Whatever happened to Pebbles Asis?

Twenty-nine years after she reigned as Bb. Pilipinas-Universe (1987), Pebbles Asis has gone “back to my roots in Roxas City” where she plans to put up a modeling school.

In that year’s Miss Universe pageant in Singapore, Pebbles finished No. 6 with a score of 8.583, losing by .048 to Venezuela’s Ines Maria Calero Rodriguez for a slot among the Top 5 finalists. Chile’s Cecilia Bolocco won the crown while Rodriguez placed third runner-up and Puerto Rico’s Laurie Tamara Simpson fourth runner-up (eventually winning Miss International barely five months later).

Pebbles is the fourth Bb. Pilipinas-Universe to be featured in this corner’s broken “Whatever Happened to…” series, after Lizbeth de Padua (1976), Jennifer Cortes (1978) and Binky Montinola (1969).

In a Facebook interview for Funfare by “other beauty expert” Celso de Guzman Caparas, Pebbles (full name: Geraldine Edith Villaruz Asis) traces her wonderful journey:

Goullee Gorospe paved my way to the world of glitz and glamour. I was then working at Chiqui Hollman Studio and accompanied a client (a Miss FEU winner) for fitting for Goullee’s fashion show. I ended up modeling for Goullee and other designers.

It was Louie Mamengo, together with Celso Obreto, Joey Espino and Audie Espino, who spinned my wheel of fortune. I was unsure and reluctant. Had my mom and dad learned about it, I wouldn’t have become a Bb. Pilipinas. I was Musa of Circulo Galante (a Christmas gathering of Capiz, Roxas City’s elite). Bb. Pilipinas was the first and only beauty pageant I ever joined.

Everything about the Bb. Pilipinas experience was fun as good as it got — the good and the bad, the pleasant and the unpleasant times, the sad and happy moments, the pressure, professional rivalry, and girl talk. Set aside the crown and the best part was the lasting friendship. Up to now, I am still in contact with and remain close to Lilu Jimenez-Stevens (Bb. Pilipinas-Maja) and Irene Cruz, to mention a few.

Miss Universe was a different story. When I left Manila, my aim was simply to represent the country with style and elan; with head up high, feet on the ground. It was a transition period, from Pres. Marcos to Pres. Cory Aquino, and there was economic crisis and political instability in the country.

Racial discrimination got me challenged and thus the fun began! My competitive nature in full alert; I studied and analyzed every aspect of the pageant. I showed good breeding, consistent in looking great with style from 6 a.m. to 12 midnight. Good table manners counted a lot, including knowing your right angle, the right pose and flashing a perfect smile. Diplomacy is important.

Left: With daughter Samantha Ruth; and (right) with five of the semi-finalists of the 1987 Miss Universe pageant, including Chile’s Cecilia Bolocco who won the title.

After my reign, I did the comedy film Action is Not Missing with Dolphy and had guest appearance in Nandito Ako (starring Kris Aquino and Phillip Salvador). But fashion modeling was my profession, my bread and butter, for almost 20 years.

I’m back to my roots, Roxas City in Capiz. I left my ancestral house four years ago and renovated an inherited half-century old house, turned it into a seven-bedroom/six-bathroom contemporary house. I am a single parent to Juan Gabriel “Gabby” (19) and Samantha Ruth “Sam” (12). I’m planning to open a modeling school here in Roxas City; might call it Pebbles Asis School of Rock & Modeling, “Rock” because Gabby can dance like a pro and beat drums like crazy! God willing, this will push through!

At present, I am busy with my lodging-house business and, most importantly, busy with my personal apostolic outreach program. I give food to the less fortunate. I feed street kids and poor children in all the barangay here in my hometown. After Typhoon Yolanda, we want progress and improvement. Feeding kids is the most I can do to help. I may not change their lives miraculously but at least I know I’m making a difference.

My advice to this year’s Bb. Pilipinas contestants: Keep your head high, feet on the ground, dress confidently, speak fluently, smile perfectly and act decent. Good luck!

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