During the DOE's culminating activities for the celebration of the 2017 National Women's Month, Miss Universe 1999 First Runner-up Miriam Quiambao-Roberto shared her inspiring stories of triumphs and trials to the energy family on 27 March 2017 at the DOE Multi-Purpose Hall.

(Taguig City). The Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary, Alfonso G. Cusi believes that "energy empowerment and women empowerment go hand-in-hand".

This was the message he made as he graciously gave the stage to the women of the DOE during the culminating activity celebration of the 2017 National Women’s Month.

The DOE’s Gender and Development Office chaired by Electric Power Industry Management Bureau Dir. Mylene Capongcol invited Miriam Quiambao-Roberto to talk about her life's challenges, struggles and victories.

If her name sounds familiar, it’s because she is the former Miss Miriam Quiambao - the 1999 Miss Universe first runner-up.

Who says the life of a beauty queen would be a walk in the park?

Ms. Miriam Quiambao-Roberto narrated that her slip onstage in the 1999 Miss Universe led to a triumphant stance as she stood up and walked confidently back to center stage, eventually finishing second to Miss Botswana.

She said her international beauty queen status brought her to fame and fortune, but also heartaches as her marriage to Italian business tycoon Claudio Rondinelli ended in divorce after only two years.

She shared how she fought depression brought about by the failed marriage, her attempt to commit suicide, and her spiritual renewal with the help of her second husband, author and business entrepreneur Ardy Roberto.

The beauty queen said that she found God anew and in doing so, made positive changes in her life and the people around her.

Ms. Miriam Quiambao-Roberto shared that she dedicates her book “He Can Catch You When You Fall” to all the women who have fallen onstage or offstage.

She said that during her dark days, she wished for the God of "infinite chances" to reveal himself with love and lift everyone higher from one glory to another.

Dir. Capongcol said that Quiambao-Roberto added more meaning to the occasion's theme: “We Make Change Work for Women.”

“Miriam remains an epitome of empowerment for all genders and her experiences are a great source of inspiration to anyone. We can learn from her experiences and relate to our own individual improvement and recognition of self-worth," Capongcol expressed after the passionate talk of Quiambao-Roberto before the DOE family last March 27 at the DOE Multi-Purpose Hall.

Earlier activities conducted by the Gender and Development Focal Point System (GAD-FPS), through the DOE's Consumer Welfare and Promotion Office (CWPO), headed by Ms. Helen Arias for the 2017 National Women's Month, included Image Enhancement, Jewelry-Making, Perfume-Cologne-Making and Chocolate-Making.

Sec. Cusi, for his part, said that all these activities are aimed to enhance spiritual renewal and provide livelihood opportunities to the DOE family.

"These activities will also help us prepare for our spiritual reflection in the coming days of Lent", Sec. Cusi concluded.

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