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It’s already June 1. Start of General Community Quarantine in the country save for a few selected parts. Time to get more cautious as we re-enter life outside the four corners of our home.

Quite scary if you ask me. And it might take double the amount of time to get back to the groove of things compared to when the reality of a lockdown was accepted with no choice.

For the second blog feature of #Updated by normannorman.com, I share with you an #exclusive peek into the life of Bb. Pilipinas Universe 1987 and Miss Universe 1987 Top 10 Finisher Geraldine “Pebbles” Asis – how she copes with the pandemic crisis and what is the secret behind aging gracefully. She also gives us a special message on how to handle solo living as we all enter a #newnormal of doing things and living in general.

Just how does one grow old gracefully?

Is it through turning back the hands of time once too often by seeking all possible treatments from cosmetic surgeons and maintaining the look of a certain age that belies what one’s actual number is in terms of years lived since birth?

Is it through chasing all ritual-laden non-invasive treatments from dermatology/skin experts to preserve one’s youth without going under the knife?

Or is it through living a simple life of happiness and peace of mind without worrying so much about aging on the outside and sustaining the afterglow of what once was?

Bb. Pilipinas Universe 1987 Geraldine “Pebbles” Asis has been living her low-key solo existence in Roxas City for many years now. She has two children – Gabby and Sam – who are now grown-ups. Before, she used to live in the ancestral house but chose to transfer to a smaller and low-maintenance abode that will allow her to do things all by herself.

“With the business my dad left us – and being the eldest – I can opt do nothing and live like a queen. But I didn’t because at the end of the day, I will neither be happy nor fulfilled. Since all my siblings live well in the US, I ventured into the lodging business on my own. And this is where income is generated.”

Married life for Pebbles was the toughest period that it sadly affected her legally, socially, psychologically physically and mentally. So it would be best to leave things in the past and move on with her head held high.

There are still so many beautiful things in life that our subject would rather dwell on. And having so many friends as support system keeps her smiling and always on her toes. She personally maintains the house without the need of a live-in helper. She also conducts workshops to kids and teens on how build up their confidence and do well onstage. She does regular charitable work and would even say yes to invites for pictorials and modeling from time to time. She is practically living the life of a single woman. And at her present age, she has seen life from all lenses – be it dark, rosy or plain clear. That is what makes her grow old gracefully. And she intends to keep it that way. She accepted both the good and the bad with equanimity.

In the video clip below, Pebbles tells us how life has been on quarantine and what positive realizations she arrived at. Two and a half months after the lockdown started.

Blue floral gown by Marlo Ramos Javier