Mariel de Leon’s Miss International 2017 journey is through. The Philippines’ bet for the Miss International 2017 pageant, held Tuesday, November 14 in Tokyo, Japan, did not make it to the Top 15.
The delegates from the countries Curacao, Venezuela, Slovakia, United Kingdom, Ghana, Honduras, Japan, Ecuador, Finland, Laos, Indonesia, Panama, Thailand, Australia, and South Africa advanced to the Top 15.
Prior to the pageant, Mariel posted a thank you message to her supporters.
“This whole experience (from my first time joining [Binibining Pilipinas] 2013 to [Bb Pilipinas] 2017 and now [Miss International] 2017) has been such a long and wonderful journey. I loved every moment of it; the good and the bad. It has made me a stronger, wiser, and empowered woman – more than I thought I ever could be. It has taught me to push my limits, to break down walls, to fight harder, to take risks, and to be courageous. I am proud of the woman I have become. I am proud to be able to break down stereotypes and inspire people to be themselves. But I still have a long way to go. I wouldn’t have come this far without the memories I’ve made, the mistakes I’ve learned, and the people who have supported me all the way. I would like to thank all the people who have been with me throughout this whole journey.
“You know who you are. I have been receiving so much love and support not only from Filipinos, but also supporters from all around the world. May God bless your kind hearts! To my family, I love you all so much! You have had my back since day one, through all the good and bad. I can definitely say that I have the most open, loving and supportive family in the whole world! And I know that just by me coming this far and fighting this hard, you are all already so proud of me and THAT IS ALL THAT MATTERS TO ME. I will not be afraid because I trust God and His plans for me, WHATEVER THEY MAY BE. God has given me a crown in my heart and that is better than any other crown in this world. This fight is not only for me, not only for my family, not only for the Philippines, but most importantly it is for GOD. To God be ALL the glory! Thank you! Salamat po! Domo arigatou gozaimasu!”
Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc also extended their congratulations to Mariel.
“BPCI wishes to extend our deepest gratitude to Binibining Pilipinas International 2017 Mariel De Leon for representing the country at this year’s Miss International pageant. She has exemplified true grace and beauty every step of the way.”
After the pageant, Mariel thanked everyone for the support she has received from friends, family and supporters.
“Thank you, thank you for showing me so much love and support, and all your words and messages. It really warms my heart, and I really appreciate everyone of the them,” she said.
On Wednesday, November 15, Mariel posted another message on Instagram saying that while it has been a tiring journey, she has learned so much from it.
“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. 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. I’m so proud of how far I’ve come, how hard I fought and how much I grew and transformed! Strong, empowered, and brave is the new sexy.
“I know that every time I step on the stage it’s a real gift, so I try not to take it for granted, and I try to make it an experience that the public can really participate in.” I gave my all and I know I did amazing therefore I have no regrets! To God be ALL the glory!
– with additional reports from Voltaire Tayag/Rappler.com
