Miss World, Singapore, Pilar Arlando

Since Pilar Carmelita Anastasia Arlando, 19, took over the crown and title as Miss Singapore World from the infamous Ris Low, she’s had a rollercoaster ride fulfilling her duties.

From travelling to London, Abu Dhabi and South Africa to compete against 111 other long-legged beauties, working together with children’s charities and finishing her school projects for her Diploma in Hospitality, she has done it all with great candour, grace and a fantastic sense of humour. Penny gets the deets!

1. Tell us about your Ms. World experience! What activities did you participate in and what were the highlights?

Every single moment of the competition was a highlight. Think about it, waking up each morning and knowing that you are your country’s only ambassador and representative at Miss World? Now, I would say that it’s a huge honour. Nothing beats that!

I do have to say that I was privileged enough to do so many things! I travelled to London, Abu Dhabi and some of South Africa’s provinces. I got to visit Nelson Mandela’s house, open City Parks and visited all the stadiums where the Fifa World Cup 2010 will be held.

I even managed to represent Singapore as the top 12 out of 111 girls for the Sports Event for Miss World. While on safari I also managed to get up close with some of the animals. In a word, it was spectacular. I learnt some basic Afrikaans and even met the President of South Africa, Mr. Jacob Zuma.

2. What projects have you embarked on for the year ahead as Ms. World, Singapore?

I’ve been involved with a few charity events with the Down Syndrome Association of Singapore which is my adopted charity. Apart from that I have continually visited the Jamiyah’s Children’s Home, which I usually did before my rein as Ms. World. Recently I’ve also organised a Children’s Charity Carnival for Victory Family Centre.

In the future, I’m looking to bring my charity work to an international level. I’m currently looking to do some voluntary work in Cambodia, Vietnam and South Africa. I am looking to raise awareness for the orphans in these areas and do whatever I can in my power to nurture and help them obtain the essentials.

I’m most looking forward to going back to South Africa. While I was there, I helped out at an orphanage and the kids truly got me attached to the centre. Before leaving, I spoke with one of the ladies from the centre and we’re keeping in touch about my future visit.

3. What do you hope to move on to after being a beauty queen?

I’m looking to be a host and get some acting debuts on the roll. Being in the entertainment industry is what I’ve always been into. Let’s hope that it works out!

4. What have you taken away with you from the whole experience?

I’m so grateful for everything I’ve experienced so far and it’s definitely more than I could have ever asked for. I’ve built friendships with some wonderful girls and I’ve come to realize that no matter the situation, you can only learn and grow from each experience, be it positive or negative.

5. Is being in a beauty pageant as bitchy as the movies/reality TV makes it out to be?

Unfortunately, it has happened, but the best way I know how to deal with it, is to stay out of it. Such negative situations are definitely bound to happen because when you enter pageants, most of the girls have one goal in mind, which is “I must win”.

I just tell myself to “give my best and I will be the best”. It doesn’t matter to me if I win a title or not. At the end of the day it’s how far I’m made it as an individual because I know deep down, that I already am a winner. A title, will only be a title until you really do something about it by making positive changes.

6. As a beauty queen, has it affected any relationships or your social life?

Well, I do have more responsibilities and duties to uphold. For example, having to judge competitions, go for photo shoots, interviews and most of these usually take up the weekends. But I don’t look at it as something negative because I do enjoy doing every bit of it!

As for relationships, well to be frank, I face each issue within its own boundaries. Once you muddy the waters by meshing them together; that’s when you have a problem.

7. We know you have a man in your life! Tell us more about him.

Well Max is serving the nation and he’s the same age as I am. He’s half-French, half-Chinese and can speak both languages fluently! We met through a mutual friend of ours, Regina. About a year back, she had asked me to help him because he was having some troubles. We lost touch for a while but a year later, he walked back into my life. I always believe that if you ‘lose’ something and it comes back, then it’s definitely a keeper.

8. Penny’s Daybook theme for the month is Gramomuse, so what’s your idea of a red-hot music album?

Definitely Lady Gaga’s latest album! I just think she’s one hell of a music genius! Her music videos are out of this world but I love them!

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