Before Miss World Philippines 2013 Megan Young became a National Peace Ambassador of the Philippines (photo above), she led a life of ups and downs – just like the rest of us – but came out of it a stronger and better person. That’s getting ahead of the meat in this inspired post, though. Let’s look back at the charmed existence of this beautiful person.

When Megan Young was a gangly 15 year-old from Olongapo City who went to Manila to try her luck in showbusiness, little did she know that she was embarking on a journey that would seat her on a rollercoaster ride to fame and success. With her American father and Filipino mother already on the verge of separation at the time, all she wanted was to take a crack in getting work on TV and assuming breadwinner responsibilities for her siblings. Auditioning for GMA-7’s reality artista search Starstruck, she made it to the circle of qualifiers who gained substantial media exposure. She didn’t win the same, but clinched a string of projects that extended all the way to getting minor celebrity status and gradual familiarity to the masses.

However, she realized that – after a couple of years – her career was going nowhere. There she was, a tall and beautiful upstart who never got the right breaks to assume lead roles on the small screen. And so, she decided to jump ship and start a new chapter in her showbiz life – from GMA-7 to ABS-CBN.

Megan’s baptism of fire at ABS-CBN was getting casted in youth-oriented shows similar to the kind of programs she left behind in her former network. However, an inclusion in Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition 2 – where she was christened the “Princess of Charm” – did the trick in making her a household name and gaining the popularity she deserves. Having paid her dues the hard way, she finally reaped the rewards of patience and determination. Following this, she landed the villainess role of Marcela in the Filipino adaptation of “Betty La Fea” and became even more popular. She didn’t mind being typecasted as the antagonist since her assignments came one after another. At the same time, she was named a videojock during the launch of Channel V Philippines. And in more recent times, she was finally casted for the lead role in the afternoon series Hiyas, before exercising her option to accept jobs in TV5.

Combining showbiz and studies was tough for Megan. But she was still able to focus on her Digital Filmmaking degree at the College of Saint Benilde. Simultaneously, work with TV5 was interesting, with important roles in primetime dramas like Never Say Goodbye and Misibis Bay. At this time, though, she was already giving beauty contests some serious consideration. While she thought that the network will organize Miss World Philippines 2013, she was a bit surprised that her original station (GMA-7) got hold of the airing rights, thereby reaching a full circle of sorts in tri-network appearances. With the help of Aces & Queens, she was trained for the competition, gave up on possible TV gigs and acting roles, dutifully went through the rigors of pre-pageant activities, gracefully handled the intrigues of being a celebrity beauty contestant and was eventually crowned Miss World Philippines 2013 for Miss World 2013 in Indonesia where she is currently representing the country.

We have already said enough about Megan Young’s celebrity turns. But how about her life as an individual and citizen of the Philippines? There is actually more than what meets the eye when it comes to detailing the woman of substance that she is. Aside from being named one of the National Peace Ambassadors by President Benigno Aquino III for the “I Am For Peace” campaign of the government, she was already involved in a number of charity works that actually pre-empted the similar good causes she is spearheading as Miss World Philippines 2013. While her most important advocacy is youth education, involvement in the social welfare missions of Bantay-Bata (Guard the Children) allowed her to lend a hand in protecting the rights of the young ones against child abuse, exploitation and neglect. On the other hand, Sagip Kapamilya (Save the Family) gave her the opportunity to join fund-raising drives and actual relief efforts for Filipinos whose lives were devastated by natural calamities and the like.

Amidst all these, Megan remains the role model of a big sister to her siblings. Sister Lauren has already followed her showbiz footsteps, so they combine their efforts to help in the education of their brother Victor. So if one will actually attempt to dissect the good character and moral fiber of this beautiful woman, there are more pleasant surprises to be discovered. Truth be told, she has accomplished more than what other Miss World candidates have filmed just for the purpose of coming up with a Beauty with a Purpose video. The positive attitude is and will never be for play. She is the real thing.

So what has Megan Young evolved into? A woman of grace, beauty and importance, without a doubt. The “better person” if you will. Definitely someone who is larger than life if personal worth and successes will be used as sole parameters of a deserving Miss World winner. 🙂