A Walk Through Heritage And Heart

Before stepping onto the national stage of Miss Universe Philippines, I had the profound opportunity to walk a different kind of runway—one woven with soul, heritage, and stories deeply rooted in the heart of Negros.

Our stage for the day was not a grand ballroom or a sunlit beach, but the home of a legend—the house museum of Larry Carumba, an internationally acclaimed visual artist and proud son of Victorias City.

Sir Larry’s journey is nothing short of inspirational. Without formal training, he mastered the art of naturalism, diverging from prevailing surrealism trends. His dedication led him to debut at the Real Colors International Exhibition in 2010, captivating global audiences and earning widespread respect in the art community.

His accolades are numerous: the Bagong Bayani Award for Culture and the Arts in 2013, the Outstanding International Visual Artist Award in 2023, and most recently, the Sidlak Award from Victorias City in 2024, among others. These honors not only recognize his artistic excellence but also his philanthropic efforts and advocacy for Filipino arts and culture.

Walking through his home, now a living museum, felt like stepping into a canvas painted with passion, struggle, and brilliance. Each room told a story—not just of his journey abroad, but of his enduring love for his roots. His paintings, which have found homes with royals, celebrities, and diplomats worldwide, stand as testaments to his unwavering commitment to his craft and his heritage.

I found myself deeply moved. In Sir Larry’s journey, I saw reflections of every mother, every artist, every dreamer who ventured beyond familiar shores to carve a name for themselves—yet never forgot where they came from.

This experience reaffirmed my purpose in joining Miss Universe Philippines—not merely to don a crown, but to carry with me the stories of home, the artistry of our people, and the strength of those who paved the way before us.

For before we step into the universe, we must first honor the ground we walk on.

This is not just a pageant. This is home, heritage, and heart—carried with pride by a Queen Mother.* (Via Louise Lian MUPH Bacolod/MacLaine – Lights and Shadows Co-photo: Jr Burgos)