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Graciella Lehmann thankful for personal growth despite Binibining Pilipinas loss
Although she did not make it to the Top 12 of the Binibining Pilipinas competition, Graciella Lehmann is thankful for all that she has learned throughout her pageant journey.
The Oriental Mindoro representative is best known for her Tikbalang National Costume, which was designed by comedian-actor Paolo Ballesteros.
“Others would say that my dreams have broken up with me. But for me, this is another opportunity to view the whole picture as a wonderful picture of growth, sisterhood, and friendship,” Graciella said.
“Life does not revolve or end on stage. The stage is a place where dreams begin, blossom, and flourish. The stage for me is where I have learned my life’s greatest lessons and where I have [come] across all my best experiences and mentors,” she added.
Graciella said that she will never forget how her experiences shaped her.
“My Binibining Pilipinas journey may have come to an end but I will never forget how they changed my life, how I conquered my inner battles, how I became the woman I am today because of them," she said.
Graciella also made sure to thank God, her whole team, mentors, designers, family, friends, supporters, the media, Binibini sisters, and fellow Mindorenos.
The beauty queen also gave a special shoutout to Paolo.
His Tikbalang-inspired gown earned Graciella the Best in National Costume Award at the pageant.
“To Mamwa Paolo Ballesteros, you opened the door for me to join again. I will forever be grateful for sharing your talent to us, your generosity and for your support. You have imparted a lot of life lessons in my life. I love you po," she said.
To end her post, Graciella added, “From the bottom of my heart, maraming maraming salamat po. I am full of excitement to look back [on] this day, this very moment, maybe [in] a year or two, with a dream fulfilled and an answered prayer, in Jesus’ name.”
On the coronation night held at the Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, Nicole Borromeo from Cebu was crowned Binibining Pilipinas International. Other titleholders are Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental Gabrielle Basiano, Binibining Pilipinas Globe Chelsea Fernandez, and Binibining Pilipinas Grand International Roberta Tamondong. —Nika Roque/JCB, GMA News
