'Pilipinas, we did it!': Emmanuelle Vera nabs third runner-up at Reina Hispanoamericana 2021
Representing the Philippines, Emmanuelle Vera finished third runner-up at the Reina Hispanoamericana 2021 pageant held in Bolivia.
Andrea Bazarte of Mexico took home the crown, with Ana Lucia Tejiera of Panama winning Virreina Hispanoamericana.
"Pilipinas, we did it!" Vera said in an Instagram story after the pageant. "Maraming salamat sa mga sumuporta, sa lahat ng pagmamahal na binigay iyo sa'kin."
"You strengthened me throughout this journey, it was definitely not easy. It was actually the hardest thing I had done in my life," the singer-actress admitted.
She also wrote that she couldn't wait to get back home to the Philippines.
"By the grace of God and with the loving support of my country, we're here, we made it, and I hope I made you proud! That was my only goal. To make my country proud."
Her 'second chance'
During the Q&A portion, Vera was asked what she would do with her life in the new normal after many people were given a second chance after the pandemic.
“I stand before you here today receiving my second chance. The pandemic rendered me jobless and hopeless," she answered. "But through faith and perseverance, I rose again. But I realized that many Filipinos, countless Filipinos did not have the same opportunity as I did."
Vera shared that she had been volunteering, raising funds, and helping less fortunate Filipinos during the Q&A.
"I witnessed their situation and I realized that I will never be the same. Now, because of the pandemic, I choose to see people through the lens of empathy to give them kindness and to act in genuine selfless love, and to live a life that serves a purpose that is bigger than myself and is of service of my fellowmen.”
Miss World Philippines Organization congratulated Vera on social media and thanked Miss Dominican Republic for translating during the Q&A segment.
"Congratulations to our very own Emmanuelle Vera (@emmanuellevera) for placing as Tercera Finalista (3rd Runner-Up) in the Reina Hispanoamericana 2021!"
"We are so proud of you! You represented our country very well. Thank you for raising the flag of the Filipinas. Mabuhay ka! ??" the organization wrote.