What a wonderful coincidence, Miss Ecuador Angela Bonilla was crowned Miss Global 2016 in Manila while Miss Philippines Jeslyn Santos won Miss United Continents 2016 in Ecuador both held on Sept. 24.
Bonilla, a 24-year-old, make-up artist, from Urcuqui, Imbabura province, bested 39 contestants from around the world including Miss Philippines Camille Hirro who finished first runner up and Miss Australia Caitlyn Henry, second runner up. Miss Czech Republic Nikola Bechynova and Miss Norway Britt Rekkedal were third and fourth runners up.
It was the second time for he 5-foot-8 student of journalism at Universidad Tecnica Particular de Loja in the Philippines after the 2015 Miss Earth where she was disqualified. Bonilla is the second Ecuadorian beauty to win in the country after Mercedes Alava Vargas who won the Miss Earth 2011 crown.
The Miss Global 2016 pageant featured two international winners from Canada, Miss Global 2015 Jessica Peart who passed her crown to Bonilla, and Natalie Glebova who won the Miss Universe title in 2005. Glebova, now a 34-year-old, mother to a five-month-old daughter, co-hosted the finals with actor Derrick Monasterio.
Glebova’s appearance, one of only few occasions that a Miss Universe winner has set foot in the country, was warmly welcomed by the Filipino fans. The stunning Russian-born classical pianist and rhythmic gymnast, who completed majored in commerce at Ryerson University in Toronto, passionately advocates healthy lifestyle, providing information and tools to help people achieve wellbeing using the HHB Lifestyle Cycle consists of three parts: Mind, Nutrition and Exercise essential for being healthy, happy and beautiful.
Bonilla, who won the Miss Photogenic and best in swimsuit special awards, was asked at the final question-and-answer who between a man and woman was a better judge in a beauty contest. “I believe in equality, and both man and woman are qualified to be judge,” the Lady Grace special awardee answered.
Others who made the Top Ten were the delegates from Canada, China, India, Kenya and the Netherlands. The Top 20 included the delegates from Botswana, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Chile, Iran, Nigeria, Russia, Sweden Trinidad & Tobago, and Ukraine.
Bonilla will reign as ambassador of goodwill, to help promote Philippine tourism and the Miss Global mission/advocacy on protection of vulnerable people and the campaign against human trafficking.