Muhlach beauty uses pressure as motivation for Bolivia tilt

Alyssa Muhlach Alvarez

Since the Muhlachs are like family to me, I am overjoyed that Alyssa Muhlach Alvarez was crowned Miss Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas 2018. Even before Yssa became a (beauty) queen, she was already part of (show biz) royalty.

From the get-go of Miss World Philippines 2018, Yssa was a standout. Her royal blue gown with a Philippine map detail made Yssa dazzle all the more. Since her predecessor, Teresita “Winwyn” Marquez brought home the Reina Hispanoamericana (RHA) crown, Yssa vows to give it her all for a back-to-back win. Viva La Filipina Bonita!

Here’s my chat with Yssa:

How are you handling the pressure of being the successor of Wyn? I’m using the pressure as a motivation to do my best and always strive for excellence. I wish I could be as amazing as Wyn when I compete for RHA in Bolivia. I’d like to believe that the Spanish roots of my Muhlach side is a plus factor, so it lessens the pressure somehow.

Who thought of the Philippine map detail of your gown? It was my idea. I collaborated with designer Benj Leguiab IV to incorporate our love for the Philippines on my gown.

What’s Wyn’s advice to you about the RHA? She told me that although it is a tough competition, I should just be myself and enjoy everything. Ignore bashers. Do my “homework” in preparation for the pageant.

What’s the best and toughest part of being a Muhlach? The best part is having a big family who has always been supportive of my endeavors. The toughest part is meeting the high expectations of people. Since I am a Muhlach, a lot of people expect me to automatically be good in acting.

What advice of your Tito Aga and Lola Nena (Amalia Fuentes) do you follow? Stay humble. Treat everyone with kindness no matter who they are.

What’s the craziest thing that you’ve done for love? Waiting for a guy for months to choose me even if he really didn’t want to be with me anymore. I wish I could tell more women that they should never wait for someone to choose them. Be with someone who would love you and choose you every day without hesitation.

What do you find hard to understand about guys? How clueless they could be at times. Women think that we are showing all the signs of how we’re feeling, but guys don’t get us. This is where communication plays an important role, because if we don’t speak up, the problem will not be solved.

Do you intend to join Bb. Pilipinas after your reign? As of now, I don’t know yet.

Will you eventually join show biz? Yes. Singing has always been my passion. I also want to try acting in romantic comedies.

If you would be a judge in the next Miss World Philippines pageant, what question will you ask the finalists? If God exists, why do you think there’s still evil in the world?

PERSONAL: Damo guid nga salamat to JR Artuz, my newfound friends Doc Pip Acepcion, EJ Cenar, Gil Lao, Butch Biclar, the Capiz Times staff, Edalyn Acta, Niño Manaog and Jonell Gregorio for such a splendid time in the “Seafood Capital.”