Rachel Louise Peters, a stunning 25-year-old Fil-Brit beauty with a million dollar legs, was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2017 during the glittering grand coronation finals at Smart Araneta Coliseum Sunday night. She succeeds Maxine Medina as the country’s representative to the annual Miss Universe pageant. Peters’ mother is from Camarines Sur in the Bicol region.
An event organizer, the new Bb. Pilipinas-Universe nailed the Q&A with a quick reply to Philippine-European Union Ambassador Franz Jessen question, “This week, the Philippines hosted the ASEAN Summit. If you were invited to speak, what would have been your message to the leaders?”
“I believe one of the biggest problems that our country is facing today is divisiveness in politics, in religion and also in culture. And I believe that it is something that is the same across the world. And that is something I would want to address. I believe that when people can learn to tolerate each other’s differences and respect each other’s opinions, then we will just be a stronger nation and world,” was her answer that swayed the judges’ nod to her favor.
Peters, who was fourth Princess at the 2014 Miss World Philippines, also bagged the Miss Photogenic, Best in Swimsuit and Jag Denim Jeans Queen special awards. She loves dogs and rides horses as well as goes to the beach.Peters finished Business, Tourism & Events at La Trobe University in Australia and an International Baccalaureate at the British School in Phuket, Thailand. Confessing she is a Filipino at heart, Peters has captured CamSur governor Migs Villafuerte’s heart.
Maria Angelica de Leon, 23, daughter of couple Christopher de Leon and Sandy Andolong, became the fourth actor’s daughter to win a major title after Chat Silayan, Charlene Gonzales, and Ruffa Gutierrez. The opera singer and Culinary Arts graduate in New Zealand, was crowned by reigning Miss International Kylie Versoza and will try to keep the Miss International crown for the second consecutive year.
“I think I can box better than males. I believe I can do everything better than males because it isn’t about gender at all. It’s about your abilities, your strength, your weaknesses and your confidence within yourself. With that, you can achieve anything,” De Leon, the Best in Evening Gown and Miss Creamsilk winner, answered when asked, “What activity that is male-oriented that you can equally do as well if not better than males?”
The Q&A portion proved to be nerve-wracking once again, especially to Sirene Sutton who ran out of time before she could even think of an answer to the question “Is it right for parents to demand support from children in exchange of raising them?”
Majority, though, of the Top 15 candidates answered questions ranging from traffic, same-sex marriage to imposition of death penalty well if not with flying colors.
A major change was made in this year’s pageant with the naming of 25 semi-finalists, an additional 10 from the previous years. Unfortunately, this change did not work to either of the sisters Kimberly and Dindi Pajares.
Katarina Sonja Rodriguez, 24, a Business Management and Philosophy graduate of De la Salle University, was named Miss Philippine Airlines (PAL). She also made a very good impression during the Q&A. “My definition of a winner is somebody who understands that winning isn’t just about the reward, it’s because of the responsibility that comes along when you win and how you execute the job after you win. I think a winner is somebody who knows how to inspire others.” She was named Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental.
Other big winners were Nelda Ibe, 24, a cadet pilot (Bb. Pilipinas Globe), Fil-Romanian guitarist Elizabeth Durado Clenci, 26, was named Bb. Pilipinas Grand International; and Chanel Olive Thomas, 26, a Business Administration graduate, Bb. Pilipinas Supranational. Thomas was also named Miss Friendship.
Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach hosted the show with actor Xian Lim and 2010 Miss Universe 4th runner-up Venus Raj. Daniel Padilla serenaded the Top 15 candidates with “The Way You Look Tonight.” Other guest performers were Daryl Ong, JR and Jason Dee.
Photo by Sonny Espiritu