FILIPINA beauty queen Angelica Lopez ended her Miss International journey early after failing to enter the pageant’s Top 20.
It was Huynh Thi Thanh Thuy from Vietnam who took home the highly coveted crown during the coronation night of the 62nd Miss International competition, one of the “Big 4” beauty pageants, held on November 12 in Tokyo, Japan. She succeeded Venezuela’s Andrea Rubio and became Vietnam’s first Miss International titleholder.
Completing the Top 5 among the 71 candidates are Bolivia’s Camila Roca (first runner-up), Spain’s Alba Perez (second runner-up), Venezuela’s Sakra Guerrero (third runner-up), and Indonesia’s Sophie Kirana (fourth runner-up).
Despite Lopez not winning the title, the Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI) and Filipino netizens were still proud of how the Filipina beauty queen represented the country in the major international beauty pageant.
“Your BPCI family and the Philippines thank you for raising our flag at the Miss International 2024 beauty pageant,” the BPCI said.
Meanwhile, several netizens acknowledged Lopez’s efforts to represent the Philippines well and how her Miss International journey touched the hearts of many as she advocated for the empowerment and education of underprivileged children.
“Your preparation was tough and long, and we all appreciate it,” one Facebook user said.
Another netizen wrote, “Though you faced an early exit, your grace and dedication shone brightly on that stage. You advocated for those less fortunate and represented the Philippines with pride.”
They added that they would always be proud of Lopez’s achievement, stressing that the pageant is only the “beginning of [her] incredible story.”
Hours before the coronation night, global pageant observer Missosology shared its Top 20 candidates who would most likely win the Miss International 2024 crown. Lopez was part of its final hot picks, landing on the sixth spot, while the Vietnam bet was on the 15th place.
‘Onto the next chapter’
The Palaweña beauty queen remained grateful despite her early exit from the Miss International pageant.
On her Instagram story, Lopez wrote, “Salamat, Pilipinas kong Mahal. Onto the next chapter. I feel so grateful to be able to represent all of you. Salamat po sa tiwala at suporta!!”
Lopez also shared pictures of herself donning a two-piece gown designed by fashion designer RayBien Gonzaga Maglonzo on Instagram, saying that the Filipino people’s unwavering support “means everything” to her.
“Thank you for believing in my journey—together, we shine brighter! In the heart of every supporter lies the strength to uplift a dreamer,” she wrote.
“This is for you all my kababayan, this is for the Philippines. Mahal ko kayo,” she added.
During the preliminaries, Lopez paid tribute to Filipino heritage through her national costume called “Pearl of the Orient Seas,” which is another name given to the Philippines for its abundant marine resources and aquatic life.
Her national costume, adorned with pearls and crystals, symbolized the country’s rich history and “unparalleled natural beauty.”
What’s next?
The Philippines last won in the international beauty competition in 2016, courtesy of Kylie Versoza. Last year, Filipina beauty queen Nicole Borromeo finished third runner-up in the 61st Miss International competition.
Binibining Pilipinas International 2024 Myrna Esguerra will be the next candidate to vie for the Philippines’ seventh Miss International crown.
The 23-year-old beauty queen, who is an environmental preservation advocate, won the Binibining Pilipinas International 2024 title at the 60th Binibining Pilipinas coronation night in July.
