PH's Angelica Lopez finishes in Top 21 in recent Miss International 2024 update
Angelica Lopez of the Philippines fell just short of the Top 20 in the recently concluded Miss International 2024 pageant.
While she didn’t make the final cut, the 23-year-old Palawan beauty was recognized with the Miss Fitness Award.
"This ranking was based on the preliminary swimsuit evaluation held last Nov. 10 at the Professional University of Beauty & Wellness," the pageant organization said.
Angelica failed to advance to the Top 20 in the 62nd Miss International final night held on Tuesday, Nov. 12, at Tokyo Dome City Hall in Japan, where Miss Vietnam Huynh Thi Thanh Thuy hailed as this year's title holder, succeeding Andrea Rubio of Venezuela.
Miss Bolivia Camila Roca, Miss Spain Alba Perez, Miss Venezuela Sakra Guerero, and Miss Indonesia Sophie Kirana were named runners-up.
During the pageant, Angelica shone with her charisma in the national costume segment, wearing “The Pearl of the Orient Seas” by Filipino designer Patrick Isorena. The all-white ensemble symbolizes the Philippines' rich history and unparalleled natural beauty and pays homage to the country’s age-old art of pearl diving. It was adorned with pearls and crystals, and the hem had ruffles that resembled ocean waves.
Angelica also wore a pink mini blazer dress designed by House of Victoria by Jomar Peralta. The dress showcased traditional Filipino craftsmanship, incorporating the intricate handwoven Hablon textile from Iloilo.
Throughout the competition, Angelica also championed her advocacy of empowering underprivileged children, aiming to be a "bridge" for them to overcome challenges and reach their full 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 during her send-off event on Oct. 24.
"That's what I want to create in Miss International—to build partnerships in organizations internationally, and I am so excited to share my advocacy with a lot of people to join me on my mission,” she continued.
If Angelica had won the crown, she would be the seventh Pinay Miss International titleholder, following the victories of Gemma Cruz-Araneta (1964), Aurora Pijuan (1970), Melanie Marquez (1979), Lara Quigaman (2005), Bea Santiago (2013), and Kylie Verzosa (2016).
