How Kylie Verzosa landed ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ Cannes experience

Kylie Verzosa at the opening event at Cannes

For Kylie Verzosa, winning an international acting trophy last year was an affirmation that there’s more to her than being a beauty queen.

“It’s heartening because when you’re there, it’s not only yourself you’re carrying, but the Philippines, too,” she said of being named best actress at the 2022 Distinctive International Arab Festivals in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, for her performance in the drama thriller “The Housemaid.”

“It makes you realize that people can see us in another light … that we can also be confident and that we can shine,” she told select show biz reporters at the recent opening of the Shangri-La Plaza store of LVNA by Drake Dustin, a fine diamond jewelry brand she endorses.

“I’m so glad that I was able to represent the Philippines to the best of my abilities. You see how you measure up with other people, and you realize that we Filipinos can,” said the 2016 Miss International pageant winner.

Kylie at the premiere of “Black Flies,” starring Sean Penn

But more than the accolade, her presence at the said event also paved the way for a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity”—walking the red carpet at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in France.

“They (festival organizers) saw me when I won best actress in Dubai. And I was invited through my publicist there. I was so lucky … I was like, ‘Is it really me you want to invite?’ I couldn’t believe it,” she said.

Kylie had only a few weeks to prepare and put together possible red-carpet looks. “Mabilisan lang. My glam team couldn’t get visas on time, so I had to look for one there (in Cannes). But it’s nice to get to experience working with a new team,” she said.

With only a stylist in tow, the 31-year-old celebrity flew to Cannes with six suitcases filled with dresses, some of which were provided by designer Mark Bumgarner. The P50-million worth of jewelry from LVNA, meanwhile, she kept close to her. “Of course, I hand-carried it!” she said, laughing. “I was excited about showcasing works by Filipinos.”

Kylie was only supposed to attend the opening ceremony red carpet event, but the actress ended up getting invited to two more events, the premieres of Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon” and “Black Flies,” starring Sean Penn.

Kylie at the premiere of Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon”

Best dressed

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I was very happy. It was tiring, stressful, but super rewarding to have the opportunity to see the international scene. I felt like I learned a lot. And I got to see many celebrities like Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio,” she said.

Particularly eye-catching was the dramatic black ball gown she wore on the opening day, which landed her in Vogue Scandinavia’s best dressed gallery. “I was so surprised. I was a Cannes first-timer, but I managed to get a number of ‘best dressed’ features,” she said.

Kylie at the premiere of Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon”

She was also introduced to different producers and directors. “I got to meet some of the members of the Philippine team,” related Kylie, who dreams of starring in an international project one day.

“I still have a movie contract (with Viva Films) and I’m working on a few, including one with Brillante Mendoza. But I would love to do an international film and go abroad,” she said.

Kylie at the premiere of “Black Flies,” starring Sean Penn