Newly-crowned Miss FIT Philippines 2024 Kathleen ‘Kai’ Espenido. Image: INQUIRER.net/Armin P. Adina
Another reality TV personality has crossed over to pageantry — Kathleen Espenido, who was crowned Miss FIT (Face, Intelligence, Tone) Philippines 2024 at the final competition held at the Skydome of SM North Edsa in Quezon City on Thursday night, July 11.
Just a few days ago, Kayla Jean Carter from the US reality show “Too Hot to Handle” was appointed as the Philippines’ representative in the 2024 Miss Charm pageant. She was in the semifinals of the 2024 Miss Universe Philippines pageant in May.
Espenido was one of the teen housemates in “Pinoy Brig Brother: Kumunity,” the 10th season of the local reality TV show. The new queen went by the name “Kai Espenido” when she entered “Bahay ni Kuya,” with the monicker “Brave Island Girl ng Siargao.”
The same season of the reality show also saw another beauty queen, 2020 Miss Grand International first runner-up Samantha Bernardo, dubbed “and bread-queen-er of Palawan,” who entered during the celebrity edition.
Espenido, 20, represented Butuan City in the province of Agusan del Norte for the fourth edition of the national competition that has produced reigning Miss Earth-Air Yllana Marie Aduana and reigning Hiyas ng Pilipinas-Omninational Jackelaine Fleming.
The new queen bested 22 other aspirants from all over the country for the title, which came with a cash prize worth P300,000. She was also chosen as Best in Gown and Miss Belle Salon.
The pageant aims to promote “holistic fitness” by showcasing ladies who possess F.I.T.—a beautiful “face,” intellectual and emotional “intelligence,” and a “toned” and healthy body. The candidates competed in three rounds—swimsuit, gown and question-and-answer.
“Miss FIT Philippines is something close to my heart. It is really being holistic, and having a really holistic mindset. I plan to spread body positivity, since I experienced body-shaming. So I want everyone to know that every one of us matter,” Espenido told INQUIRER.net after her coronation.
The competition also proclaimed four runners-up to Espenido—Ayha Jane Sucajel from Cadiz City, Deema Firas Ahmad from Baguio City, Victoria Dominique Gomez from Makati City and Isabela Tomlinson from Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.