Philippines’ Nicole Borromeo was named the third runner-up at the conclusion of the 61st Miss International pageant, held at the Yoyogi National Stadium in Tokyo, Japan, on Thursday, with Miss Venezuela Andrea Rubio crowned the winner.
It was the best placement by a Philippine representative since Athisa Manalo finished as the first runner-up in the 2018 Miss International edition.
Rubio, a 24-year-old graduate with a degree in Journalism, won Venezuela its ninth Miss International crown. She was born in Caracas and currently works with the Comparte Por Una Vida Colombia foundation, which promotes various programs to support immigrant women on the Colombian-Venezuelan border.
Miss Colombia Sofía Osío Luna, Miss Peru Camila Diaz Daneri, and Miss Bolivia Vanessa Hayes Schutt were named the first, second, and fourth runners-up, respectively.
Rounding out the Top 7 finalists were Miss Thailand Supaporn Ritthipruek and Miss Mexico Itzia Garcia.
This year’s Miss International edition brought back the question-and-answer round, in place of the final prepared speech, for the seven finalists, who picked out numbers from a bowl for their respective questions.
Borromeo was asked the fifth question: ‘The Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs by the United Nations have targets that are set to be achieved by 2030. What have you done so far in terms of SDG initiatives?’
“As a 22-year-old Cebuana,” she answered, “Someone who has experienced the wrath of natural disasters, home is everything. I’ve worked tirelessly with Habitat for Humanity under the SDG goal number 11, sustainable cities and communities. It is through this volunteer work that I could see in the faces of the children how much they wanted to help, how much they wanted to be a part of the future.
“Because when it comes to sustainability, we must keep in mind that it’s not only for the next generation, but to include them in the process,” she carried on.
Making the Top 15 cut from the 70 contestants were Côte d’Ivoire’s Nassita Diako, Dominican Republic’s Yamilex Hernandez, Greece’s Zoi Asoumanaki, Hong Kong’s Verna Leung, Malaysia’s Cassandra Yap, Panama’s Linette Clement, Puerto Rico’s Amanda Paola Solis, and Vietnam’s Nguyen Phuong Nhi.
Named continental queens were Miss International Africa: Ghana, Miss International America: USA, Miss International Asia Pacific: Macau, and Miss International Europe: United Kingdom. Special awards were Best in National Costume: Angola, Best in Evening Gown: Indonesia, Miss Fitness: Zimbabwe, and Miss Photogenic: New Zealand.”
