Hannah Arnold: 7 things you might not know about our Bb. Pilipinas International 2021 queen

Filipina-Australian Hannah Arnold from Masbate won the most prestigious crown, at the Binibining Pilipinas 2021 coronation event on Sunday, becoming Miss International Philippines.

During the pageant, she strutted on stage in her gorgeous pink evening gown, printed orange swimsuit, and wowed everyone with her answer in the Q&A portion

She was asked: "Given the reach and power of social media, do you believe that genuine freedom of speech exists in the Philippines nowadays? Why or why not?"

Her winning answer was: “Freedom of speech is a basic human right that we all must remember and it is important for democracy and with the upcoming elections, we definitely need free speech.”

“On Twitter, we are limited to a few characters and what I've seen from these tweets have been powerful and helped me think of who I would like to vote for in the upcoming elections."

Ahead of the coronation night, pageant website Missosology released its final hot picks where she placed first.

Hannah will be vying for the Miss International crown this year, hoping to be the seventh Filipina to win the title after Gemma Cruz (1964), Aurora Pijuan (1970), Melanie Marquez (1979), Lara Quigaman (2005), Bea Santiago (2013), Kylie Verzosa (2016).

If you're curious to know more things about our new Miss International Philippines queen, check out the gallery below.

1. She is half Filipino and half Australian

Hannah's mom is from Masbate, while her dad is Irish-Australian. The beauty queen has a close relationship with her parents revealed to GMA News Online that both her mom and dad are currently in Australia.

Another fun fact about her she shared is that her ears are shaped differently, one looks like her mom's and the other looks like her dad's.

2. This isn't her first time to join Binibining Pilipinas

Hannah actually joined Binibining Pilipinas in 2019! She remains close friends with former queens and pageant sisters including Miss International Philippines 2019 Patch Magtanong and Miss Universe Philippines Gazini Ganados.

3. She's determined and quite goal-oriented 

In a 2019 candid interview with GMA News Online, Hannah said she wouldn't just  choose crown over jowa — she would choose two crowns.

"Two crowns, the national crown and international crown," she said confidently then.

Now she may not have won then but look at her now! Hannah's one step closer to her goal!

4. She is a professional model and a sleep scientist

Outside beauty pageants, Hannah works as a professional model and she's also a sleep scientist!

"I actually work as a sleep scientist so I actually watch people sleep to make sure they are breathing so I can help them with their treatment," she shared with GMA News Online in a candid interview weeks before the pageant.

5. She passionately advocates for children education

Win or lose, Hannah is dedicated to continue her work for the betterment of children's education.

According to her Instagram account, Hannah has been helping get children books for education with the help of the charity organization "Books For Tomorrow."

6. She's a lookalike and a big fan of Pia Wurtzbach

Pageant fans have noticed Hannah's resemblance with Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, and as it turns out, she's also a big fan of hers!

Hannah told GMA News Online that she is a big fan of Pia whom she calls "Ate Pia."

On Instagram, the new Miss International Philippines has posted a selfie with Pia, expressing her admiration for her in the caption.

"It is no hidden fact that I absolutely idolize Pia and I think you can tell from the quality of my selfie that I was shaking from disbelief to finally be meeting her!" she wrote.

"Thank you so much Ate Pia for simply being you and for being one of my greatest inspirations in life ever since you commented on my photo in 2015," she added.

Hannah said after that comment she  felt "so empowered for the coronation night this coming Sunday and am putting my trust in God for his perfect timing."

7. She likes milk tea!

Despite her fit figure, Hannah doesn't deprive herself of the food and drink she enjoys. In fact, she told GMA News Online before that milk tea is her favorite.

"Actually I haven't deprived myself of this but I always like milk tea," she said. "As soon as I’m off the stage, milk tea would be so refreshing," Hannah added.

— LA, GMA News