The Miss Globe second runner-up Anna Valencia Lakrini. Image/SCREENSHOT FROM THE MISS GLOBE YOUTUBE VIDEO
MANILA, Philippines — Binibining Pilipinas Anna Valencia Lakrini has asserted the country’s status as an international pageant powerhouse by finishing third in The Miss Globe 2023 pageant, also sustaining the Philippines’ placement streak in the global tilt.
The German-Filipino model and nutrition graduate was proclaimed second runner-up at the pageant’s 2023 competition held in Durres, Albania, on Nov. 17 (Nov. 18 in Manila), extending the Philippines’ consecutive placement in the global tilt to nine years.
Lakrini was also first runner-up in the “Miss Bikini” contest held prior to the coronation night, and was among the final 10 delegates in the “Head-to-Head” challenge. She also celebrated her 26th birthday upon her arrival in Albania, where the organization threw a surprise for her, together with her fellow delegates.
The coveted crown eventually went to Manvin Khera, who gave Malaysia its first victory in The Miss Globe pageant. She bested 50 other aspirants from all over the world to inherit the crown from Anabel Payano, the first woman from the Dominican Republic to win in the contest.
Spain’s Katia Agbobo Rodriguez settled for the first runner-up spot, while Nigeria’s Duru Esther Chidera finished as third runner-up. Kristin Yvonne Bangs from the United States rounded up the winners’ circle as fourth runner-up.
Anna Valencia Lakrini at her sendoff press conference before leaving for Albania. Image: ARMIN P. ADINA/Inquirer.net
The Philippines’ placement streak started in 2015 when Ann Lorraine Colis won the title in the contest held in Toronto, Canada, the 12th edition of the current iteration of The Miss Globe pageant under Deliart Association. A previous edition of the global competition had crowned Bb. Pilipinas Maricar Balagtas as “Miss Globe” in 2001.
The most recent winner from the Philippines was Maureen Montagne, who was crowned in 2021. Four more Filipino contenders earned runner-up spots aside from Lakrini, while two others finished in the semifinals.
The Philippines remains to be among the most dominant countries in the current iteration of The Miss Globe pageant with two wins, tied with Albania, the base country of the international competition.
Lakrini’s finish in The Miss Globe has also given the Philippines another runner-up placement in the international arena this year, following Miss Charm first runner-up Annabelle McDonnell, Miss Supranational first runner-up Pauline Amelinckx and Miss International third runner-up Nicole Borromeo.
The reigning Bb. Pilipinas queen joined the national competition two years in a row before she was able to score a crown that brought her to The Miss Globe pageant.