Earlier this year, Rose Marie Murphy tried her luck in Bb. Pilipinas 2018 and was fortunate enough to make it as one of the Official Candidates – #Binibini5 – in the competition. It was a rewarding experience for this beautiful Butuanon who stepped out of her shell and mustered the confidence to put forth her biggest appearance on the national pageant stage.

This time, Rose is in the midst of the beehive of pre-pageant activities for Miss World Philippines 2018 as Candidate No. 30. So far, she has made it as finalist in the Talent Challenge and will perform during next week’s Charity Gala Night. Check out my exclusive online one-on-one with her:

1. What sets you apart from the 39 other candidates of MWP?

“I believe that the qualities that really set me apart from my co-candidates are my life experiences. My father is an American and my mother is Filipina. I grew up in the province of Agusan del Norte and learned deep Filipino values. I witnessed the hardships that our fellow citizens face, and has first-hand experience living in a rural community. But even during the tough times, you can always see the smile on their faces. I believe that this kind of values plus resilience – to keep on fighting and fighting – are the most important lessons that I learned in my life. Though the color of my skin might be different, my heart will always be as a Filipino.”

2. Your profession may be nursing but your talent is dancing (reason why you made top 7 in talent). How has this helped form the character in becoming the person that you are right now?

“As a nurse, every day is a challenge. There are a variety of situations where you will encounter difficult scenarios, and there are times that it will test your limits. You are a caring hand to the people in need, yet you are also prone to different kinds of disease. Through my experiences as a nurse, I learned to be patient, disciplined in every instance, determined in every step and understanding of other people. Being a nurse helped me to be a better person. My performance showcases tribal dancing in Agusan del Norte, and with every step in every move, it portraits the very lessons I learned in being a nurse.“

3. What good will it do the Miss World Philippines Organization if you win one of the titles on October 7?

“I used to be a very shy and skinny young girl with low self-esteem until the day came when I have learned to embrace the beauty that I have in me and started to join and win local beauty pageants which paved the way for me to join the most prestigious beauty pageants in our country today. And this is precisely why there is the Miss World Philippines – to showcase the beauty and advocacy of women who embrace not only their outer but inner beauty as well, who have become women of substance through the years of experience, women who pursue advocacy in the fields they set their sights in and – modesty aside – I strongly believe that I am that woman who deserves to earn the title of Miss World Philippines 2018.“

Credits for the evening gown pictorial of Rose –
Hair & Make Up | Paolo Adrian Mondejar Castillon
Designers | Kim & King Creatives (Kim Amora & King Aranchado), Rhoey Gulde Bernat
Wardrobe Assistant | Mychal John Ceniza
Stylist | Clubby Aggy
Photography | Yul N. Jimenez
Studio | Terra Nostra