Manila, Philippines – And so Ms. Leila Lopes or Ms. Angola is the Ms. Universe 2011 winner, placing here in an elite group of world beauties to win the prestigious award over 89 other hopefuls. Only 25 years old, Leila now also holds the distinction of being the first Angolan of landing her country for the said event.

Clearly someone who has been quiet in the background, the Philippines own Ms. Shamcey Supsup has wowed fans, most especially the Filipino community. Making it to the top 5 was already an achievement in its own but being the second best vote-getter from fans in the Swimsuit and Nightgown competition further raised hopes that it could be the Philippine’s turn once again to take home the Ms. Universe crown.

Shamcey was asked an interesting question:

Are you willing to change your religion just to marry the one you love?

Without hesitation and the need for an interpreter, the Filipina beauty answered it straight up:

No. I will not change my religion because the first person I love is God. He is the one who created me. And the principles and values that I have now is because of Him. So if that man loves me, he should also love my God.

Which brings us back to the reality of marriage in this time and age. There are many cases where people would get blinded by love just to hook on to the partner of their dreams. This goes as far as shifting religion to which as rare as it may seem, it does happen.

The degree of seriousness when it comes to getting into marriage may not be as sacred for most but is truly a test of how far you are willing to go. And as far as Shamcey Supsup is concerned, here answer should be considered something as a statement piece rather than an answer meant to impress the judges and the whole world.

True enough, people will consider such a predicament serious and perhaps a turning point in their lives. Sacrificing religion in lieu of love may not always work out. Shamcey hit it right when she said that he owes it all to the God Almighty, particularly who she is now as well as her principles and values.

While the answer was not enough to allow Shamcey to bag the Ms. Universe title, her answer is certain to be a daily word for most of us, particularly the couples in the middle of such a dilemma.

Marriage is not a compromise but a bond wherein you accept each other for what he or she is. There are no ifs and buts. Religion shouldn’t be a big deal but for all intents and purposes, do not force the other to change for the sake of one’s satisfaction.