Ex-beauty titlist Priscilla Meirelles-Estrada on the Miss Earth sexual harassment controversy

Miss Earth 2004 Priscilla Meirelles-Estrada

I immensely enjoyed my stint as a judge in the Mutya ng Misamis Occidental pageant in Ozamiz City with my dear friend, Priscilla Meirelles-Estrada. Daghang salamat to Gov. Herminia Ramiro and Gerard Ramiro for being such gracious hosts and to my Ozamiz angel Michelle Secang.

The winners of the beauty contest are all star material. Paolo Bediones hosted the five-hour extravaganza and Ian Veneracion serenaded the candidates.

After the show, I teased Ian that he still seems like a matinee idol because the crowd went wild during his song number.
“Pang Titas of Manila na lang ako,” he said in jest. Unlike most actors who shun selfie shots, Ian gave in to all photo requests. “If only I could hire a double,” he chided.

I had fun bonding with Pri, her sis-in-law Chin and hubby Buck. Too bad that John Estrada (Pri’s husband) wasn’t able to join us. Pri told me that their daughter is bugging them for a baby brother/sister. “Perhaps after she turns 7 next year,” says Pri.

The Miss Earth 2004 is super down-to-earth. She sounds so cute when she speaks in Tagalog with a Portugese accent. Pri is Brazilian by birth, but already Pinay at heart.

Here’s my chat with Priscilla:

What do you think about the Miss Earth controversy? I am against any kind of bullying or coercion. Being in a position where you have to deal and interact with all types of people, it does not surprise me that at some point it can make one vulnerable to inappropriate behavior or some people crossing the line to take a picture or feel close, but all these come with the territory.

Being a three-time international beauty titlist, I know that the nature of my job requires sensitivity and understanding of people’s different cultures without welcoming inappropriate behavior. Having said that, I believe the simplest rule of thumb is, to never put yourself in a vulnerable position with strangers.

Women have “internal alarm bells” we shouldn’t ignore, so when they go off, get out of the situation. It’s a bit tricky during these types of competition, but if you feel uncomfortable, let someone you trust know about it and leave.

As a Christian and a mother, I will always side with the victim, but as they say, there are two sides to a story. It would be fair to get the other side, to complete the story before anyone can come to a conclusion.

I was able to talk to some people, and I feel there’s some disconnect, that’s why I’m withholding personal judgment about the whole situation.

I just hope the people will get the complete story and understand both sides before quickly forming an opinion about the matter.

This is a very serious accusation, and I’m a firm believer of proving “guilt beyond reasonable doubt” before we “crucify” a person. This is not just about being a beauty queen but also respecting the basic human right to have a fair trial.

What’s your advice to aspiring beauty queens on how to handle sexual harassment? You can always say no to situations and people who make you uncomfortable! That’s your right, so use it. If you cannot handle the situation, ask for help. There’s nothing wrong in having someone you trust to back you up. And as much as possible, avoid being on your own when attending any function related to your duty.
Having a figure of authority, like a parent, manager or a director whom you trust, stops people with bad intentions and hidden agenda from approaching you.

The general rule is, if you see any red flag, flee immediately with style wearing your best beauty queen smile. After all, what you cannot see or hear cannot hurt you.

How do you and John resolve misunderstandings? We talk things out. We laugh a lot even about things that are not funny. It’s a lot of give and take, and, at this point in our lives, decisions always boil down to what we are willing to live with or not.