Miss International Philippines bet Angelica Lopez is determined to bring home the country’s seventh Miss International crown as she competes at the 62nd edition of the highly-anticipated pageant on November 12 at the Tokyo Dome City Hall in Japan.
“My strength is I know myself very well and I stay true to it. I do not try to mold myself to expectations. I believe if you stay who you really are you will shine. There is a set standard in society a beauty queen in Miss International should look like— I dare myself to be different,” she said during the send off by Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) held Gateway Mall in Quezon City, Thursday.
“I know who I am… I know I am capable. I just want to do my best not just for me but for the entire Philippines,” she added.
Drawing from her own journey growing up in an underprivileged household, the Palawan-based beauty aspires to serve as a role model for resilience and determination.
The “raketera” started working at 14 by balancing modeling and other endeavors to support her loved ones after the untimely death of her mother.
“I know life is hard. Growing up not having a silver spoon, I developed independence and tenacity. And I want to share the power of my story to inspire, empower, and uplift others. I know I have the power to do so. I want them to see I am a woman with so much purpose, so much love, and compassion— ready to change the world,” she said.
Lopez advocates for the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly focusing on empowering children to reach their full potential through education and support, with the aim of breaking the poverty cycle.
“Ever since I was 17 I joined different organizations. We hope to educate the underprivileged children. I am passionate about addressing issues because I grew up in poverty. And I want children to live their life with security as safety,” she explained.
I am making sure I am studying SDG, how to be a sustainable queen— I hope to do things to forward my advocacy. I had been doing charity work, educating them, and making them feel they belong in the community. It is fulfilling. I want to inspire everybody to join me. It costs nothing to be kind,” she added.
Lopez will be flying to Japan for the 62nd Miss International pageant on October 29.
