Former Miss International 2005 Lara Quigaman has courageously opened up about a deeply personal and painful chapter in her life, revealing that she endured an abusive relationship for three years. In a recent interview with Karen Davila on April 1, 2026, Lara described this period as one of the darkest phases she has ever faced, despite it coincidentally opening doors for her in the show business industry.
The Struggle and Desperation
Lara recounted how the relationship, which initially seemed like everything she desired, quickly turned abusive both physically and emotionally. She expressed feeling utterly trapped and hopeless during those years, stating, "So it became abusive physically, emotionally, so talagang ang hirap… I felt so trapped. So feeling ko talaga there was no way for me to escape and feeling ko hindi na ako kayang patawarin ni Lord, because of everything that’s going on in my life." Her despair reached a point where she believed the only escape would be if the man passed away, highlighting the severe emotional toll of the situation.
The Turning Point and Family Intervention
A significant turning point came when Lara's mother, who was living in Canada at the time, learned about her daughter's plight. Lara remains unsure who informed her mother, but she credits this intervention as a lifesaving moment. Her mother immediately traveled to confront the boyfriend and his family, demanding they leave Lara alone. This act of support helped Lara realize that she was not to blame for the abuse and that there was always hope for a way out. She reflected, "Akala natin tayo ang may kasalanan… But no, there’s always hope, there’s always a way out and God always uses people to bring you out of that."
Finding Love and Healing
Today, Lara considers her husband, Marco Alcaraz, whom she married in 2011, as an "answered prayer." The couple, now based in Canada with their three children, has built a life far removed from the trauma of her past. Lara's story serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience needed to overcome abusive situations and the importance of support systems in fostering recovery and new beginnings.
