2007 SLR Muse: Margarette Nales Wilson

Sta. Lucia Realty’s muse for the 33rd PBA opening, Margarette Nales Wilson aka Maggie, always wanted to become a beauty queen. When she was 15, she would always imagine herself in a shimmering long gown wearing a crown, holding a scepter, waving to the crowd.

When the 2007 Binibining Pilipinas organizers presented this year’s batch to the media, Maggie stands out from among the bevy of pageant hopefuls. She was even compared to 1994 Binibining Pilipnas-World Ruffa Gutierrez since the two have some resemblance in their stance and the way they talk.

Last March 3, 2007, Maggie fulfilled her dream. She didn’t only become a press photographers’ favorite, but Wilson also made her mark with the judges on pageant night who all unanimously and generously gave her the Binibining Pilipinas-World title.

However, her reign was not without any controversy. Some people are questioning her eligibility to participate in the prestigious beauty pageant.

Points were raised to the organizer, Binibining Pilipinas Charities, saying that Maggie, violates two requirements of the pageant: the participant should be a high school graduate and at least 18 years old.

Maggie's manager, Neil de Guia, says that Maggie is set to graduate high school this month. He adds that she is indeed only 17 years old, but will be turning 18 by the time she represents the country at the Miss World pageant in October or November.

Despite the controversy surrounding her winning, Maggie keeps herself busy. Despite her young age, she has been juggling several stints as a model and MTV VJ - puts in her wholehearted energy into each endeavor she pursues. "I would really like to be active in the Asian modeling circuit and eventually carve a name for myself in the European scene", she confesses in the Binibining Pilipinas website.

Maggie is also an aspiring actress and is part of the GMA-7 series Asian Treasures, and was also seen in Encantadia. Her other interests include art, history and rock music.