Kylie Verzosa to young Filipinos: Study hard, beauty not just physical

Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa is overwhelmed with happiness and pride after she took the most-coveted crown from one of world's the most prestigious beauty pageants.

In her short speech after being crowned as Miss International 2016, she took time to thank everyone who has been supporting her throughout the long journey to the crown.

“I cannot believe this moment right now. I am ecstatic... Thank you to my family, to the Philippines, and to everyone who supported me... I deeply appreciate this. This moment has only happened in my dreams,” she said.

 

A photo posted by D I X O N (@russell_razalan) on

Oct 27, 2016 at 3:50am PDT

In an interview with Maki Pulido shortly after her win, Kylie did her best to describe the glorious moment on stage.

“I cannot describe it. Humagulgol yata ako! I could not believe it... Pinaghirapan ko talaga ito. Ang dami kong pinagdaanan. Ang dami kong hirap na dinaanan para makuha ito. I'm glad na dito sa pageant na ito, they appreciate the person that you are,” the Filipina beauty said.

Kylie added, “Maraming salamat sa lahat ng sumuporta sa akin, and to the Philippines, para sa'yo ito!”

She dedicates the win to the Philippines and to the youth, who she hopes to inspire through her advocacy on mental health and international understanding.

“Sa mga kabataan, mag-aral kayong mabuti dahil ang beauty ay hindi lang sa pisikal, but mental as well. Respect others and become a good person,” she said.

 

A video posted by Julius Eusebio (@juleseusebio) on

Oct 27, 2016 at 2:12am PDT

In her speech as one of the Top 15 candidates, Kylie said that three things make the Miss International brand relevant: culture, education and international understanding.

“If I become Miss International 2016, will devote myself to cultural and international understanding because I believe that it is with developing in each of us sensitivity to other cultures that we expands our horizons, tolerate differences, and appreciate diversity. All these enable us to achieve international understanding, and believe that I am prepared to take on this responsibility,” Kylie said.

Kylie, who hailed from Baguio City, is the sixth Filipina to win the crown.

She follows in the footsteps of Miss International 1964 Gemma Cruz, Miss International 1970 Aurora Pijuan, Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez, Miss International 2005 Precious Lara Quigaman, and  Miss International 2013 Bea Santiago. —Bianca Rose Dabu/NB, GMA News