Cebu’s Nicole Borromeo bested 39 other candidates in taking home the coveted title of Binibining Pilipinas International 2022 on Sunday, July 31, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Here are seven facts that you need to know about our new reigning queen.
An interior design student
Nicole is a 21-year-old third-year interior design student studying at the University of San Carlos School of Architecture, Fine Arts and Design. She often shares her drawings on Instagram, which include plants, hands, and Italian renaissance art. In fact, according to her Binibining Pilipinas profile, one of her role models is interior designer Dianne Versoza.
A veteran in the beauty pageant scene
Nicole’s Binibining Pilipinas win was not the first time she bagged a beauty pageant title. She won various beauty competitions such as Sinulog Festival Queen 2019 and Reyna ng Aliwan 2019. However, a breach of contract dethroned her from the latter title. She also took the crown of Miss Millennial Philippines 2019, a beauty pageant organized by the GMA-7 noontime variety show Eat Bulaga!
A queen having the same management as other queens
The Cebu-based model and artist agency Origin Management manages Nicole. She shares the same agency as other Filipina beauty queens, such as Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Bea Gomez and Miss World Philippines 2021 Tracy Maureen Perez.
A woman proud of her heritage
Nicole’s national costume, a colorful embellished mini dress with sleeves that form the silhouette of Magellan’s Cross, streamers, and paired with a marching band hat, inspired by her hometown’s famous Sinulog Festival. Designed by Cebuana designer Axel Que, Nicole said her national costume is “a nod to the nostalgic celebration of life and a reminder to live fully, [live] passionately, and never lose our sense of wonder.”
A philanthropist
The Binibining Pilipinas title holder is also open to lending a helping hand to those in need. During the coronation night, she mentioned Super Typhoon Odette, which hit her hometown in December 2021. Nicole’s recent philanthropic experience was being a relief operations volunteer aiding the victims of Super Typhoon Odette.
A girl in a relationship
Nicole is in a happy relationship with her boyfriend, Giles Benedicto. Benedicto was present at the arena on Sunday during Nicole’s milestone.
An interactive queen
As a member of Generation Z, Nicole is very active on social media sites such as Instagram and TikTok. She also finds time to thank her supporters online. In fact, on Friday, June 10, a month before Binibining Pilipinas 2022, she dedicated an Instagram post to her fans and encouraged them to follow their fan page.
As Nicole received the crown from Binibining Pilipinas International 2021, Hannah Arnold, her win will continue the legacy of Filipina women leading the beauty pageant world. She will represent the Philippines as a powerhouse for beauty queens while garnering the adoration and support of Filipinos and worldwide pageant fans.
As the title holder of Binibining Pilipinas International 2022, she will represent the Philippines at the Miss International pageant in 2023.
