(From left) Angelica Lopez, Anna Valencia Lakrini. Images: Instagram/@angelicalopezofficial, Instagram/@annavalencia_
MANILA, Philippines – Angelica Lopez and Anna Valencia Lakrini are no strangers to vying for a beauty pageant title several times, with their recent triumphs a testament to the stars aligning at the right time.
Lopez and Lakrini are set to represent the Philippines at the Miss International and Miss Globe pageants, respectively.
And while the titles haven’t been in the country’s hands in a long time, these stunning Binibinis hope they clinch it this time around.
Angelica Lopez
The moment Lopez was declared as Binibining Pilipinas International 2023, shock was evidently written on her face as she expected that she’s more of a Miss Globe prototype.
“Everyone’s telling me that I’m fit for Miss Globe and they called me [as] Miss International,” she explained to broadcast journalist Mario Dumaual, when asked about her notable reaction to her win.
“I’m so proud because I’m the second Palaweña to be crowned after Janicel Lubina [in 2015]. I really want to break the stereotype that Miss International should be a pristine lady.”
But it’s clear that the Palaweña stunner’s coronation is akin to a Cinderella story — but hers is a reminder that she doesn’t need a man to succeed on her own.
Before entering pageantry, Lopez started working as a waitress and dishwasher at the age of 14, which she mentioned in multiple interviews.
“I didn’t have a golden childhood, I had to start working very hard at an early age to help lessen my mothers’ pain from the stress of her job,” she said on Instagram in January 2023.
“When I was around 8 years old I made a promise to myself that whenever I had the opportunity to help, I would do so since I understand what it’s like to have nothing. I’m incredibly grateful that during the years I’ve fought, God has heard my prayers, seen me cry, and guided me when I feel lost and in pain,” she continued.
Despite the hardships, the beauty queen finds strength in her mother and manager whom she describes as her role models.
Lopez, who’s passionate about inspirational books, philosophy of life, and documentaries, believes that children deserve to have access to quality education, which is her advocacy.
“I am in pursuit of inspiring, empowering, and educating the less fortunate children to be resilient and limitless amidst life challenges.”
The determination to prove herself as a shining example of resilience can be seen in her steely-eyed expression throughout her pageant journey.
From being named as Miss Asia Global 2022 first runner-up, advancing to the Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Top 16, and eventually becoming the reigning Binibining Pilipinas International, her journey is one of the many proofs of Catriona Gray’s familiar anecdote: “To everyone with a dream, know that your dreams are valid, and on your path you are never denied, and only redirected.”
It’s clear that perseverance was one of Angelica’s greatest weapons in clinching one of the national tilt’s coveted crowns. And this time, she would make sure that it would guide her to win the country’s sixth Miss International crown.
Anna Valencia Lakrini
Another shining testament to winning the crown after multiple attempts is Anna Valencia Lakrini, who was crowned as Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2023 in her second try.
While it’s clear that Lakrini has what it takes to be crowned, her seeming growth from her first Binibining Pilipinas attempt to the present has been massive — as if she’s been mindful of what she needs to take note of before competing.
Another noteworthy characteristic of the beauty queen is her advocacy, as she revealed during the pageant’s question-and-answer portion that she is passionate about ensuring proper nutrition.
“My cause that is dear to my heart is nutrition. As a nutrition scientist [and] as an advocate for proper nutrition, I know that [by] advocating with this platform from Binibining Pilipinas, we can inspire so many people. A politician can inspire a whole community, and so can we,” she said.
It can also be noted in the Binibining Pilipinas website that she spoke about the country having the means to “accessible and affordable nutrition,” which can be noted in her job as a nutrition scientist.
Although Lakrini’s journey can be loosely related to her idol, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, her journey is proof that first tries are not always as lucky. But if destiny allows you to fulfill your dreams, you are truly unstoppable.