BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT
AT A GLANCE
Angelica's message to other women in the same situation is this: "We should always have that hope and faith within us, that everything will be okay. If you are determined enough, if you are willing to put your heart and mind into everything that you do in life, then you can be the best version of yourself."
Bb. Pilipinas International 2023 Angelica Lopez from Palawan wearing a gown by Louie Pangilinan
More than a week after being crowned, Binibining Pilipinas International 2023 Angelica Lopez can only look back at that epic moment when her life changed.
She never thought that she could win Bb. Pilipinas International because she was not a "hot pick" of pageant experts for the said title. Her hopes were dashed when Anna Valencia Lakrini was first called the new Bb. Pilipinas Globe 2023. Desperation turned to surprise when Angelica heard her name announced after that.
"I was hopeless na po that time because the hot picks put me as a possible winner for Miss Globe. I was made to believe I'm not the type of girl who can compete for Miss International because (this pageant) was looking for a white-skinned girl with a Barbie face. But I'm so happy that the judges were able to see how good my performance was," the dusky beauty from Palawan remarked.
The 22-year-old Angelica is well aware of some people's reactions after she was crowned.
"A lot of people tell me that I'm not good enough, that I'm too exaggerated when it comes to my pasarela, and that I'm not a good fit for Miss International. I believe these criticisms will not help me grow. I need positive vibes every day so, as much as possible, I ignore these people. I know who I am," she stressed.
Angelica competed in September of last year for Miss Asia Global 2022 held in Penang, Malaysia. She emerged first runner-up. Prior to this, she was in the Top 16 of Miss Universe Philippines 2022.
Angelica turned introspective when she recalled this time in her life. " Losing is always sad but I believe it's part of the journey. If you experience defeat, you should not linger in that situation too long because it will only hold you back from appreciating the present and what the future holds."
The Bb. Pilipinas 2023 court (from left) Atasha Reign Parani, 2nd runner-up; Bb. Pilipinas Globe Anna Valencia Lakrini, Bb. Pilipinas International Angelica Lopez; and Katrina Anne Johnson, 1st runner-up
Angelica's message to other women in the same situation is this: "We should always have that hope and faith within us, that everything will be okay. If you are determined enough, if you are willing to put your heart and mind into everything that you do in life, then you can be the best version of yourself."
She believes all the training primed her to be in top form for the Bb. Pilipinas finals.
"I feel grateful to have won. It takes a lot of practice and hard work just to come to this point in my life, It was so hard. There were many challenges along the way but it's really God that's my source of strength. I owe to Him every victory that I have," she noted.
Angelica has come a long way from being the simple girl who never got complimented for her looks. Her late mother was her first cheerleader, telling her that she had good skin and was beautiful in her own way. Angelica was only 14 when she was approached by one of her mentors to join a pageant because she had "potential."
"I eventually loved to be in the pageant industry. Before, it was only an avenue for me to help my mother. Later on, I realized it's more than just earning money. It's a way to help the causes that you care about. It's also a good avenue for inspiring other people and that's what I'm doing right now," narrated Angelica, who is also the ambassadress of Alima Philippines, a non-profit organization helping the less fortunate.
Because she expects to compete in 2024 yet for Miss International, Angelica hopes for a long reign filled with activities. She also dreams that opportunities will open for her someday in show business as she really loves to sing.
"I learned how to work when I was very young so when it comes to work, I'm always excited. Even if the call time is early in the morning, I don't hesitate to say yes!" Angelica enthused.
