The reigning Binibining Pilipinas and Miss Universe 2011 third runner-up reveals her love for learning and her experience on the global stage.
Shamcey in her national costume designed by Alfredo Barazza
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF BEING A SMALL TOWN GIRL?
Life was simple. Detached from the modern world, without internet and cable TV, I became more interested in books. Since we were far from the city proper, I became a homebody with no immediate neighbors and just the chicken and cows for company. Mababaw lang ang kaligayahan ko (I have simple pleasures), but I also saw how hard farm work was, so I dreamed of finding a better job so that my dad won’t have to stay under the sun the whole day and that my mom wouldn’t have to work abroad.
Young Shamcey during a family trip in Taipei
YOU WERE VERY FOND OF READING BOOKS WHEN YOU WERE YOUNG. HOW DID YOU DEVELOP YOUR LOVE FOR BOOKS?
Since there was no cable TV, internet, or neighbors to keep me company, I turned to books instead to fill my time. I remembered when I was still in grade school, I would really look forward to the enrollment period because I got to take home all my textbooks for that school year. When I got home, I would pick my English or Filipino textbook and start reading all the stories inside. I would even answer the exercises sometimes. So when classes start, I’m done reading the books. That’s how much of a bookworm I am.
Goofing around with her architect friends
WHAT MADE YOU JOIN THE BINIBINING PILIPINAS CONTEST? HOW DID YOU FEEL WHEN YOU WERE CHOSEN TO REPRESENT THE COUNTRY IN THE MISS UNIVERSE PAGEANT?
I joined because I wanted to try something new and I wanted to challenge myself. The fear of failure was always present but my mom would always tell me that I’ll never know what can happen if I won’t even try. Everything was just a blur and when my name was finally called, I was shocked. I couldn’t believe that I got the crown. Until now, I still get the same feeling.
WHAT WAS IT LIKE IN THE MISS UNIVERSE COMPETITION?
It was surreal. My roommate and I would repeatedly remind ourselves that we were in the Miss Universe competition, which we’ve only watched before on TV but are now part of it. That the whole world was watching us was overwhelming. Whenever I feel tired due to the hectic schedules, I would remind myself that I am lucky to be in the competition, to be able to interact with these beautiful and talented girls, and to represent my country.
Timoteo (Shamcey's father) whose clan was the pioneering farmers in General Santos City, shows off her daughter's awards in their home in General Santos City
Shamcey competes in Catalina-Brasil Swimwear as one of the top 16 finalists.
Shamcey competes in Catalina-Brasil Swimwear as one of the top 16 finalists.
HOW DID YOU FEEL WHEN YOU WERE CHOSEN AS ONE OF THE FIVE FINALISTS?
I was shocked when I got called in the top five because I didn’t expect I would go that far. I got nervous instantly knowing that minutes later I would be asked maybe the most difficult question of my life. But after the Q & A, I felt happy and relieved. It didn’t really matter anymore what place I would get because I gave my all and it was up to the judges to draw my fate.
WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO BECOME AN ARCHITECT?
I really wanted to become an engineer like my mom, but I was also into painting. I used to exhibit my works together with other Filipino artists when I was in high school so instead of studying civil engineering, I was urged to major in architecture since it is both an art and a science.
YOU ALSO TOPPED THE 2009 ARCHITECTURE BOARD EXAM. HOW DID YOU DO IT?
First, I resigned from work two weeks before the start of review classes. During the early months, I took time reading and understanding the subjects. It was through reading in the early months and re-reading during the latter months that I was able to correlate everything. I never memorized. When I didn’t understand a definition or a concept I researched in the internet. Apart from conditioning myself mentally, there was also a LOT of emotional conditioning.
Shamcey's thesis project in 2008 was a design of a Filipino Film Museum. The illustrations are her actual architectural drawings.
WHO ARE THE ARCHITECTS LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL THAT INSPIRE YOU?
Norman Foster. I am inspired by his design process and the way he sees technology. I remember one of his design philosophy that states: “We use technology, but not just for its own sake. I believe that the best architecture comes from a synthesis of all of the elements that comprise a building.”
DO YOU PLAN TO UTILIZE YOUR ARCHITECTURAL TALENT AFTER YOUR TERM AS BINIBINING PILIPINAS?
Of course! I’ve already put up an architectural firm, 1237 Gridlines, with my architect friends and I am practicing my profession even during my term.
With father Timoteo and mother Marcelina during her grade-school graduation
WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I eat one cup of rice per meal, but five times a day – I’m a carbohydrate addict.
WHICH TRAITS DO YOU MOST ADMIRE IN A PERSON?
Humility, honesty, and the genuine desire to help others without ulterior motives.
WHICH TRAITS DO YOU MOST DISLIKE IN A PERSON?
Dishonesty, crab-mentality, and hypocrisy.
WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY?
Whenever I accomplish something and see my family and friends happy and proud of me.
WHAT MAKES YOU SAD?
Being away from my loved ones.
WHICH ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN BEST REPRESENTS YOUR PERSONALITY?
I believe that in architecture, the person who should benefit the least is the architect himself. Architecture serves, and is never self-serving. I don’t like architecture that is self-indulgent wherein practicality and functionality are compromised for something beautiful. It’s physical beauty without soul.
GIVEN YOUR AMAZING ACCOMPLISHMENTS, DO YOU THINK YOUR LIFE IS PREDESTINED?
I believe each person’s life has been planned by our Creator. He has many blessings in store for us and we just have to be prepared to receive those blessings.
Shamcey plays with the children of Casa de Zezinho in Sao Paulo, Brazil
HOW DO YOU PLAN TO MAKE A MARK IN THIS WORLD AND STILL BE HAPPY?
By loving what you do, being thankful for the gift of life, and knowing that our life here on earth is just a preparation for our life in heaven. And so we must invest not on worldly treasures but instead on the treasures in heaven.
Extra-ordinary woman!!!!