ANIE Uson, a 26-year-old architect representing Manila, Philippines, was crowned as Miss Chinese World 2023 in glittering ceremonies held at Berjaya Times Square Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia last Saturday.
Uson was crowned by Tan Sri Datuk Danny Ooi, the international pageant’s Chinese-Malaysian founder and organizer who also stages the annual Miss Tourism International tilt.
Runners-up to Uson were Joan Angelina from Tangerang, Indonesia, first; and Yoong Jia Yi from Melaka, Malaysia, second.
The 5’7” Uson was sent to the international pageant by Mutya ng Pilipinas organization headed by Cory Quirino. She was a top 12 finalist at the 50th edition of Mutya ng Pilipinas in 2018 and also joined the Miss Chinatown Philippines in 2020 where she finished as second runner-up.
Reigning Miss Chinatown Philippines Berjayneth Chee from Cagayan de Oro was also sent to the Malaysia tilt representing Misamis Oriental. National licensees are allowed to send a maximum of five delegates representing their respective localities.
Anie bested the field of 17 international beauties.
In addition to winning as Miss Chinese World, Anie clinched the ONE DOC Miss Charm subsidiary award.
Chee, meanwhile, was awarded the Miss KEMM Ambassador title from one of the pageant’s sponsors.
During the final q&a where the top 5 finalists talked about traditional Chinese festivals that were flashed on the LED on stage, Anie expounded on the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) and said it was her “favorite Chinese festival because, aside from receiving many ampao (red envelope containing monetary token), it is a chance to celebrate with my family from whom I draw strength and inspiration in order to be able to inspire others as well, with love, compassion and understanding.”
A licensed architect who graduated from St. Louis University in Baguio City, Anie is the daughter of a Filipina and a Chinese was originally from Quangzhou, Fujian, China.
Besides English and Filipino, Anie also grew up with Chinese Mandarin and Hokkien dialect.
“I learn Chinese from my family, since I have relatives residing in China. And I was able to practice it more during my high school days since I attended a Chinese school,” added Anie who is also a freelance model.
“I’m so happy and excited,” Anie said in an interview with the Malaysian press. “I feel so grateful and blessed on winning my first international crown. Of course, I did not win this alone, I have the whole Philippines with me.”
As a licensed architect, Anie designs mostly residential houses.
“I believe that I won’t just be creating buildings and infrastructures, but I love designing residential houses more. Because for me, it is the home of the people, reflecting their hopes, dreams and happiness.
“My dream is to open my own architecture firm one day,” she said in an interview with Yamcha Times.
Miss Chinese World 2023 is only the fifth edition of the pageant founded in 2005 to celebrate Chinese culture, values and traditions and to promote friendship, peace and understanding among the participating cities and countries.
