Angelica Lopez dedicates Miss International journey to less fortunate children
Angelica Lopez, who is representing the Philippines at Miss International 2024, hopes to use her platform to uplift and educate the less fortunate children ahead of the international pageant on Nov. 12 in Japan.
Speaking to the media at her send-off event on Oct. 24, the Palawan-based stunner expressed her desire to be the "bridge" for underprivileged children, empowering them to overcome challenges and achieve potential.
"I grew up without having a silver spoon in my mouth, and I know what it feels like. I want to be the bridge for these children to be able to live a good life [and] to be able to live a life with security and safety," she said.
The Bb. Pilipinas-International 2023 added, "That's what I want to create in Miss International—to build partnerships in organization internationally, and I am so excited to share my advocacy with a lot of people to join me on my mission."
'I am what I am'
Lopez was crowned Bb. Pilipinas-International in May 2023, besting 39 other Filipina beauties from all over the country. She shared that she received criticism because of her complexion. But despite the pressures, Lopez stays true to herself.
"I see this as something that will not make [me] lose sight of myself but to challenge myself to do the best and to show to a lot of people [that] being true to yourself is very rewarding," she underscored.
"I'm ready, and I know I would be here if I am not ready to represent the Philippines on the international stage. That's [what] I wanna show to all the Filipino people that our effort and hard work will be going there."
When asked why she should be the next Miss International, Lopez said, "I am a woman who strived to be resilient, authentic, and purposeful every single day because I know life is hard, and growing up, I don't have a silver spoon in my mouth. I need to be a woman of resourcefulness, independence, and tenacity. And I like to share the power of my story to inspire and empower to live the life of everyone around me because I know that I have the power to do so."
"When I become Ms. International, I want them to know that I am a woman of so much purpose, so much love, kindness, and compassion in my heart, and more than ready to change the world."
Ultimately, Lopez wanted to do these not just after winning the crown but as long as she lived.
"I will stay to my core values to promote mutual international understanding, and I will continue to do this not just after winning Miss International but as long as I live because that's my purpose and the reason why I deserve to be the next Miss International."
Miss International 2024's coronation night is scheduled for Nov. 12 at the Tokyo Dome City Hall in Japan, where Andrea Rubio of Venezuela will crown her successor.
Lopez is aiming to win the sixth crown for the Philippines, following the wins of Aurora Pijuan (1970), Melanie Marquez (1979), Lara Quigaman (2005), Bea Santiago (2013), and Kylie Verzosa (2016).