How do you feel after winning the title?
I feel extremely happy and actually I'm still grasping this new reality. It all seems so surreal. I was confident that I did my best and I was confident that if the crown was meant for me then it would come.
What was your edge over other candidates?
I don't think I could say I had an edge. All of the candidates had their particular strengths and everyone worked very hard. I just gave all that I had and fortunately it paid off.
What’s next for you?
Aside from preparing for the international pageant, I would like to actively involvemyself in humanitarian activities. I am hoping that I can work with the NGO I was working for prior to this pageant. I witnessed first hand the hard work of the people to bring the needed services to the benificiaries and I hope to help forward their cause.
Do you think you can bring home the crown?
A back-to-back win is a tall order but fortunately enough Bea Santiago, the reigning Ms. International, the moment she put the crown on my head already gave me the assurance that she will train me and help me prepare. I think that being able to learn from her experiences will be a great advantage. I always believe that a positive mindset is necessary to achieve any goal so right now all I'm thinking is that I will bring home that crown once again.
What’s your most memorable experience in Binibining Pilipinas?
My most memorable experience would be our out of town shoot in Bataan. All the candidates were able to bond and relax and release their stress. We sang and dance and ate and let go. I never felt that I was in a competition. I genuinely enjoyed the company of every girl.
Any plans of pursuing a career in the entertainment industry?
I’m not exactly planning to enter the entertainment industry. My passion and future will always lie in the humanitarian field. But I am hoping that I can count on the entertainment industry to help me in my future advocacies.
Your new title aside, do you still feel any insecurity?
All the insecurities I have are still here but I think that I have learned to accept them and draw my confidence from knowing that I also have my strengths.
