Filipina beauty queens continue to shine brightly on the global stage.
On Friday, December 13, 2024, Liana Barrido from Batangas was named Miss Tourism International 2024 at the Sunway Resort Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Before winning the crown, Liana joined and won in local beauty pageants, namely, Bb. Lungsod ng Batangas 2017, Miss Batangas–World 2023, and Mutya ng Pilipinas Tourism International 2024.
Liana's victory made the Philippines the country with the most wins in the competition’s history.
Her triumph brings the Philippines’ total titles to six, following the successes of Maria Esperanza Manzano (2000), Rizzini Alexis Gomez (2012), Angeli Dione Gomez (2013), Jannie Loudette Alipo-on (2017), and Cyrille Payumo (2019).
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"As someone who finds her purpose through her weakness, I define success as overcoming the limitation. I used to be just a silent girl, but [as it turns] out, this limitation [made me] an empowered woman who has a purpose," Liana responded during the question-and-answer segment of the pageant.
"Success is not the destination, it is the journey we take, the growth we experience, and the positive impact we leave [in this] world.”
Read: Chelsea Manalo named first Miss Universe Asia
Patricia Payumo, PINAY TRANSGENDER QUEEN advocates empowerment, rises above bullying
Meanwhile, on the same day of Liana's victory, Patricia Payumo won the Miss Star International 2024 pageant held in São Paulo, Brazil.
First held in 2007, Miss Star International 2024 is a beauty pageant for transgender women.
Patricia is the first transgender woman from the Philippines to win the crown.
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She revealed during the question-and-answer that she was diagnosed with major depressive disorder because of the bullying she suffered online as a transgender.
It was a tough experience for me because it was during the pandemic and I was on my own. I had no one but my dogs with me," recalled Patricia, who was seen in the 2022 movie The Last Five Years starring Tom Rodriguez and Meg Imperial.
"So I believe that this experience is something that I could use to empower those people who feel afraid and can't defend themselves whenever someone tries to bully them."
Patricia continued, "So to those who are being bullied online or in person, all I can say to you is just be you, do you — because life opens up when you do."
Read: CJ Opiaza finishes 1st runner-up in Miss Grand International 2024