Rogelie Catacutan and her Guardian Angel

I had the chance to speak with Bb. Pilipinas Supranational 2015 Rogelie Catacutan during the send-off for her youngest sister Bb. Pilipinas International 2015 Janicel Lubina yesterday at Gateway Mall. Beneath the winsome smile and beautiful face, I could tell that she continues to be sad about the passing away of her dear friend and fellow Cebuana Miss Tourism International 2012 Rizzini Alexis Gomez. And I was right.

Rogelie was just in Cebu the other day, and she literally cried buckets of tears upon seeing the remains of Rizzini. She related that Designer Cary Santiago filled her wake with white roses everywhere, and how all his Cebu-based colleagues came in full force for the first night of vigil. She also intimated that Jonas Borces – their mentor – was extremely saddened by the demise but also accepting after seeing how tough Rizzini’s battle with lung cancer was for two long years.

I told Rogelie that she will now have a Guardian Angel once she competes for the Miss Supranational 2015 crown in Poland starting late next month. She immediately said that she will offer her pageant mission for Rizzini. And to that, I could only get teary-eyed. I gave her a quick hug after.