TOKYO – President Aquino is hopeful that Bea Rose Santiago, the Philippine candidate in the Miss International pageant to be held here on Dec. 17, will bring home the crown.
Aquino expressed belief that the Philippines’ winning streak would continue after Megan Young was crowned as the first Filipino Miss World in Bali, Indonesia in October.
The President met Santiago on Thursday at the National Olympics Youth Center where Aquino attended a gathering of the Filipino community in Japan.
She was teased by the program hosts after having a “selfie†with Aquino.
Santiago posted her photograph with the President on social media.
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Manuel Lopez also urged Filipinos to vote for her online.
The 2013 Miss International beauty contest kicked off last Dec. 7. Over 72 contestants will compete for the title.
Miss International 2012 Ikumi Yoshimatsu of Japan will crown her successor at the finale of the pageant on Dec. 17 at the Shinagawa Prince Hotel Hall in Tokyo.