The Philippines' bet Bea Rose Santiago was crowned Miss International 2013 on Tuesday in the four-hour finals held in Tokyo, Japan.
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| 2013 Miss International Bea Rose Santiago |
Santiago bested over 60 candidates from around the world in the 53rd Miss International pageant held at Shinagawa Prince Hotel Hall in Japan.
Placing second to Santiago is Netherland's Nathalie den Dekker, followed by New Zealand's Casey Radley. Completing the Top 5 were Colombia's Cindy Aguilar and Hungary's Brigitta Otvos.
As part of the competition, the remaining five contestants each gave a 30-second speech on the subject, "What I will do if I am crowned Miss International."
The 22-year old beauty from Masbate replied:
"The whole world saw how my country suffered. One by one, other countries helped. I would like to thank who helped my country in our darkest hours. You have opened my heart and eyes on what we can do to help each other."
"If I become Miss International, I would uphold international camaraderie. I will work to sustain the spirit of sympathy and spirit of hope. As long as we work together, there is hope."
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| Bea Rose Santiago in swimsuit |
On November 8, the Philippines was hit by Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) said to be the most powerful typhoon to ever make landfall, leaving at least 6,000 dead and over 27,000 injured.
Santiago's win is the fifth Miss International crown for the Philippines folowing Precious Lara Quigaman (2005), Melanie Marquez (1979), Aurora Pijuan (1970), and Gemma Cruz (1965).