Before she left her home country for Japan two weeks ago, newly crowned Miss International 2013 Bea Rose Santiago spoke to the press about her upcoming challenge and motivation for winning.
"I'm dedicating my pageant for the Haiyan or Yolanda victims. I'm not going there just as Bea Santiago, but as Miss Philippines. If I win or if I make it, that would bring happiness to them and make them proud," the 5'9" stunner said, according to Yahoo! Philippines.
Despite expressing her shock at her landmark win, which made her the fifth Filipina Miss International, it appeared she was gunning for the crown and even sounded confident about her chances of emerging victor at the annual beauty tilt, even before she set foot in the Shinagawa Prince Hotel Hall in Tokyo, Japan, where this year's competition was held.
"I'm going to bring the storm in Japan, that's what I'm going to do," she declared. "I want to give a merry Christmas to the Philippines. I want to close the pageant this year with a slam." And indeed she did.
Her recent triumph is one more feather in the Philippines' beauty pageant cap and marks a stellar year for the Asian country in its involvement in beauty competitions. Less than three months ago, Megan Young, Santiago's compatriot, came home with the Miss World 2013 crown, while another Filipina, Mutya Datul, captured the Miss Supranational title earlier this year. Ariella Arida, another Philippine candidate, delivered a 3rd runner up finish at last month's Miss Universe competition.
The newly crowned Miss International 2013 will be taking on the role of an "Ambassador of Peace and Beauty," according to International Business Times. "The new queen will also demonstrate tenderness, benevolence and the ability to take action to promote world peace, understanding and goodwill," the report also noted.
During the final round, when asked what she will do if crowned Miss International, the 23-year-old model gave this response, as quoted by ABS-CBN News:
"The whole world saw how my country suffered. One by one, other countries helped. I would like to thank who helped my country in our darkest hours. You have opened my heart and eyes on what we can do to help each other.
"If I become Miss International, I would uphold international camaraderie. I will work to sustain the spirit of sympathy and spirit of hope. As long as we work together, there is hope,."
It can be recalled that the Philippines bore the brunt of Super Typhoon Haiyan's (local name Yolanda) fury, wiping out entire cities and villages in various areas of the Visayas region in the country on November 8 this year.
Crowned 1st runner up is Miss Netherlands Nathelie Den Dekker, while Miss New Zealand Casey Radley captured the 2nd runner up spot. Colombia's Lorena Hermida of Colombia and Hungary's Brigitta Otvos completed the top 5 final line up of contestants.
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