Miss Universe 2013 happy with progress of ‘Yolanda’ relief efforts in PH

By: Robert R. Requintina

Updated January 26, 2019, 8:08 AM

Six years on, Miss Universe 2013 Gabriela Isler of Venezuela returned to Coron, Palawan to oversee the progress of the relief efforts in three remote fishing villages in that province devastated by super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) on Nov. 8, 2013.

GABRIELA ISLER IN MANILA – Miss Universe 2013 answers queries on pageants and politics during a press conference held at the Novotel Manila in Cubao, Quezon City on Jan. 25. Isler will be managed by Arnold Vegafria in the Asia-Pacific Region. Vegafria is also the business manager of boxing champ Sen. Manny Pacquiao. (Photo by Robert Requintina)

“It’s amazing how they’re all very much committed to strengthening their sense of community. These model communities can hopefully be replicated in other impoverished communities in the Philippines,” said Isler during a press conference held at the Novotel Manila in Cubao, Quezon City on Jan. 25.

It would be recalled that Isler established the Miss Universe Relief Foundation after she won the pageant in Moscow, Russia in 2013. She then raised US$250,000 (P13.5 million) to finance the relief efforts in Coron.

She first visited the Philippines on March 27, 2014. With the support of the Miss Universe Foundation and Cordaid, Isler started the rehabilitation projects for three coastal villages.

On Jan. 17, Isler returned to Palawan and she was happy to see how local economies have flourished.

“That first visit helped me to find my role in helping others and to realize that,” said Isler, who was accompanied by her husband Alfonso Figueroa in her second trip to Manila.

There Isler learned that Cordaid works closely with the villagers to tackle climate problems and environmental risks, and the impact on their livelihoods.

One of the big problems: the whole community was too dependent on fishing. More tropical storms means fewer days on the water, she said.

Also, water was no longer available in the village, only in the surrounding sources. But they came to lie dry during the long hot months of the dry season, which also lasted much longer than usual, Isler added.

With the support of the Miss Universe Foundation, Cordaid has been able to improve water and environmental management by leading water to cranes throughout the village and protecting the springs, alongside many other activities.

Isler, 30, signed up with the Arnold Vegafria Talent Circuit few days ago. The former Miss Universe will now be managed by Vegafria in the Asia-Pacific Region. Vegafria is also the business manager of boxing champ Sen. Manny Pacquiao.

Vegafria said that Isler is exploring the possibility of furthering her modelling, hosting and possibly even an acting/showbiz career while in Manila.

Isler is the seventh Miss Universe from Venezuela after she was crowned in Moscow, Russia on Nov. 9, 2013.

She also said that the Philippines continues to be close to her heart.

“Actually, the Philippines is always on my mind. Even during my tenure as Miss Universe, I realized how the Philippines has the biggest fan base, pageant-wise. They love their queens. They’re also respectful. I received a lot of love and respect from them during my year, and even after,” she said.

Vegafria said that he has already lined-up four endorsements for the Venezuelan beauty queen.

Isler said that she feels more at home doing hosting gigs, or being able to share her gift of gab.

“I believe in the power that women have in utilizing our voice when we spread a powerful message. I would love to have a show where I can interview people and show their missions and purposes. We can embrace stories that can empower or inspire people. I love content and I love creating an impact. If I can combine both, that would e great,” she said.

Isler is also Venezuela’s current national director for Miss Universe, Miss World and Miss International. She started her own blog in 2017 which tackles travel and lifestyle stories.

“I’m a storyteller. I created a movement called Choose You, where I invite the audience to put themselves first,” she said.

https://entertainment.mb.com.ph/2019/01/26/miss-universe-2013-happy-with-progress-of-yolanda-relief-efforts-in-ph/