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It’s certainly a dream come true for Mariel de Leon to be crowned as Miss Philippines International 2017. The beauty queen daughter of celebrity couple Christopher de Leon and Sandy Andolong thought her prayers were answered by God.

“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,” she said on Instagram.

It was even more momentous when reigning Miss International 2016 Kylie Versoza crowned her as successor, “This is the night that changed my life. The night the lion came out!”

 

This is the night that changed my life. The night the lion came out! It made it even more memorable because I was crowned by Kylie Verzosa! 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. God has answered my prayers. His love is amazing! Thank you, Father! Thank you Nanay, Tatay, and my siblings for supporting me since day 1. Without you guys, I am nothing and I wouldn't be the woman I am today. We have all always shared so much love with each other and I am so grateful for all of you. God has blessed me with the best parents and siblings ever! I love you all. Thank you to my friends, my relatives, and Ate Esai for always being so excited for me and for always supporting me through this whole journey. Thank you also to my boyfriend for always sending me loving and kind words whenever I felt down and for always making me feel like the most beautiful woman in the world! To my 'Titas of Manila' group! Tita Toni, Voltaire, and Tito Rhett. Thank you for always having my back and always giving me advice. Your guidance has helped me push through the competition with flying colors! To my Aces & Queens family. I am so grateful and over the moon to be part of your family since 2013. You helped mold me from a girl to a woman... A princess to a QUEEN. The Aces & Queens are the best beauty queen makers in the whole world but the real queens are all you mamas and papas! You sacrifice everything in your part yet never ask for money, or anything for that matter, in return for all those training sessions. You just ask us to do our best, not for you, but for ourselves and our dreams. I am so blessed to be in such a generous and loving group. You do this out of your love and passion for beauty pageants and for us, your anaks. Without Aces & Queens, I wouldn't be where I am today. I wouldn't be a beauty queen. I am Mariel de Leon, your Binibining Pilipinas International 2017! ???? #DeLeonRoars

A post shared by Mariel de Leon (@mariaangelicadl) on May 1, 2017 at 10:43pm PDT

She’s thankful for the all-out support of her family, friends, fans, and trainers.

The young de Leon said, “Thank you Nanay, Tatay, and my siblings for supporting me since day 1. Without you guys, I am nothing and I wouldn't be the woman I am today. We have all always shared so much love with each other and I am so grateful for all of you. God has blessed me with the best parents and siblings ever! I love you all.”

Mariel also acknowledged the help of the beauty queen makers. “Without Aces & Queens, I wouldn't be where I am today. I wouldn't be a beauty queen. I am Mariel de Leon, your Binibining Pilipinas International 2017!”

She also gave credit to her forever chaperone-guardian-other mother Ate Beth. “We're always together, package deal na tayo (laughs). Because I am a Binibini, you are a Binibini. Because I am Miss International Philippines 2017, you are also Miss International Philippines 2017! Beauty queen ka, Ate! Beautiful inside, and out! I love you!”

 

And last but definitely not the least! Ate Beth!!! Thank you so much Ate for being with me everyday. Since I was a child! You have always been there for me and you helped me with whatever I needed. Kung wala akong Ate Beth, nako! I will always be stressed! Haha! Thank you for always supporting me, defending me, and loving me like a daughter. We're always be together, package deal na tayo hahaha. Because I am a Binibini, you are a Binibini. Because I am Miss International Philippines 2017, you are also Miss International Philippines 2017! Beauty queen ka, Ate! Beautiful inside, and out! I love you!

A post shared by Mariel de Leon (@mariaangelicadl) on May 1, 2017 at 10:46pm PDT

As for her De Lions and supporters, “Know that I love you all so much! You have pushed me and helped me through this competition. Without your support, I won't be where I am now. Without you, I wouldn't be a QUEEN!”

This early, Mariel is already excited for the international competition, “Japan, here we come!”

 

To my De Lions and supporters! Your love and support for me will always amaze me! You chose to love me and support me. You sacrificed time and so much more to always show you're always there for me. Know that I love you all so much! You have pushed me and helped me through this competition. Without your support, I won't be where I am now. Without you, I wouldn't be a QUEEN! Without a good foundation, you cannot stand strong through a storm. Because of the strong foundation you have made for me, I came out victorious. We aren't done yet! Japan, here we come! I love you all ?? #DeLeonRoars #DeLions

A post shared by Mariel de Leon (@mariaangelicadl) on May 1, 2017 at 10:55pm PDT

MORE ON BEAUTY QUEENS:

Sandy Andolong, proud of daughter, Mariel de Leon, for winning Bb. Pilipinas - International title 

WATCH: Rachel Peters, crowned as the new Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2017 

#Twinning: Solenn Heussaff and Rachel Peters