Joining the league of empowered women with noble purpose is Kirsten Almarinez, the official Miss Philippines candidate for Miss Teen Model Universe in Spain this November.
Almarinez, 18, is a student at the University of British Columbia taking up Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Aside from all the academics, her extra-curricular activities are diverse, and fun – part of the dance team, school theatre productions, and mental health club, and currently serves as an advisory leader.
Her involvement contributes to the development and refinement of her leadership skills, while also helping her appreciate the importance of teamwork. Her creative pursuits in dance, music, and theater keep her grounded and instill qualities such as discipline and professionalism, showing how the arts can build character.
She studies Political Science because becoming a lawyer is a dream she wishes to realize.
“I am excited to explore the many sectors of political science. There is so much to learn, and process. You know, my goal is to have a deeper and more meaningful understanding of the law so that when my turn as a lawyer happens, I know it by heart and in mind, and I will be able to use it to promote justice and fairness to all,” the teen beauty explained.
Another endearing aspect of this talented miss is her passion for mental health advocacy. Being part of the mental health club.
“I have had the opportunity to learn and understand more about mental health and the stigma about it. There is so much that we can do to be of assistance to people who have mental health concerns and afflictions,” she says.
In person, Kirsten is articulate, and sincere, and answers questions with poise and grace. The way she addresses the queries reminds you of the spontaneity and charm of the Philippines’s fourth Miss Universe Catriona Gray. Her beauty grows on you. She has a genuine warmth and friendliness about her. And she looks you in the eye when she makes a rejoinder and ends it with the sweetest of smiles.
Kirsten was chosen by the organizers after her audition. They asked for an essay about her motivation to join, followed by a personal interview. After a suspenseful wait, she received the official email, making her dream of becoming a beauty queen a reality.
Kirsten is the stepdaughter of actress Ara Mina and the child of businessman Dave Almarinez — both are supportive and filled with pride and excitement as Kirsten’s beauty queen is all official.
The Miss Teen Model Universe is one of the major beauty titles under the Miss Teen Philippines International Organization headed by its founder Charlotte Dianco. The main objective of this beauty pageant organization is to discover young misses with great potential to become beauty title holders. Their main advocacy is the promotion and support of education. They also give books to public libraries and schools.
Her chances of winning, Kirsten says: “I am ready to represent our country. I will do my best and let God do the rest.”