The Binibining Pilipinas 2017 candidates were unveiled yesterday, March 1.
One of the hopefuls eyeing to snatch one of the crowns in the prestigious pageant in April is the 23-year-old daughter of showbiz veterans Christopher de Leon and Sandy Andolong.
Maria Angelica de Leon who hails from Las Piñas has returned to compete at this year’s competition after a four-year hiatus.
“I am so excited and proud to announce that I am now an official candidate for Binibining Pilipinas 2017! Thank you so much for all the love and support that I have been receiving from my family, friends, trainers, and of course my De Lions,” Mariel shared on Instagram.
The beautiful 5’8” model and occasional actress previously joined the 2013 pageant, but only landed in the Top 15. However, she’s back to conquer the stage with the help of her supporters.
“Thank you to my family for always 100% supporting me in whatever I want to pursue. Thank you for always making me feel so loved and cared for,” she added.
Backing her up is Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach’s mentor Jonas Gaffud of Aces & Queens. Has she been training all these years to finally wear a crown?
The young de Leon acknowledged, “Thank you of course to my Aces & Queens family for teaching me everything I need to know and for guiding me towards my goals. I'd be lost without you!”
She believes that her beauty queen journey is God’s will, “I trust in You and Your plans for me. I am so blessed and overwhelmed by Your generosity and Your love for me. You make me glow from within. I am nothing without you. I love you!”
MORE ON BEAUTY QUEENS:
IN PHOTOS: 10 Filipina beauty queens: Where are they now?
IN PHOTOS: 12 Kapuso stars we would like to see in a beauty pageant
#WaybackWednesday: 12 childhood photos of Filipina beauty queens
