Cebuana teens gear up for their int'l pageants

CEBU, Philippines — As Filipinas have become prominent contenders in pageantry, more and more Cebuanas have taken an interest in being beauty queens. Some of them have even started young. With the support of their parents and guardians, these girls are slowly transforming into better versions of themselves.

Kasley Malaika Libres, Sarah Nicole Filtness, and Jashley Van Hemelen may be young but that’s not stopping them from seeing the world and achieving their pageant dreams.

Surrounded by their family, the trio was recently given a send-off party at Quest Hotel as they prepare for their upcoming international pageants.

Libres and Filtness will be in Georgia on May 5 until the 10th for the Teen Miss Universe, and Pre Teen Miss Universe competitions, respectively.

Hemelen, who is competing for the Teen Princess of the World title, will be off to Bulgaria on June 17 until the 24th.

This, following their performances at the Prince and Princess Philippines 2018 search held at the Madisson 101 Hotel and Tower in Quezon City last December.

In an interview during their send-off, they shared their thoughts on being official delegates for the country and how they're getting ready.

“I’m not really sociable but making friends is really important. I just want to be more sociable and friendly," Libres, 12, said.

She said that she really is just an ordinary girl who can multi-task and balance her activities as an academic achiever, athlete, and beauty queen.

“I’m proud to represent our country and show the world that even if we’ve been through a lot, we always manage to stand up on our own feet. The crown just humbles you more and you get to find your true self. And I love doing charity, helping others is my priority,” she added.

Libres, an education advocate, says that while she may be too young to change the world, it is still her goal to be a good role model and inspiration for fellow youth. Despite challenges she may face on the way to the crown, she is “ready to conquer the universe. ”

For 12-year-old Filtness, who placed first runner up in the Little Teen Princess of the Philippines 2018 category, she feels proud to represent the Philippines.

Appearing meek and quiet during the press interview, she said that joining competitions makes one a better person as she learned a lot about herself.

The Pre-Teen Miss Universe bet is counting on determination, hope and courage as she broadens her horizons and tries her luck in Georgia.

With about only three more months to polish her skills for Teen Princess of the World, 13-year-old Van Hemelen wants to work on her confidence.

Also an education advocate, Van Hemelen said she learned to become more confident and humble, and has learned the value of never giving up and standing up even if you fall.

“Everyone is unique but I am passionate about what I do. As a teen, I can do small things but with great love. Win or lose, I won’t regret anything. Being there is already a win for me. As queens, we never lose. We either win or we learn," said Van Hemelen.

Cebuana beauty queen, Mrs. International 2017 Jessica Candelasa-Eribal, mentored the girls. She advised them to never be threatened by whatever qualities they find their fellow candidates to have and to always be proud despite the pressure.

Maan Cueto Aris of GlaMore Productions, who organizes the national stagings of the said international pageants, only had praises for the Cebuanas and their parents. She said the pageant is merely a bridge to their dreams, a tool to inspire the youth to make bigger things and be better people.