TWO Filipina beauties are ready to face the international audience and determined to win the respective titles they are vying for.
First up is Pia Wurtzbach, who is the Philippine representative in the 64th Miss Universe pageant.
The 26-year-old beauty queen recently answered questions from fans via the official Miss Universe Facebook page.
When asked what makes her stand out among other contenders, her reply was, “Definitely my determination.”
Pia also shared that her joining Miss Philippines three years in a row shows how much she really want to win the crown. She competed in the Binibining Pilipinas — the organization that determines who the Philippines will send in the Miss Universe pageant — twice before winning the top crown earlier this year.
“I didn’t let anyone or anything stop me from getting here. I’m so glad I never lost my drive because turns out, I was right! Now I’m finally wearing the Philippine sash in the most prestigious pageant in the world. And I couldn’t be happier! So kids, if you have a dream, don’t give up!”
Currently in Las Vegas, Nevada for the pageant, Pia, along with 79 other candidates, were part of 2015 Miss Universe preliminary competition last Wednesday, Dec. 16. The live pageant happens at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas on December 20 (December 21, Monday morning, Philippine time).
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Another beauty all set and hoping to bring home another international crown is Hillarie Parungao, who is currently in China for the Miss World 2015 pageant to be held at the Crown Beauty Theater on Saturday, Dec. 19.
The 24-year-old Hillarie hopes to become the country’s second Miss World titleholder after actress Megan Young won the crown in 2013.
“I will say that I’m 100-percent ready since the time that I won the competition because this is really something that I want to do for the Philippines, for myself and my family so I’m really putting a lot of effort, dedication and my whole heart into it,” she said in a interview with the press before leaving for the competition.
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On New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31, Leren Mae Bautista is also hoping to bring pride to the Philippines as she competes in the Miss Tourism Queen of the Year which will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31.
Leren, 22, a part-time model and a marketing management graduate of Colegio de San Juan de Letran competed in this year’s Mutya ng Pilipinas beauty contest and also won special awards such as Best in Swimsuit and Best in Long Gown.
At present, the Philippines has won four international titles this year.
Last October, Anne Lorraine Colis was crowned Miss Globe in Toronto, Canada.
Transgender Trixie Maristela won against 26 other contestants in the Miss International Queen 2015 held in Bangkok, Thailand.
Then last month, Filipino nurse Cindy Madumma was named Miss Scuba International 2015 in a pageant held in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. And just last Dec. 5, Angelia Ong of Manila was crowned Miss Earth in Vienna, Austria.
Good luck and all the best these beauties! Make the Philippines and Filipinos proud!