Maita Gomez--from Fashion to Passion for the Filipino People

Maita Gomez would probably be one of our top veteran models had she continued the expected fate of socialites like her. She was born rich, glamorous and educated. She was Pitoy Moreno's favorite model, with a face that lights up every, single, time, the cameraman clicks for a shot. 


She married and instead of just being a housewife, decided to pursue more studies at the University of the Philippines. It was there where Maita's consciousness changed---from just being a casual observer to a server of the Filipino masses. Behn Cervantes credited himself from changing Maita's perception of reality with his article. 


Yes, beneath the veneer of "prosperity" lies a rotting and decrepit strata of lost souls, victims of a vicious system where the rich becomes richer and the poor becomes poorer. Maita's soul must have cringed at the very thought that she, was part of those who take millions from the poor not because of hard work, but because they, happen to inherit lands that were passed on to her from the control of colonialists. 


What was fashionable, Maita must have thought back then, was not the high fashion of her era, but the fashion of the people. From fashion to passion for serving the masses. Maita did what was not fashionable to the elites of her time or even in this time. 


She went to the hills and fought for the establishment of a more equitable system for the country where she was born. She became Twiggy with an armalite rifle. 


Sonny Melencio, who, like Maita, went to the hills to fight for the Filipino People, remembered her as "Tangkad". People whom she met did not know her and simply called her "tangkad", says Melencio, when we interviewed him on our show, Ratsada sa Inquirer. She was statuesque, and quite comely, imagine Georgina Wilson going to the mountains and killing soldiers. That was Maita.


Yes, beneath that saintly beauty lies a chic rebel, the kind that would sacrifice life and limb for the principles which she hold dear. That was Maita Gomez, a shining example of her time and even in ours, a life devoted to the poor, the oppressed and the down-trodded. 


Several months before she passed away, I was fortunate to have shared several things with her, including new models of revolution. That ride from Congress to her house at the Scout area, was very memorable. In that so short a time, we were able to relive her past and we were able to discuss the eventual future of this country.


Yes, Maita, the struggle continues. And yes, Maita, it is still fashionable to fight for the Filipino People.

Maita Gomez is dead.

While millions mourn of Dolphy's passing, out came the news of Maita Gomez' untimely death. Yesterday, someone told me that Maita died of a heart attack. The 1967 Miss Philippines turn guerilla has died. The former model who went rogue is no more. 


I met Maita last year in Congress. I attended a hearing where she was too. My colleague asked me to give her a ride home. I obliged. 


We were able to talk and discuss about so many things, why people oppose mining and why Maita was one of those who were actively helping communities oppose mining. 


Maita appeared to me to be a very simple lady, whose heart is in the right place.


She personally knows the people whom I'm friends with. 


In 1967, Maita got the highest honor of being elected Miss Philippines. She represented the country in the Miss World pageant in London.


Those who know her swears that Maita was not just beauty. Margarita Favis Gomez, the real name of Maita, was a bundle of energy. She was also a firm believer of change and freedom.


Maita may not have given millions of us a reason to laugh, but she gave the world a reason to think things over and revolt.


Twenty four hours after being chosen as the country's representative to the Miss World pageant, Maita chose instead to go to the hills and fight for the liberation of her country from the tentacles of martial rule. 


Her sacrifice ended when she, along with several others, were arrested and jailed by the military. Inspite of her arrest, Maita continued her activism inside her jail cell. 


She continued believing in the things which will probably change things here in the Philippines. 


Farewell, my friend. Until we meet again.


Mabuhay ka!