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| Heather Patrao with Riza Santos, Miss Universe Canada 2013 (center) |
By: Jerry Caingcoy
TFCC Founder/Advocate
If there is one person that could say so many things about Heather Patrao, it should be the show “yours truly”. In the first place, who doesn’t know her anyway?
Well, am not writing about her because I’ve gained favor from her nor I’ve been asked to. In fact, she has no idea about this. But I’ve always wanted to write about Heather after she won the Miss Philippines Canada (Calgary) title in 2013 where I was privileged to host the final question and answer portion. From that stage where she conquered all her fears and displayed her true beauty inside and out to win that most coveted crown of being the ambassador of goodwill for the Filipino-Canadian community, I’ve seen her evolved into what she is now today, a woman not only of beauty and talent but with a golden heart.
For some divine reason, our paths have never stopped to intersect after the Miss Philippines Canada contest, not just in a personal way but in various community involvements that both of us would be invited to or passionate about. Call it common interest. Unique as we are, we both gravitate towards that direction where sometimes people are afraid to put themselves out in the open because it can be daunting and at times difficult - that’s being vulnerable by connecting, sharing and inspiring others.
Let me tell you more.
If there is one person that could say so many things about Heather Patrao, it should be the show “yours truly”. In the first place, who doesn’t know her anyway?
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| TV Filipino Interview after winning Miss Philippines Canada Calgary 2013 |
Well, am not writing about her because I’ve gained favor from her nor I’ve been asked to. In fact, she has no idea about this. But I’ve always wanted to write about Heather after she won the Miss Philippines Canada (Calgary) title in 2013 where I was privileged to host the final question and answer portion. From that stage where she conquered all her fears and displayed her true beauty inside and out to win that most coveted crown of being the ambassador of goodwill for the Filipino-Canadian community, I’ve seen her evolved into what she is now today, a woman not only of beauty and talent but with a golden heart.
For some divine reason, our paths have never stopped to intersect after the Miss Philippines Canada contest, not just in a personal way but in various community involvements that both of us would be invited to or passionate about. Call it common interest. Unique as we are, we both gravitate towards that direction where sometimes people are afraid to put themselves out in the open because it can be daunting and at times difficult - that’s being vulnerable by connecting, sharing and inspiring others.
Let me tell you more.
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| With proud parents, Julian and Lil |
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| At the Red Carpet - Calgary International Film Festival |
Heather was born to an East Indian father and a Filipino mother which is the reason for her good looks, intelligence and graceful demeanor. She was born and raised in Abu Dhabi and migrated to Canada at a very young age. Having been raised by two amazing parents, Heather was able to capitalize both of their strengths, talents and skills. There’s no doubt that she had used them so well considering her achievements in life may it be in her personal, career or public service.
Heather is a University of Calgary graduate major in Communication Studies. While studying, she worked in a reputable company where she was able to develop her God-given gifts. More than that, she was able to hone and pursue her passion in life.
She is a prolific writer, speaker and an excellent piano player. Her passion encompasses everything that there is beauty in it. She loves to draw, paint and write poems. Despite her busy schedule, she finds time to give back to the community by participating in various events either to fulfill her role as a beauty queen; or as part of her volunteer work or public service. Heather has graced the ramp showcasing her beauty through fashion, performed in special occasions to share her musical talent and hosted various events.
Among her recent achievements, not only that she has made it far in pageantry by also competing in the provincial Miss Earth Alberta pageant and eventually won as Miss Earth Canada 2013 3rd-runner Up and Best in Talent, she has continued to grow in her desire to empower many men and women through her charity works and public service.
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| CFLC Rookie of the Year Award 2013-2014 |
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| Hosting, CFLC Charter Night |
In 2014, she was awarded The Rookie of the Year of the Lions International Club through her home club - Calgary Filipino Lions Club (CFLC) where both of us is a member of good standing. Her involvement in Lions International Club, the largest service-oriented international organization with 1.4 million members, 46,000 local clubs in over 200 countries (source: wikipedia) has given Heather the most life-changing experience of being a good leader and public servant. The motto of Lions, “We Serve” fits her very well. Local Lions Club programs include sight conservation, hearing and speech conservation, diabetes awareness, youth outreach, international relations, environmental issues, and many other programs.
Heather had assumed various roles and helped accomplished major projects for CFLC for the past two years. She is a contributor/writer of Pinoy Times, a local Filipino newspaper in Calgary and TV Filipino Canada Host. In her spare time, she also mentors and coaches young women who would like to be a beauty queen like her. She is a great achiever, an inspiring woman and dedicated public servant. A true champion at heart.
“Believe in yourselves. Evaluate your positive qualities and refine them. It is a passion of mine to make you passionate about yourselves, to pursue the things you care about and develop your inner beauty and strengths. You can make a difference in your own lives and in your community. A woman who carries herself well and is comfortable in her ability to positively impact others is a wonderful sight to behold.” - quote from Heather Patrao’s Farewell Message as Miss Philippines Canada (Calgary) 2013.
What else Heather could not do? One thing for sure, this is just the beginning of her beautiful journey. That’s why Heather is more than just a beauty queen.
The pictures will show how very well I know Heather. It just doesn't show but I admire this woman tremendously. It is just a matter of time, she will conquer greater heights in public service or show business! :)
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