2013 my best Christmas ever – Bea Rose

MANILA, Philippines - Miss International 2013 Bea Rose Santiago said this would be her best Christmas ever after winning the beauty pageant held in Tokyo last week.

Santiago returned to the country Saturday night.

“Thank God for Christmas, this is the best Christmas ever. I would just be me, no makeup at all, and I will eat lechon (roasted pig) like any normal person and if ever, I want to light firecrackers,” she said in a press conference in Quezon City.

“Kasi sa Canada hindi po allowed ang paputok (Because in Canada, firecrackers are not allowed),” she said, drawing laughter from the crowd.

She added that she wants to attend Simbang Gabi (dawn mass).

“I really want to thank God because prayers played a big part when I was there (in Tokyo),” she said.

Santiago dedicated her victory to the Filipino people, especially to the residents of her hometown in Masbate, which was also devastated by Typhoon Yolanda.

“We were also struck by Yolanda so I want to visit them and give my appreciation and gifts for them,” she said.

Santiago hails from the town of Cataingan in Masbate.

She said she would visit areas in the Visayas hit by Yolanda after her homecoming parade on Dec. 27.

“I think we should not be selfish this Christmas. I want them to feel that it is better if you spend money for other people. The experience of helping out is amazing,” she said.

“The feeling that you are making someone happy is more than just giving money.”

Santiago wore a replica of her crown that she described as made of gold and pearls.

“My crown, this is just a replica but this is something that I want to share with my kababayans,” she said.

She said her real crown will arrive soon for the homecoming event.

For its part, Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. said it is ecstatic over the victory Santiago.

“Bea showcased the Filipina’s innate beauty, grace and elegance and she brought honor to the country. This is the fifth Miss International crown for the Philippines, and this caps off an impressive year for Binibining Pilipinas Gold,” it said.