24-year-old Melody Gersbach was a provincial lass who gained fame as Binibining Pilipinas International 2009. But after competing in the Miss International pageant in China, she chose to live with her parents in Bicol. With the world at her feet, Melody was on the road in Bicol, travelling from her home in Daraga, Albay to Naga City, when she died. On August 21, the former Miss Bicolandia and two other people died in a road crash in Bula Town, Camarines Sur when a bus overtaking a motorcycle collided head-on with their Toyota Innova. Gersbach, her makeup artist, Alden Orense, and the driver, Santos Ramos Jr. lost their lives midday on Saturday while on their way to Naga City. Gersbach's friend, Miss USA International 2009 Aileen Jan Yap, wrote a tribute to Melody, the full text of which is below. Yap, whose parents hail from Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental, said she met fellow Filipina Gersbach after she arrived in China for the pageant last November. Bonding immediately with her kababayan, Yap said they "were like sisters."
Like sisters. Bb. Pilipinas International 2009 Melody Gersbach and Miss USA International 2009 Aileen Jan Yap during the Miss International pageant in China last November.
"We were inseparable throughout all the activities and adventures we got to go on, from freezing our way up the Great Wall, playing with the pandas at the Panda Sanctuary in Chengdu, playing games with the children of Chengdu, experiencing the culture difference in the bathrooms and the food, and just so many more good times that we all enjoyed," Yap recalled. Yap described Gersbach as "a joyous person, elegant, beautiful, kind, and so full of life." "I don't remember her complaining about anything, she just smiled her beautiful smile about everything!" Yap said. The world just became less beautiful.
Rest in peace, Melody.
Full text of Aileen Jan Yap's tribute to Melody Gersbach:
"I woke up with a text saying that my good friend Melody passed away in a car accident and my first thought was to instantly think that it was not true. I am in shock and in disbelief of how such a beautiful young lady could be taken from us so soon. I must celebrate her life and the blessing of having the opportunity to know her and have her as a dear friend. From the moment I stepped off the plane in Beijing, China, I was dying to meet Miss Philippines not only from being Filipina myself, but from all the wonderful things I had heard about her. I finally met her on our first day of orientation and from then on, it was an instant bond. Coincidentally enough, we were also placed in the same group, Group D. Mel-D, as we all called her, was an instant friend to all of us and we all loved her dearly, four of us instantly connected and became like sisters, Miss Northern Marianas- Sorene Maratita, Miss Finland- Linda Wikstedt, and myself, Miss USA-Aileen Yap. We were inseparable throughout all the activities and adventures we got to go on, from freezing our way up the Great Wall, playing with the pandas at the Panda Sanctuary in Chengdu, playing games with the children of Chengdu, experiencing the culture difference in the bathrooms and the food, and just so many more good times that we all enjoyed. We all became sisters and supported each other throughout the whole three weeks of competition. Being in a different country for so long, I know I couldn't have made it through without the friendships we made, and Mel-D was a big part of that. Melody was such a joyous person, elegant, beautiful, kind, and so full of life, I don't remember her complaining about anything, she just smiled her beautiful smile about everything! Melody, you will be missed and forever loved by many. You made a difference in my life and I will have you in my heart forever. We lost an angel here on Earth, but we all gained a beautiful angel in Heaven! Watch over us Mel-D. I will miss you so much, may you rest in peace! To the family of Melody Gersbach - she talked about you all so much and I wish I could meet you all. My condolences and prayers are sent to you!"
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