off my thighs and be very toned again.
What is your current regular exercise and diet regimen?I go to the gym three to four times a week. I started boxing classes a month ago and I try to do that at least three times a week. I do Pilates class once a week. I regularly eat chicken, lean red meat, fish, and salad. For my carbs, I eat brown rice, whole-wheat pasta, and potato.
After winning the pageant, what other projects did you get into?I worked as a model in Cape Town, South Africa where I did TV commercials and print jobs for the European, American, and South African markets. Recently, I finished some work for The Asia Foundation, an international NGO, on a human rights innovation marketplace project. I am also doing something exciting with Gold’s. We are setting up Estudio at Gold’s Gym, an academy that offers development programs on fitness and character development. We will be tapping certified gym trainers, nutritionists, life coaches, top models, former beauty queens, photographers, and stylists, among others, to handle the classes of Estudio (call Luisa Beltran at 994-2930 for details).
Do you believe that beauty is a total package? Beauty is definitely a total package. It’s physical and inner beauty combined. Beauty is about exuding confidence, grace, charm, and intelligence. I find someone who carries herself well and comfortable in her own skin beautiful.
Featured Article: Confessions of a Beauty Queen originally appeared on
The Philippine Star on Tue, 02 March 2010 12:00 AM
