The 1980 Bb. Pilipinas Queens (left to right): Felicidad Luis (Miss Young Pilipinas), Dianna Jean Chiong (Bb. Pilipinas International), Ma. Rosario Silayan (Bb. Pilipinas Universe) and Maria Asuncion Spirig (Miss Maja Pilipinas). Photo credit: Tony Paat
Mara Spirig-Nasrabadi
And it was particularly interesting for me because the daughter (Ma. Concepcion Roa) of a close family friend took part and got into the semi-finals. But more than this detail, three of the four titleholders really caught my attention. Of course, we all know Bb. Pilipinas Universe 1980 Ma. Rosario Silayan who went to claim 3rd Runner-up honors in Seoul. And then there was Miss Young Pilipinas 1980 Felicidad “Lampel” Luis who was in the first of two Miss Young International contests hosted by the country and where she placed 4th Runner-up. The third is Miss Maja Pilipinas 1980 Maria Asuncion “Mara” Spirig, my favorite to win the Bb. Pilipinas International 1980 crown which landed on the head of Diana Jean Chiong instead.
Mara back in the day with her two sons (and before her only daughter was born)
After her reign, Mara decided to live a quiet life. She eventually met her future husband Mehdi Afdjei Nasrabadi, got married in Nevada and gave birth to three beautiful children (all grown-ups now). Still U.S.-based, she is Vice-President of NSI Architectural firm and enjoys the good life, especially when playing the role of Lola to her grandchild.
Mara still looking fit and beautiful as the day she won Miss Maja Pilipinas 1980
The younger set among my readers may no longer have any kind of recollection about this former Miss Maja Pilipinas anymore. But believe me when I say that Maria Asuncion T. Spirig of Zamboanga is one beauty queen ahead of her time. She could have achieved a greater pageant victory in the late 80s to mid 90s. It just wasn’t what birth/fate had in store for her.
I’m really loving these Senti Sunday Specials! :-D
