GMA Brandtalk
Tracking
Archives
Mariel de Leon's message post-Miss International: 'I’m so proud of how far I’ve come'
Mariel de Leon may have not given the country a back-to-back win for the Miss International pageant, but she gave her best.
A day following the coronation event, de Leon took to Instagram to express her gratitude towards her supporters who filled her with love after the competition despite her defeat.
"To represent the Philippines on an International stage with 69 other women was something I never thought would be possible for me before! What a feat. Thank you Lord for this wonderful and unforgettable experience! As tiring and taxing as it was at times, I enjoyed every moment and I will keep it in my heart forever," de Leon wrote on Instagram.
The Filipina beauty queen tagged her supporters, mentors and her close friends who had her back since her first try in Binibining Pilipinas in 2013.
"Thank you to my supporters (both in the PH and around the world for all the wonderful messages) filled with so much love and support! Thank you to my mentors for guiding me and supporting me since 2013. Thank you to my family and close friends for loving me sooo much and for being my rock(s) haha," she wrote.
Although she wasn't able to bring home the crown, she believes that her experience has made her stronger.
"I’m so proud of how far I’ve come, how hard I fought and how much I grew & transformed! Strong, empowered, and brave is the new sexy. ???? I still have my Miss International Philippines crown and now I can push my limits even more as to what else I can achieve and give to my fellow Filipinos," she wrote.
De Leon bowed out the competition early, failing to make it to the top 15, Indonesia's candidate Kevin Lilliana was crowned Miss International 2017.
Miss Curacao Chanelle Maria is 1st runner-up, Miss Venezuela Diana Garcia is 2nd runner-up, Miss Australia Amber Dew is 3rd runner-up and Miss Japan Natsuki Tsutsui, 4th runner-up. — Jannielyn Ann Bigtas/LA, GMA News
