7 cool things we found out about Bb. Pilipinas hopeful Mariel De Leon

It's another year of intense competition—40 women are going to work their way up to win the Binibining Pilipinas Universe crown. Among them is Maria Angelica "Mariel" De Leon, daughter of veteran actors Christopher De Leon and Sandy Andolong.

In her Instagram post celebrating being an official candidate, Mariel thanked her parents "for always 100% supporting" her.

This is Mariel's second turn at the pageant. She joined in 2013, where she finished in the Top 15. Under the guidance of the queen makers from talent management agency Aces and Queens, Mariel proclaimed that this year, "De Leon will roar."

Can she make good with this promise? Here are 7 things that might make you confident that she's a top contender.

1. She can work the lighting at a hardware store like a pro. Who else looks this great while shopping at Wilcon Depot? Skills!

2. Her modeling game is strong. She aces the "I just ate lunch" hand across the belly pose. Also, this post displays her excellent humor.

3. This photo.

4. Her glam game has been strong since childhood.

5. Convictions? She has them.

6. Her kilay is so amazing, it can participate in its own pageant.

7. She has puppies. Puppies make you 1,000 times prettier.

Will this be Mariel's year? It's still anyone's game, but this beauty queen is coming into the competition strong. — Aya Tantiangco/BM, GMA News