Miriam Quiambao

Biography

Miriam Redito Quiambao-Roberto (Tagalog pronunciation: [kjɐmˈbaʊ], born May 20, 1975) is a Filipina actress, television host, and beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Binibining Pilipinas Universe 1999 and placed first runner-up at Miss Universe 1999. She is currently one of the co-hosts of The 700 Club Asia

== Early life == Miriam Redito Quiambao was born on May 20, 1975, in Quezon City to Medgardo Quiambao of Bacacay, Albay, and Magdalena (née Redito) of Oas, Albay, and is the first of two children. She attended the School of the Holy Spirit of Quezon City during her elementary and high school years and went for her collegiate studies at the University of Santo Tomas, where she obtained her degree in Physical therapy. She is also a licensed physical therapist for the state of Indiana in the United States. Before Binibining Pilipinas, Quiambao had a career as a therapist for St. Luke's Hospital in Manila. She also worked as an instructor for a local gym.

== Pageantry ==

=== Binibining Pilipinas 1999 ===

Quiambao entered Binibining Pilipinas 1999, and won the title. She won several awards, including Miss Photogenic. When Binibining Pilipinas Universe titleholder Janelle Bautista lost her title to a citizenship issue, Quiambao took over and became the Philippine representative to Miss Universe 1999 in Trinidad and Tobago. Lalaine Edson took on Quiambao's previous Binibining Pilipinas 1999 title.

=== Miss Universe 1999 ===

Quiambao competed at Miss Universe 1999 reaching first Runner-up, with Mpule Kwelagobe of Botswana winning the title. At the semi-finals, she reached second overall in the swimsuit and evening gown competitions. She won the Clairol Herbal Essences Style Award.

== Television and film == After Miss Universe 1999, Quiambao began working as a TV host/correspondent for GMA Network in the Philippines. In December 1999, she co-hosted Unang Hirit with Arnold Clavio, Lyn Ching-Pascual, Suzi Entrata-Abrera, Mickey Ferriols and Ryan Agoncillo. Quiambao hosted a lifestyle segment of the show called Istayl. In 2002, Quiambao appeared in a Mister Donut Twist commercial, where she reprised her fall at Miss Universe 1999. She joined Paolo Bediones as a host on Extra, Extra, which eventually evolved into a reality program called Extra Challenge. She briefly hosted All About You, a show about women and good values, and fulfilled her dream of having her own talk show. In 2006, she presented a travel show, Pinoy Meets World with Paolo Bediones. In the same year, Quiambao co-hosted the show Palaban on GMA 7 with Winnie Monsod and Malou Mangahas tackling current events, socio-economic and political issues in the Philippines. In 2007, she also hosted for QTV 11's Dahil Sa Iyong Paglisan, a made for TV show highlighting the experiences, trials and success of Overseas Filipino Workers. During the first anniversary of 100% Pinoy!, she was one of the new hosts with Joaquin Valdez. She was also the co-host for The Beat (formerly Sapulso) on QTV with journalist/newscaster Ivan Mayrina. In the second half of 2009, Quiambao appeared in a Philippine horror movie Patient X as Nurse Betty, and the comedy movie Kimmy Dora as Gertrude. She also appeared on television through the TV series Kung Tayo'y Magkakalayo as Aludra, the guest villain for the series. In 2011, she played Josie/Alonah in the fantasy series Bangis on TV5. She played Maxene in the sitcom The Jose and Wally Show Starring Vic Sotto. In that same year, she had a cameo role as Ryan Agoncillo's boss in the movie House Husband: Ikaw Na!. In 2023, she is one of the co-hosts of The 700 Club Asia.