Pilar Pilapil: Her life in her own words

"A face that could launch a thousand ships," is how many people from her past and beyond would describe her. Eventually, the woman who possesses one of the prettiest faces that have ever graced show business would slowly despise the connotation of this famous phrase when she found out what it entails.

Pilar Delilah Veloso Pilapil has recently launched her autobiography, which aptly encapsulates the many significant events and learning experiences her life has encountered, from the time she became the toast of the beauty pageant circuit at 16, a glimmering star in showbiz at 17, the personal struggles and storms in between, to her eventual journey of faith.

"The Woman Without A Face," that's the title of her book. Perceived by many as someone who has led a charmed life, with her beauty, talent, and fame, one, indeed, is prompted to ask, how come she entitled her book -her autobiography, "The Woman Without a Face"?

"I soared the highest levels of success that this world had to offer, only to find when I got there, I was empty, did not know who I was, and even despaired of life itself. I really did not have a face of my own," Pilar Pilapil wrote in the latter part of her book.

In the book, Pilar Pilapil revealed, in candid ease and all-honesty, that as she walked along a lighted path to stardom, doing what everyone expected her to do, she realized everything suddenly became too good to be true. It dawned on her that she did not have a face-an identity-to call her own. She had what every woman could possibly have wished for. But she would eventually discover that all those material things that she enjoyed were nothing compared to the true essence of life itself.

"The Woman Without A Face" speaks of Pilar Pilapil's success, misery, doubts and fears, enlightenment and her life, in general. Though leaving out some details that could spark controversy, her written life story unfolds in its intended purpose-that is, a story of hope.

Dedicated to young girls who are just beginning their lives, to parents who only wanted what's best for their children, and to her grandchildren that they may learn things from their "Lola Pretty's" (Pilar Pilapil) life story, Pilar Pilapil carefully wrote down events as well as milestones in her life to make its readers understand that not everything that glitters is gold... and that everything has its own place in its own time by God's guiding grace.

"The Woman Without A Face" had an unveiling at the Waterfront Hotel-Lahug last January 26, Friday, with the author herself in attendance. She explained how and why she wrote down her story before close friends and fellow Cebuanos. A book-signing also highlighted the well-attended launch.

The proceeds of the book sales will go to her foundation, the Pilar Pilapil Foundation: Saved to Serve, which has been taking care and providing basic needs of abused women, widows and children.

"I pray that my story may also help others-those who are looking in the wrong places for love, meaning and contentment. You will only find your true identity and worth when you give your life to the One who created you, owns you, and has the best plan for your life."

Looking back to her past with profound reflection and appreciating what she has right now with visible contentment, Pilar Pilapil's life is now, indeed, more meaningful and worth living for. For book orders, you may contact the Pilar Pilapil Foundation at tel. no. (032) 416-2551, or email [email protected]. — JAIMIE PAZ ABIGAEL D. OPINION