Mariel de Leon—photo by Romy Homillada
It’s about having a positive mind and a calm heart,” said Binibining Pilipinas Mariel de Leon on her quest to score an unprecedented back-to-back win for the Philippines in the Miss International pageant in Tokyo, Japan.
No country has ever posted two consecutive victories in the global tilt. So, Mariel is facing a tough task in attempting to bag the crown currently held by compatriot Kylie Verzosa, the seventh Filipino woman to win the Miss International title.
Confidence boost
Mariel wants to give the Philippines its first back-to-back in the pageant’s history “so our name will forever be there as one of the best countries for pageantry.”
She said filming the Metro Manila Film Festival entry, “Ang Panday,” opposite Coco Martin would help her secure the crown.
“It helped me gain more confidence in my own body. The way I speak, I’m more conscious now of my movements. Since we act, we see ourselves on camera. It helps boost my confidence,” Mariel told the Inquirer during her sendoff press conference at the Novotel Manila-Araneta Center in Quezon City recently.
Gentle but strong
For Mariel, the Philippines is most successful in the Miss International pageant because “Filipinas are naturally graceful, respectful, and hospitable—and that’s what the Japanese look for in a woman. We’re soft, gentle, classy, but still confident and strong inside.”
Mariel’s parents, actors Christopher de Leon and Sandy Andolong, will fly to Japan to watch her compete on Nov. 14.