Isabelle De Leon during the Miss World PHL 2019 press presentation

Isabelle De Leon made a statement as she showed the pageant world what she's made of for the first time.

The Kapuso actress officially introduced herself as a candidate no. 1 of Miss World Philippines 2019 during the press presentation on Thursday.

During the press conference, Isabelle said that she chose to join Miss World because it would further her reach regarding her existing advocacy.

"Even before joining the pageant, I've always been active in certain charities like Child House. I've worked with them for nine years. Even as a child I've always been active in giving my toys to kids at children's hospitals," she said.

"There is only so much you can do as an artist, that's why it's really, really beautiful that a beauty pageant would have such a positive impact on society," she added.

The 40 candidates presented themselves to the media for the first time at Novotel Manila on Thursday.

—JCB, GMA News