Twelve years since she fell on the stage of the Miss Universe beauty pageant that took place in Trinidad and Tobago, Miriam Quiambao's life has never been the same.

To this day, the former beauty queen has maintained her stance as an epitome of elegant composure.

Isn't she afraid to grow and look old?

She told PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), "Hindi naman, hindi naman ako natatakot.

"Pero kasi, blessing ni God yan, e. Nagkaroon ako ng career dahil sa beauty ko, so kailangan pangalagaan ko."

BEAUTY INSIDE-OUT. Poise has become second nature to the 33-year-old host.

The first runner-up in Miss Universe recalled, "Dati lumalabas ako ng bahay hindi ako naka-blow dry, wala akong make-up.

"Mula nang maging beauty queen ako, dun ako natuto. Tsaka n'ong nagsimula akong magtrabaho for TV.

"If I have to go in public kailangan siyempre [maayos ako]. 'Tsaka bilang isang babae, kailangan inaalagaan natin ang sarili natin."

Her showbiz career began in the morning show, Unang Hirirt (1999), together with Arnold Clavio, Hans Montenegro, and Lyn Ching, to name some. She also co-hosted eXtra eXtra with Paolo Bediones.

Miriam tried her hand at acting via Idol Ko Si Kap, where she became the leading lady of Senator Bong Revilla Jr.

At the height of her career, Miriam married Claudio Rondinelli, an Italian businessman, in 2003. But after three years, she announced her split, which caused her depression.

She said it was her faith, family, and friends who helped her pick up the pieces of her life.

"Kung yung sarili ko lang, 'di ko talaga makakayanan," she said.

She related how she rose from her lowest point, "Dinaan ko talaga sa dasal. I'm always grateful na meron tayong Panginoon na pag sa deepest, lowest situation natin ay nandiyan lang siya para i-comfort tayo, para bigyan tayo ng liwanag, para ituro sa atin yung daan.