Miss Universe® Canada 2008 - The Magic Continues

AGE: 21 | HEIGHT: 5'6" | HOMETOWN: CAMPBELL RIVER, BC

Growing up with 3 older boys left Maria no choice but to be strong, independent and understanding. She was taught from a young age to be selfless, caring and true to herself. Her parents, as well as her cousin Mia, raised her with a strong head on her shoulders and a kind heart within.

Due to the fact that her entire childhood was showered with happiness and love, Maria has always had a positive, cheerful outlook on life, waking up each day with a smile and falling asleep each night thankful and content.

Sponsored by: Little City Fashions, Quinsam Excavating, Victorian Impressions, Bean To Cup, Coastal Eye Care, Friends and Family.

Biography (click to open) ±

All through school Maria has always been active in clubs and organizations of every type. She enjoys being involved, as well as making a difference positively in the lives of others. She hopes that when she completes her Arts as well as Business degree at the University of British Columbia in Kelowna that she will be able to take on a career that will help her continue to do such things.

Maria considers herself to be a fortunate girl from a small coastal town. She holds true to her values of being kind, generous and always available when another needs her to be. It does not take much to put a smile on her face, which is another aspect of herself that Maria truly treasures. She takes the time to enjoy every bit of life, no matter how big or small. She finds ways to find blessings in everyday occurrences, believing that by doing so, life is much more fulfilled.

Maria enjoys the simple things in life, such as riding her horse or bottle-feeding a newborn calf. Maria believes that each experience in life should be valued and remembered. It is within these events that take us further in life and make us realize who we truly are. If one does not live each day to the fullest, and appreciate each experience with utmost gratitude, life will not wait. It is up to her to live her life in the exact way she wants and she does not hesitate to do so.

Maria will always be thankful to her friends and family, especially her parents, who have always been there through good and bad to assure that Maria still comes out with that big smile on her face and warmth in her heart.

Questionnaire (click to open) ±

Are you currently a student? If yes, where? Area of study:
I am currently a student at UBC Okanagan in Kelowna, British Columbia. I am currently studying towards my Bachelor of Arts as well as a business degree.

Are you currently employed? If yes, what is your occupation?
Presently, I am working at Predator Ridge Golf Resort. At the resort, I work at front desk accommodations, helping guests book their holiday as well as assist with check in and check out. I also help with any needs they may have during their stay with us.

Have you completed secondary school? If yes, where?
In 2005 I graduated with a diploma in both English and French Immersion from Carihi Secondary School in Campbell River, BC.

Have you completed university/college? If yes, where?
I have not yet completed university, but I am Currently Working towards a Degree at UBC Okanagan.

Have you completed any technical/professional school? If yes, where? What subject?
No I have not completed any technical or Professional School.

Languages spoken Fluently (please include your native language if English is not your native language)
I am fluent in both English and French.

List any special training you have had (music, art, drama, dance, etc).
Growing up I danced for several years, focusing on Jazz mostly. I have also reached Grade 6 in the royal Conservatory of Music in piano. My main focus over the years has been in the equestrian world. Since I was a child I showed in Western Pleasure showing, Western Showmanship and also gymkhanas.

In what sports, if any, have you participated and how long have you participated in each sport?
I have been participating in Riding since approximately the age of six. Throughout Elementary and Middle school I took part in sports teams such as volleyball, basketball and even Rugby, but as I became older, I focused only on riding.

Please list any schools and universities (public/private/graduate/trade or technical) you have or are attending, as well as the area of study, graduation date and any degree or certification you received.

Campbellton Elementary School Grades 1-4
EDM French Immersion School Grades 5-6
Ecole Phoenix Middle School grades 7-9
Carihi Secondary School grades 10-12
UBC Okanagan
I graduated high school from Carihi in June 2005. In the fall of 2005, I began attending the University of British Columbia - Okanogan, in Kelowna BC. I am currently working towards a Bachelor of Arts degree as well as transferring into the business program.

What charity/charities have you supported with your time and/or resources over past two years?
I have worked with World Vision in the 30-hour famine project. I am the team leader for Team Hope this year to head the famine in April 2008.

