TOKYO – Nicole Borromeo, the Philippines’ representative to the Miss International Beauty Pageant 2023, was crowned third runner-up during the coronation night at Yoyogi National Gymnasium No. 2 in Shibuya on Oct. 26.
During the Q&A portion, the 22-year-old model and host from Cebu was asked, “The Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs by the United Nations (UN) have targets set to be achieved by 2030. What have you done so far in terms of SDG initiatives?”
Borromeo confidently answered, “As someone who experienced the wrath of natural disasters, home is everything. I’ve worked tirelessly with Habitat for Humanity under the SDG goals of number 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. It is through this volunteer work that I could see in the faces of the children how much they wanted to help, how much they wanted to be a part of the future.”
“Because when it comes to sustainability, we must keep in mind that it’s not only for the next generation but to include them in the process,” she added.
In an exclusive post-pageant chat with the Filipino-Japanese Journal, she shared her joy and pride, saying, “It’s a surprise to me in the best way to make it this far out of how many countries, with one of the largest numbers in Miss International history. Also at an evolving time, the first-ever no-speech, Q&A only. I’m really proud of my performance.”
L-R: 3rd runner-up: Nicole Borromeo (Philippines), 1st runner-up: Sofia Osio Luna (Colombia), Miss International 2023: Andrea Rubio (Venezuela); 2nd runner-up: Camila Diaz Daneri (Peru), and 4th runner-up: Vanessa Hayes Schutt (Bolivia)
Hoping to bring home the seventh Miss International crown for the Philippines, Borromeo said, “I did my very best, and I hope my fans and supporters felt that in my performance.” - Florenda Corpuz
(Photos by Din Eugenio)
