THEN AND NOW: Sabrina M.’s pageant journey, 30 years apart
Sabrina #Sabrina
Sabrina M., formerly known as Maria Aren Pallasigue, has had a remarkable journey in the world of pageantry spanning three decades.
From her humble beginnings as a ramp model to her evolution as a beauty queen, Sabrina’s story is one of determination and growth in pursuit of her dreams.
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MUTYA NG PILIPINAS 1993
Sabrina’s entrance into the world of pageants began in 1993 when, at age 18, she competed for the Mutya Ng Pilipinas crown.
Having already entered the entertainment industry at the time under her birth name, Sabrina saw this opportunity as a way to fulfill her mother’s wish.
While the coveted crown went to Michelle Aldana, Sabrina’s radiance and beauty earned her the special award as Miss Photogenic, which came with a cash prize of PHP10,000.00 from Mitsubishi.
Sabrina M. getting sashed for winning the Miss Photogenic award PHOTO: Screengrab from YouTube | inthiscorner100
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Her graceful presence on stage and her dazzling black and white gown created by then famous fashion designer Renee Salud left a lasting impression on the audience.
Sabrina M. in her evening gown PHOTO: Screengrab from YouTube | inthiscorner100
During the grand coronation, host Eric Quizon introduced Sabrina as “a budding young actress who hopes to be a big star someday.”
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Maria Aren Pallasigue a.k.a. Sabrina M. PHOTO: Screengrab from YouTube | inthiscorner100
True to Sabrina’s expectation, after her first pageant experience, she continued to thrive in the entertainment industry, starring in various films and making a name for herself as an actress.
Under the screen name Sabrina M., she landed roles in the projects Kakaibang Karisma (1995), Makamandag Na Bango (1996), Totoy Mola (1997), Hayop Sa Ganda (1997), Bakit Kailangan Ng Ibon Ng Pakpak (1997), Nene (1998), Alipin Ng Aliw (1998), Tukso Si Charito (1998), Dalawang Eba Sa Paraiso Ni Adan (1999), Laging Sariwa Ang Sugat (1999), at Sex Education (1999).
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MRS. FACE OF TOURISM PHILIPPINES 2023
In 2023, she decided to make a comeback to pageantry via the recently held Mrs. Face of Tourism Philippines competition, three decades after she missed the beauty queen crown in 1993.
Sabrina M. as candidate No. 10 in the Mrs. Face of Tourism Philippines 2023 competition PHOTO: Screengrab from Instagram | @therealsabrina_m
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The decision to give it a second shot and participate in the annual beauty search, was driven by Sabrina’s desire to challenge societal expectations and empower mothers.
Now a mother of three, she aimed to prove that motherhood should not limit a woman’s potential to excel in various fields, including beauty contests.
“Naisip ko po na mag-join sa Mrs. Face of Tourism Philippines dahil ang mga katulad ko po na ina ay hindi naman dapat matigil lang sa pagiging isang ina,” Sabrina related to PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) on January 22, 2023.
Sabrina M. represents Rizal Province PHOTO: Screengrab from Instagram | @therealsabrina_m
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She continued, “Makakaya-kaya pa rin namin na mapatunayan na puwede pa rin kami sa mga ganitong pageant to boost our confidence.
“Minsan kasi kapag nagiging nanay na ang isang babae, iniisip nila na pang-bahay na lamang sila at, mali po yon dahil marami kami na puwedeng mapatunayan sa lipunan,”
With the support of her family, Sabrina embarked on this new chapter, fully aware that the competition held a special significance.
She said, “I have the full support of my family kaya lalong lumakas ang loob ko na sumali sa contest na ito. Ibang klase ang may pamilya ka na mararamdaman mo ang suporta at pagmamahal sa yo.”
Mrs. Face of Tourism Philippines was not just an ordinary contest; it was an opportunity for the former sexy star to become an ambassador for her country and inspire others.
Sabrina expressed, “Ang advocacy ko is to promote our country. Marami ang lugar na magaganda sa Pilipinas na dapat na malaman ng buong mundo.
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“Dapat nating ipagmalaki kung gaano kaganda ang ating bansa.”
And she had it all figured out, “For this contest, I need to enhance more ang katawan dahil hindi naman po basta-basta ang contest na sasalihan ko.
“I will represent all the mothers and also our country because it’s Mrs. Face of Tourism Philippines at sila ang nag-imbita sa akin na sumali.”
Sabrina M.’s ensemble for the regional wear competition PHOTO: Screengrab from Instagram | @therealsabrina_m
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When asked what she found most challenging about a beauty pageant this time around, she said, “Ang kaibahan ay dalaga pa po ako noon.
“Pero ngayon, may mga anak na ako na sa tingin ko, e, mas mahirap dahil kailangan mo na mapatunayan sa lahat kung bakit at dapat na ikaw ang manalo.
“Hindi na ganoon kadali dahil nagbago na ang lahat mula nang maging isang ina na ako.”
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UNEXPECTED EXIT
In an unexpected turn of events, Sabrina pulled out from the competition two days before the grand coronation night.
Along with several other candidates such as Binibining Pilipinas World 2008 Janina San Miguel, Sabrina felt that there was a lot of internal problems with the event.
“Paiba-iba sila ng criteria of judging at magulo ang nangyari kaya better to back out po,” she explained.
“Malabo talaga, magulo. Hindi ko alam kung ano ba ang exact words na puwede kong gamitin kung bakit nagkaganoon…
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“Bahala na ang Panginoon sa kanila. Sa ngayon po, wala muna akong planong sumali uli sa mga pageant.
“But if given the chance na meron, why not? I am not closing my door naman.
“But for now, I will focus more na magbalik-pelikula at telebisyon po.”
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