AT A GLANCE
"To all my fans, thank you. Please know that I keep you in my heart when I do the things that I do here; when I try to represent the Philippines, I try to keep you in mind, and I put you in my little album, and I hope that I can take the time to thank each of you, but please know I wouldn't be here without you."
Binibining Pilipinas International 2022 Nicole Borromeo is all set to compete in the Miss International 2023 beauty pageant, which will take place in Tokyo, Japan on Oct. 26.
During a send-off event held at the Gateway Mall in Araneta City on Sept. 27, Nicole said she was ready to welcome the Miss International competition with open arms.
"Am I ready for the 7th? I want to say yes! I'm human and think I'll never be fully ready for anything; you'll never be fully ready for it, but I'm welcoming it with open arms. What I can offer to the Miss International would be this fresh perspective I hope to show to the world," said Nicole when asked if she was ready to win the 7th prestigious pageant crown for the country during the media conference for her send-off.
She added: "I'll go the extra mile to share an experience with somebody. I never want to do something by myself. The best experiences are always shared with someone so that they can bring them home to their loved ones and create that ripple effect."
Nicole, a 22-year-old beauty queen from Cebu City, was crowned Bb. Pilipinas International 2022 on July 31, 2022. However, her competition schedule was adjusted due to the pandemic.
"I wouldn't look at it as being tired of waiting. When I competed last year in Binibining Pilipinas, I already knew what I was getting into. I understood the responsibilities, the patience, and the determination it takes to win this title.
"So, the moment I was crowned, I wholeheartedly embraced that responsibility. And it's really about the way you decide to look at things. It's easy to say, 'I'm waiting so long. When is my time?' But the truth is your time is going to come. And I'm happy to have it arrived right now at the right time and with all the support," she said.
The graduate of interior design also promoted her advocacy for the upcoming beauty pageant.
"For Miss International and even outside the pageant world, I saw the importance of well-being. Both physically and mentally. When I joined Binibining Pilipinas, I wanted to highlight how important it is for everybody to have a place to call home. How can you have the mental fortitude to face life's adversities and enjoy life when you don't even have the basic necessity of a safe and decent roof over your head?
"This year, I would like to showcase to the world that we can live in a safe and decent environment that is crucial for us. It's a no-brainer; everyone deserves this, and nobody should be left behind," she also said.
Nicole explained that her program aims to eliminate poverty.
"The focus here is not everybody, not just having a decent place to live. So many aspects come to mind when you think of home. It's more than just the physical space. You think about your livelihood. You think about your well-being. It sounds like a big to chew and a big vision. Still, I'm confident that with platforms like Binibining Pilipinas and Miss International, we can achieve a world without poverty, and everyone has a home."
This will be Nicole's second visit to Japan and she is excited about it.
"Last year, I went to Japan for the first time. I was watching our Binibining Pilipinas 2021 Hannah Arnold. She's not here, but I know she's supporting me in spirit. I just fell in love (with Japan) from the people to the places, to the food. What I appreciated the most was how mindful everybody was. The way you enjoy the experience, it's the one done in the present moment. You don't take a bite. You savor the moment. You savor a prayer when you enter a temple, walk, or in nature. I want to experience that in a progressive country like Japan, and it's the same way here," she recalled.
When asked about her plans for the Miss International title in case she wins, Nicole responded: "The cause of Miss International is to promote understanding, especially among countries. From the relationship we already have between the Philippines and Japan, it's great to have all these similarities and differences that we can embrace. During my potential reign, I would like it to be filled with activities to come and join. For example, Japan has an activity like the tea ceremony. I feel so blessed to experience that. But why don't we make it more accessible to the public for everyone to enjoy and learn about the cultural differences we can embrace? It can also go the other way around with our cultures and traditions."
Nicole expressed her gratitude towards her fans who have been supporting her throughout her journey in the pageant.
"Thank you so much for finding me the time for this send-off. I know that my crowning moment was over a year ago. Ang tagal na. And yet, the support just kept flooding in. Every day, I hope you guys know I feel your support. I do read the comments. And it makes me so happy to see them.
"I was so surprised when I saw my official headshot posted when the official photo was released for Miss International. There was such amazing feedback from everyone. Overwhelming support, all the kindest comments of people saying that they believe in my ability to win the 7th crown. And the way I see it, people who do not know me yet haven't even met me, but they believe in me, it touches my heart.
"To all my fans, thank you. Please know that I keep you in my heart when I do the things that I do here; when I try to represent the Philippines, I try to keep you in mind, and I put you in my little album, and I hope that I can take the time to thank each of you, but please know I wouldn't be here without you.
"Soon, I'll be in Tokyo, Japan, and I can't wait to wear the Philippines across my chest. When that moment comes, please know that I'm thinking of all of you, and I'll wear it with pride. Thank you for coming today, and I hope to still feel your support when I'm out there as well," she added.
Nicole also thanked her glam team for her classy-inspired look during the send-off party. "It is inspired by celebrities who we believe carry the values and the kind of beauty that we want to portray."
The Philippines has already won six times in the 58-year-old pageant. Other Filipino winners were Gemma Cruz (1964), Aurora Pijuan (1970), Melanie Marquez (1979), Precious Lara Quigaman (2005), Bea Rose Santiago (2013) and Kylie Verzosa (2016).
