This is the 6th crown for the Philippines. Philippine bet Kylie Verzosa, who hailed from Baguio City, was named 2016 Miss International in the coronation held at Tokyo Dome City Hall in Tokyo, Japan on Thursday.
Contestants from Australia, Indonesia, Nicaragua and United States finished first, second, third and fourth runners-up, respectively.
After the announcement of the top 15 finalists, Versoza said she wants to focus on cultural and international understanding should she win the title.
“If I become Miss International 2016, I will devote myself to cultural understanding and international understanding because I believe that it is in developing in each of us sensitivity to other cultures that we expand our horizons, tolerate difference and appreciate diversity,” she said.
Affter she was announced as winner, Verzosa thanked all those who joined her in her journey.
“I cannot believe this moment right now, and I am ecstatic and happy. Thank you so much to my family, to the Philippines, to everyone who supported me. I did not go through this journey alone, but I had a lot of help from the people who love me. I deeply appreciate this. This moment has only happened in my dreams. Thank you so much, Japan. Thank you, Miss International,” she said.
Other contestants also received special awards:
Miss International ASIA – Hong Kong
Miss International EUROPE – Netherlands
Miss International AMERICA – Ecuador
Miss International AFRICA – Sierra Leone
Miss International OCEANIA – Hawaii
The candidates who made the Top 15 were: Finland, Mexico, Japan, El Salvador, Canada, Dominican Republic, Argentina, Russia, Thailand and Poland.
Miss Nicaragua also won for her national costume, while Miss Indonesia got the Miss Best Dresser award. The Miss Perfect Body award went to the contestant from Moldova.
