Ms. Universe 1999 first runner-up Miriam Quiambao appeared at the press conference of the skin care line Olay, along with the other Olay ambassadors, looking fresh and happy, last Wednesday, October 13, at the Manila Peninsula Hotel in Makati City.

The former beauty queen told the media present, including PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal), that she is happy. "I'm single and I'm happy and I'm ready to mingle," she giggled.

It has been four years since Miriam separated from her Italian husband Claudio Rondinelli. A whirlwind romance—they married one year after meeting each other—the two were married twice: first in Hong Kong, on December 23, 2004, then weeks later in Boracay, on January 9, 2005.  Two years later, the court granted them a divorce.

The former beauty queen—who is more stunning in person than any of her photographs make her out to be—admitted that since the divorce, there have been men wanting to court her, but that she hasn't been interested in that level of relationship.

"Actually, there are men around, but I'd rather keep them as friends," she said.

Miriam also said that being single is a different experience for her, and one she is actually enjoying.

"Ever since,  I've always had a boyfriend, and ang difference lang [ng period] from one guy to another is two months. Even when I get separated, I always had a guy around. And it's just only now that I'm enjoying being single."

But the tall and lovely beauty also admitted that even if she is enjoying singlehood, she misses the feeling of being in a relationship.

"Kahapon nga lang, kinukwento ko sa friend ko, 'Alam mo, nakaka-miss din pala yung merong companionship sa isang relationship.

"Pero, sabi ko kasi kay God, pinagpre-pray ko, 'Lord, kung hindi ito, wag na lang,' Gusto ko 'yung binigay talaga niya, kasi alam ko yun yung perfect for me, yung one that will last a lifetime."

The former beauty queen said that should she date again, she prefers someone who is in the world of business.

"Ang preference ko, someone who also knows about business because I'm also a businesswoman. I also prefer someone who also gives me tips and who can trust me in my left-brain job, someone who would also be able to understand that." (By "left-brain job," Miriam refers to the part of the brain that is supposed to take care of logical and analytical skills, such as business.)

Of course she is open to dating men in show business, she adds, but a guy who has a business of his own would have more common ground with her.

"Showbiz, okay lang, pero sana meron din siyang business para nagkakaintindihan kami. I feel that it's very important that partners learn from each other," Miriam explained.

CHANGE OF RELIGION. During the interview, Miriam was vocal about another development in her life: her new-found faith and relationship with God.