What would be your "dream job" in life?
Although I cannot directly say what my dream job would be, I know that it would have to consist of making positive differences in many other individuals' lives. By being able to impact others in a positive and influential way, I would find great contentment and happiness in my career.

Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life? Why?
My cousin Mia, who came from the Philippines when I was 2 months old, has been my greatest influence. She taught me what it was like to be completely selfless and how to put another being first and foremost. The love and guidance she gave me from when I was just an infant to now will forever be in my heart. She helped take on the charge of raising me, and teaching me right from wrong when she is young herself. I will never ever forget the things that she has done for me, and all that she continues to do.

What is the proudest personal accomplishment (other than being in this or any other beauty pageant competition)?
My independence is my proudest personal accomplishment. The fact that I live ten hours away from my family does not always prove to be easy, but it taught me to be strong and in control of my own life. If I need something done, its up to me to do it. By realizing I was completely able to care for my life and myself made me realize I truly do have something to be proud of.

What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?
I hope to obtain a career that challenges daily as well as brings contentment and joy to my overall life. In order to accomplish this goal, I have decided to never settle, but strive for a career that will make me feel fulfilled and satisfied.

Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.
I was raised in the small town of Campbell River on Vancouver Island. Growing up here was such an amazing experience. I was able to see the beauty of the ocean every single day, as well as the majestic mountains that towered around us. My childhood was full of love, kindness and affection. I was the youngest in the family, having a brother, Tyler, 18 months older then me, and two other cousins, Ryan and Craig. The four of us grew up as siblings; therefore I was very well protected. Between my parents' affection, my cousin Mia, fondly known as Mimi, and my 3 "brothers", life was never lonely or uninteresting!

List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.
Although it was not a paying job, I get to help many close friends on ranches. The most interesting part of these "volunteer" times would have to be helping pull calves that were having trouble being born. The best part was definitely getting to see newborn calves, happy, healthy and with their moms. If this was not the case, then it was also fun being able to help orphan calves by bottle feeding them and trying to teach them to stand. It is such a simple, overlooked task, yet so rewarding in the end.

List any volunteering you have done.
Sunshine Lodge Extended care facility
Coldstream Meadows retirement community

Where is the most interesting place you have been?
The most interesting place I have been is to my mother's native country, the Philippines. Spending almost a month there when I was sixteen was one of the greatest experiences I could ever have. I was able to see what it was like to truly be happy without material basis. People there are just happy with what they have and do not always expect more. It was a life-altering trip.

What makes you unique and different from the other contestants?
I believe myself to be unique from the rest of the contestants because I truly enjoy the simple things in life. When I left my small hometown for University, many believed it would make me like the bigger world, as does usually happen when small town children move out. However, I found myself going more towards an even simpler life style. Being that my friends and boyfriend at the time were all ranchers, I had little choice but to try it out myself. And this is when I fell in love. I loved the wilderness, the relationship with the animals, and the simple lifestyle. These people taught me more what it was to appreciate the everyday blessings we receive.

What is your philosophy of/in life?
Live each day to the fullest and never overlook an opportunity no matter how big or small.

What do you hope to be doing in 10 years?
In ten years I hope to have a successful career and as loving as a family as I was given growing up. I hope to be content where I am and still possess the will to want to help others. I pray that I still find beauty in the simple aspects and have a reason to smile every day.

Is there anything you would like to tell us about yourself? Something unique that has happened to you? Some interesting thing about you?
I am me. Although I cannot give a direct reason as to why I am interesting or unique, I can tell you again, I am me. I don't try to be anyone else. I hold firm to my beliefs and try not to let anything stand in the way of my dreams. I love the warmth of the sun in the summer but also the power of a winter blizzard.

My favorite thing in the world is being able to get on my horse and run her as fast as she can possibly go. There is something almost surreal about when a horse hits its fastest speed and drops low. You become glued to the animal, and it is true that you become one. I find joy in feelings like this, because they are simple, obtainable and true gifts from god. Although I have never flown in a rocket, or made a scientific discovery, there is one thing I have done that no one else can. That is to be me.