Reigning Miss International Andrea Rubio. Image: INQUIRER.net/Armin P. Adina
What jet lag? Reigning Miss International Andrea Rubio arrived in Manila from a long cross-continental flight on Wednesday evening, July 3, but immediately buckled down to work the day after.
Her first full day in the Philippines started early for her, getting ready in the morning for a trip to the Sta. Ana Hospital for a charity event with Operation Smile, where she was joined by her third runner-up Nicole Borromeo and reigning Binibining Pilipinas Angelica Lopez.
“We were there, we shared with the kids, and we knew more about Operation Smile, what they do,” the Venezuelan beauty told INQUIRER.net in a sit-down interview in Quezon City on Friday, July 5.
“We also went to a storytelling at the [Gateway] Gallery. I told a story to all the kids, and they were happy. And I learned a little bit of Filipino, some words, because it was a book that has some English and Filipino. It was really cool,” continued Rubio.
The children from World Vision Philippines who listened to her story also joined her for a fun-filled afternoon at the Fiesta Carnival, also at the Araneta City, just across the Gateway Mall where the Gateway Gallery is located.
“We went there, and we shared a lot of laughs. It was joy! It was really good. The kids were really happy. And I was really happy, too. I want to go again,” Rubio shared.
Borromeo and Lopez joined her at the Fiesta Carnival to also spend time with the children from World Vision Philippines, the charitable organization that will receive P1 million from the Bb. Pilipinas Charities Inc. for the national pageant’s 60th anniversary celebration.
Rubio also dropped by the rehearsals for the 2024 Bb. Pilipinas Grand Coronation Night to meet the 40 ladies competing in the pageant. “It was a joy to see all of the girls. They all were excited to meet me, and I was excited to meet all of them,” she said.
“We actually talked about a lot of things, like what Miss International is about, what was the meaning for me to win this crown. I also gave them tips, not just how to win a contest, but to enjoy the contest and have fun,” Rubio shared.
Asked where she finds the energy for all the work despite traveling for almost a full day, Rubio said, “I always say that this is a one-time opportunity. So we have to take all of that into account. Put a nice smile, attitude, just do whatever you have to do to make the organization proud.”
Rubio will grace the Grand Coronation Night of the 2024 Bb. Pilipinas pageant at the Smart Araneta Coliseum at the Araneta City on Sunday, July 7, to help crown Lopez’s successor.
Lopez is scheduled to compete in the 62nd Miss International pageant in Tokyo on Nov. 12, and try to inherit the title that Rubio currently holds.