Miss Philippines

Ma Karla Bautista

Karla was born in Cebu City. She is currently studying Mass Communication at the University of the Philippines in Dilman ,(having transferred on winning her national title, from the University of San Carlos Cebus where she was taking Philosophy). After completing her current degree she would like to go back and finish a degree in Philosophy as she considers this to be the right course for her pre-law. It is her ambition to become a broadcaster / lawyer. Karla is a good orator and writes inspirational stories for her school, she was a member of the Speech Club and is a thespian. Hobbies and leisure interests include: reading, writing essays, cooking, singing, badminton, swimming, fencing, Filipino folk dances and has a special talent for baton twirling.


Where did you grow up? Tell us a little about your home town/city, and family.
I grew up in Cebu City, located at the middle island of the Philippines, Visayas. My hometown is also called the Queen City of the South, the place my loving family and I call home.

What Jobs have you done? What was the most interesting/bizarre?
I was into modelling since I was 15. It was quite interesting because I met different kinds of people.

What are your career ambitions, how do you plan to realise them?
Some of my ambitions include writing a book, a career in broadcasting before finally finishing with a Law degree. I’m still studying so I’m making sure that I learn as much a possible.

What is the proudest moment of your life? (Not including winning your National Title)
My proudest moment was being able to overcome weakness after knowing the deepest of pain, the passing away of my mother. When I lost her, it was as if the world revealed its harsh realities. It was then that I thought that I couldn’t go on, never pursue my dreams and life just stopped. It took some time before I could move on and face the world again, getting out of that hole is something that I am very proud of.

What was the funniest/most embarrassing moment of your life?
My most embarrassing moment happened while I was doing a shoot at a scenic waterfall. I was supposed to get into a raft, while I was walking towards it all poised and made up, I tried to look really sophisticated knowing a lot of people were looking at me. Too bad, I stepped on some slippery rocks and lost my balance, making me fall into the water. I was drenched and I hurt my back and my legs, but not as much as my pride!

How has your life changed since winning your National Title?
I have been kept busy by my hectic schedule, I have to look good and chic all the time and have to play to the crowd always, also I had to change campus just so I could still continue my studies even while preparing for Miss World.

Tell us about an interesting event you have attended, or a person that you have met.
The most interesting person I’ve met would probably be my mum who I knew only for a shot time. She is probably the most selfless person I know. She taught me about the most important things in life like love, friendship and dreams.

What would you like to do, if you became Miss World 2004?
If I’d have the honour to become Miss World it would be with great commitment as I live out the meaning of "beauty with a purpose". As Miss World, I will be a voice for women. I’ve always believed in gender equality. No matter how modern our times have become, somewhere there are still women being oppressed because they are believe to be weaker or worse they believe themselves that they are. I firmly believe that women should be recognised beyond their physical beauty and domestic roles but be seen as intelligent and capable individuals.

If you had a personal motto what would it be?
Everything happens for a reason

Give details of any charitable work undertaken?
Our national pageant always encourages candidates and schedule charity events, particularly with orphans, I also visit feeding programs in retirement homes, orphanages and hospitals.

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