Venezuelan women are ‘amazons of love’ and former Miss Universe Gabriela Isler is a living example. Gabriela, now 30, arrived recently in Manila to start a career in television and film.
At the press conference held for the returning queen, Gabriela recalled the memories of her visit in Coron province in March 2014 to contribute to relief efforts after the devastation wrought by typhoon Yolanda. She was able to raise $250,000 through the Miss Universe Relief Foundation she established after she was crowned Miss Universe 2013 in December 2013 in her desire to support rehabilitation projects in the affected communities in partnership with the Miss Universe Foundation and Cordaid.
“My visit in Coron helped me appreciate, transform and realize my role in helping others through charity. I was touched to see the warmth and smiles in the children and people, to offer me food when they had nothing,” Isler remembered.
“Now, I came back in the island and I’m so happy to see amazing progress and stronger communities. They have gained improvement in their livelihood and management of their natural resources. I see that they are now more ready to confront any disasters that will come. They can be model communities that hopefully can be replicated in other impoverished communities in the Philippines,” the statuesque Venezuelan continued.
Isler has tremendously improved in her communication skills which she needed when meeting different people during her reign living in New York. She has also assumed a new role in April 2018 as one of the national directors of Venezuela, as director for public relations of the Miss Venezuela, formerly under Osmel Sousa, a job which she described as a “corporate work.”
Isler, who also worked as a television commentator with Venevision (owned by Cisneros Media) where she focused on socially responsible reporting, hoped to begin her career here as a television show host.
“I believe in the power of women, in utilizing their voice to spread powerful messages. I want a show where I can interview people and show their visions and goals to make a difference in society. To tackle stories that inspire people. I love content and creating impact. If I could combine both, that would be great,” Isler enthused.
“I have grown to love the Philippines. I knew that Filipinos are the biggest fans in the world biggest, and pageant-wise, they love their queens. Filipinos are also very respectful. I received a lot of love and respect from you during my year, and even now, when I’m back,” Isler sincerely admitted.
Isler has chosen Miss World Philippines national director Arnold Vegafria to manage her showbiz aspirations in the country.
“Gabriela, I am proud to say, has the heart of a Filipina. I am just honored and excited to be chosen to be a part of her entertainment career. I should say it’s pretty encouraging, as initially, I have received three or four endorsements to jumpstart her career,” Vegafria said.
Isler has joined the elite list of former Miss Universe winners and delegates to star in the local television and film industry, most prominent of them is Miss Universe 1993 Dayanara Torres.