1999 Ms. Universe first-runner up Miriam Quiambao spends a day with her valentine at a World Vision assisted Community Resource Center (CRC).
Miriam met her valentine at a mall in 2001. After years of constant communication through letters, exchange of gifts, and meet ups the two were reunited and together explored the best of livelihood projects at the CRC. A special relationship had blossomed and now it was time again for the beauty queen to meet up with her Valentine who had grown up to become a beautiful lady, Miriam’s 13-year old sponsored child, Princella. 
The two ladies cheerfully exchange Valentine's day gifts and stories during the ride to the CRC.
It was a girls' day out for the two as they took part in discovering the various livelihood projects that have helped provide necessary income to World Vision assisted families nationwide.
After an exchange of valentine gifts and updates, the duo headed out to the organic farm where they experienced the real life of the virtual game, Farmville. With naturally raised pigs, chickens and ducks surrounding them, they planted ginger, harvested lettuce and learned about other vegetables that homes
in World Vision communities plant for daily sustenance and extra income.
Another way that the CRC helps generate income is through providing opportunities for the community to rake in their own dough which includes baking products to sell such as the famed Daluyan banana bread. Dreaming of becoming a chef someday, Princella with her sponsor Miriam mixed and baked the sumptuous banana bread using their secret recipe.
As the highlight of the day and perfect kikay bonding time, the ladies created friendship bracelets for each other. Piecing together the laminated leaves, they created classy jewelry. Mothers from the community have many times bonded over these to provide for their families. These jewelry and other such items like slippers and bags made from dried water lily plants are commercially sold and distributed nationwide at SM Kultura shops.
Miriam shares of the experience, “I’m amazed to see how she has grown. Natutuwa ako na makita ko kung paano siya tinutulungan ng nanay niya at ng World Vision. For every child that we help, we’re already giving to God because we love Him.”
Miriam is not ashamed to share God’s love for her and her love for God which has been the source and motivation for helping others out including her four sponsored children.
Your gift of love can change a child, family and community. Share your love, sponsor a child today!
