Beauty queen wants to host, not act

BEA ROSE Santiago wants to top-bill a show that features fashion, food and traveling. RICHARD A. REYES

Though she has no acting experience, Miss International 2013 Bea Rose Santiago is open to the possibility of joining show biz.

“I’m not closing that door. I’m a little shy and I think I will need acting lessons,” Bea told the Inquirer at the recent opening of Lee Jeans archive exhibit at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City. The exhibit showcases 27 iconic denim designs created by the clothing brand, which marks its 125th anniversary this year.

The 23-year-old stunner, who worked as a model prior to becoming a beauty queen, believes she would be a better host than actress.

“I like talking, as you can see! Maybe I could do the interviewing instead of being interviewed, for a change,” Bea said. “I look up to [model-host] Joey Mead.”

Given the opportunity, Bea would like to work with ABS-CBN. “The network produced the Binibining Pilipinas 2013 coronation show and gave me communication lessons before I competed in Miss International,” she said.

Backpacking days

Bea dreams of hosting a lifestyle show that combines fashion, food and travel. “I traveled a lot during my backpacking days. I’ve been to China, where I visited 10 cities, and Sabah (Malaysia),” she said.

Is any celeb courting her? “No,” she said, laughing. “I’m busy and I don’t go out a lot. I’m always with my girl friends.”

Bea admitted, however, that she’s been dating a non-show biz guy for a year and a half. While she’s happy with the relationship, the beauty titlist is in no rush to take it to the next level.

“There are a lot of opportunities for me out there. If he can’t wait, then maybe he isn’t the one,” she said.

Crazy homecoming

At the moment, Bea is busy helping raise funds for the construction of a library in her hometown, Cataingan, Masbate. She was born in Alabang and raised in Masbate before moving to Canada when she was 15.

“I don’t believe we’ve ever had a public library there. And now we’ve been getting lots of books,” said Bea, who was a year away from finishing her communications degree in public relations in York University in Canada, when she  joined Binibining Pilipinas last year.

Describing her reign thus far as “exciting,” Bea said one of her most memorable experiences was returning to Cataingan after her triumph.

“It was crazy—and funny. My childhood friends, former teachers, and neighbors treated me like a big star,” related Bea. A street in Cataingan has been named after her, too.

“That’s how much they love me … The sign just says ‘Miss International 2013’ because I’m still alive,” Bea quipped.

Life has been a whirlwind since the competition. There were times, she said, when the car became virtually her bedroom. No, she’s not complaining; she’s bent on enjoying every moment.

“I get to be a queen only for one year,” Bea said. “I keep records of everything I do, so that I have something look back on.”

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