Charlene Gonzalez-Muhlach won the Binibining Pilipinas-Universe title in 1994 and went on to compete as the Philippines's bet at the Miss Universe Pageant the same year. She might not have won the crown, but she made Filipinos proud all the same after making it to the final six.

Eighteen years later, Charlene is still on the scene as a prominent talk show host and fashion icon. As she celebrates her 38th birthday today, Female Network lists 10 traits of hers that we find admirable. Scroll through the gallery below to find out what they are.


(All photos courtesy of PEP.ph)