BINIBINING Pilipinas International 2022 Nicole Yance Borromeo, 22, was given a warm sendoff last Wednesday at the new Quantum SkyView activity center of Gateway Mall II in Araneta City.
Gracing the event in support of Nicole’s international pageant campaign are her Binibining Pilipinas sisters Gabrielle Basiano (Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental 2022), Stacey Gabriel (2nd runner-up 2022), Anna Valencia Lakrini (Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2023), Katrina Anne Johnson (1st runner-up 2023) and Atasha Reign Parani (2nd runner-up 2023).
Also present was Irene Jose, COO of Uniprom Inc., Araneta Group.
At the event hosted by Gines Enriquez, Nicole expressed her excitement for her upcoming pageant journey, which will mark her second visit to Japan.
Nicole was in Japan last year to witness Binibining Pilipinas International 2021 Hannah Arnold compete, and eventually place in the top 15, at the 60th edition of the pageant also in Tokyo.
Nicole was crowned as Binibining Pilipinas International 2022 in July 31, 2022 succeeding Hannah Arnold, who competed for the 60th Miss International on December 13, 2022, after it was delayed for two years because of the pandemic.
Nicole, in turn, is competing for the international pageant after turning over her Bibnibining Pilipinas crown to Angelica Lopez last May 28; Lopez will compete for Miss International next year.
Nicole expressed her readiness to embrace the Miss International competition with open arms. When asked if she was prepared to win the 7th prestigious pageant crown for her country, Nicole humbly acknowledged that one can never be fully ready for anything, but she is welcoming the experience with open arms, bringing a fresh perspective to the world.
For the record, Miss International is dearest to Filipinos’ hearts. The Philippines is the most successful Asian country, having won the coveted crown six times: Gemma Cruz in 1964, Aurora Pijuan in 1970, Melanie Marquez in 1979, Lara Quigaman in 2005, Bea Rose Santiago in 2013 and Kylie Verzosa in 2016.
Nicole also highlighted her advocacy about the importance of physical and mental well-being, as well as having a safe and decent place to call home. Nicole’s platform aims to eliminate poverty and promote a world where everyone has access to a secure and comfortable living environment, even as she expressed confidence in the platforms provided by Binibining Pilipinas and Miss International to achieve this vision.
