Victoria Velasquez Vincent to compete in Miss Universe New Zealand 2024
Former Miss Universe Philippines Charity Victoria Velasquez Vincent, also called VVV, is now one of the official candidates for Miss Universe New Zealand 2024.
On her Instagram broadcast channel, Victoria announced that she will be part of this year's Miss Universe New Zealand pageant and that it's her way to pay homage to her dad's heritage.
"I've always been proud of being mixed race. I'm a symbol of my parent's love, which endured so much discrimination back when they first got together," she began.
"Time to honor my dad's side of my heritage and the country where I took my first step, spoke my first word, had my first heartbreak and earned my double master's degree I never shut up about," Victoria continued.
She also said that her Filipino roots will always be in her heart anywhere she goes.
"Mahal kong Pilipinas, lagi kayong nasa puso ko. Kahit saan, Kahit kalian."
In a separate post, Victoria also posted an image showing the Miss Universe New Zealand poster alongside a text that read: "Me again x @missuniverse_newzealand."
This year's Miss Universe New Zealand is now under new management.
Filipino Kiwi model-turned-actress Franki Russell was supposed to represent the country under Yugen PR's management but withdrew after the local license holder of Miss Universe New Zealand canceled its franchise for supposedly not complying with a specific order from the organization.
The coronation night for Miss Universe New Zealand will be held on September 29 at Dorothy Winstone Centre Performing Arts Theatre.
In 2021, Victoria, born and raised in New Zealand, was hailed Miss Universe Philippines Charity representing Cavite after competing alongside that' year's winner Beatrice Luigi Gomez.
During that time, she declined the offer to be Miss Universe New Zealand 2021 and instead kept her Philippine crown. She said that she chose what she knew in her heart was "the right thing to do."
In the recent edition of Miss Universe Philippines, Victoria represented Bacoor City and finished her run in the semi-final round. Bulacan's Chelsea Manalo won the coveted crown and will represent the country in Miss Universe in Mexico in November.