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In the ongoing Miss Tourism Philippines 2016 competition, there is one candidate with a relatively unique back story. She was born in Milan, Italy where learning the “buon giornos”, “grazie” and “prego” came ahead of mastering “magandang umaga” and “salamat”. Her name is Sharyl Diana Catchillar of Pangasinan.

But there is more to Sharyl – who was eventually raised in the province she now represents in the pageant – than meets the eye. Read her interesting profile.

Born in Milan, Italy but grew up in the Philippines, SHARYL DIANA CATCHILLAR will represent the Crystal Province of the West—Pangasinan in the Miss Tourism Philippines 2016. This statuesque beauty stands at 5 feet and 7 inches with a measurement of 32-24-36, a morena who exudes both confidence and intelligence. Although most of her adult life was spent in the Philippines, Sharyl speaks Italian fluently.

A child of overseas Filipino workers, Sha, as her family and closest friends call her, learned to live independently at a young age, her Tita’s taught her to be self-reliant God fearing and despite all her achievements, she has remained humble. Having been exposed to such responsibility would later on prepare her for more demanding tasks such as finishing her college degree on BS Biology at St. Scholastica’s College Manila, putting up and managing her own business, and most importantly, her passion for joining local beauty pageants to promote her native province, Panganisan.

Known as the gateway of the West in Luzon, whose people are known for perseverance and resilience, the name of the province Pangasinan came from the word ASIN, or the crystal(s) of the sea, which symbolizes preservation and good health. The province is well-known for its beautiful and pristine beaches. It is also notable for its delectable food and delicacies such as the famed Calaciao Puto, Urdaneta Tupig, Dagupan Bangus, bagoong and patis; a favorite in any Filipinohousehold. The province also takes pride of its fervent Catholic faith exemplified through the people’s devotion to the miraculous Virgin Mary or most prominently known as ‘’Our Lady of Manaoag,” the patron saint of the province.

Sharyl would also like to pursue her dream to become a medical doctor and take up a Master’s Degree in Molecular Medicine. It is her lifelong dream to serve the underprivileged especially her beloved kababayans.

The opportunity to live in two different countries has given Sharyl a wider perspective of the world. In her heart and mind, she is proud to be an example of a modern Filipina who is educated, courageous to face all the challenges, determined to purse her goals, and resilient—one who never gives up and will always rise above failures.

What are your thoughts on Sharyl, dear readers? 🙂