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| With Dad and Mom Christopher and Sandy and siblings Gabriel and Mica during the post party of Binibining Pilipinas 2017 |
No country has ever won the
prestigious Miss International title for two consecutive years, and this year,
newly crowned Bb. Pilipinas-International Maria Angelica de Leon will aim to achieve
it and make history for the Philippines.
"I don't think about the whole
'back-to-back' pressure. I just want to stay focused, but I know for sure that
I will do my best as Miss International (representative) and I will give it my
all. We aren't done yet. Japan, here we come!” Mariel said on Instagram to
thank her family and the “De Lions” fans after she won one of the two most
coveted titles at Bb. Pilipinas pageant.
The 23-year-old, daughter of
multi-awarded actor Christopher de Leon, has her grandma, Lilia Dizon, auntie,
Pinky de Leon and mother, Sandy Andolong’s strong features. Mariel is only the
fourth actor’s daughter to compete in a ‘Big 4’ international pageant after
Chat Silayan in 1980 Miss Universe (4th runner-up), Ruffa Gutierrez in 1993
Miss World (2nd Princess) and Charlene Gonzales in 1994 Miss Universe (Top 6).
After a Top 15 initial outing at Bb.
Pilipinas in 2013, Mariel came back more confident with the help of the Aces
& Queens talent management. She may have targeted originally the
Universe-Philippines title but expressed elation snaring the International
title. “Miss International was always the crown I was dreaming of because they
represent ethereal beauties who are strong but gentle, compassionate,
intelligent, kind, and are willing to take action to change the world. Mariel
said on Instagram.
Mariel, who spent high school at
Southville International School and completed a culinary course in New Zealand
where her eldest brother is based, is a member of the Opera Belles, an
all-female classical/cross-over group composed of three classically-trained
young singers. She loves watching
make-up videos and to sit in one nice place to watch all the people around.
Aside from her loving parents she
calls ‘Nanay, Tatay’ and siblings Mica and Gabriel, Mariel is most grateful to
her nanny Lilibeth Taguibao or Ate Beth who was always on her side as guardian
and chaperone all throughout her Binibini journey. Mariel also takes
inspiration from her boyfriend Eric Luz, who always makes her feel the most
beautiful woman in the world, and most especially, her furry cute puppies which
she treats like her babies.
While the Philippines is the second
winningest country in Miss International pageant with six titles, it is a known
fact that after winning titles in 2005 and 2013 with Precious Lara Quigaman and
Bea Rose Santiago, the country’s bets the following years, Denille Lou Valmonte
(2006) and Mary Anne Guidotti (2014) failed to make it as semi-finalists.
With her striking beauty, regal
bearing and natural eloquence, Mariel should be an instant hit among the
Japanese making her a strong contender to win the 2017 Miss International crown
set on November 14, 2017. Words and
photos by Eton B. Concepcion
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