Fil-Brit beauty crowned Miss Universe Philippines

MANILA, Philippines - Probably inspired by 2015 Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach who bagged the Bb. Pilipinas-Universe title on her third try, a Filipino-British contestant from Bicol won the top title in this year’s Binibining Pilipinas beauty pageant. It was her second time to join a beauty pageant.

A native of Naga City, Camarines Sur, Rachel Peters, 25, bested 39 other hopefuls to be crowned Binibining Pilipinas-Universe 2017 during the coronation night Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.

During the question and answer portion, the 5’9” beauty called for unity when asked by European Union Ambassador Franz Jessen, one of the judges, about her message to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders if she were invited to speak at the regional summit held over the weekend.

“I believe that one of the biggest problems of our country is divisiveness: in politics, religion and culture,” she said.

“I believe it is the same across the world and that is something I would like to address. If we can learn to tolerate each other’s differences and respect each other, then we will be a stronger nation going forward.”

Peters, an events organizer, graduated with a degree in Business, Tourism and Events from La Trobe University in Australia and completed her International Baccalaureate at the British School in Phuket, Thailand.

In 2014, Peters was crowned 4th Princess in the Miss World Philippines pageant. She will represent the Philippines in the 2017 Miss Universe pageant.

The rest of the winners are: Maria Angelica de Leon, Bb. Pilipinas-International, 23, from Las Piñas City, the daughter of actors Christopher de Leon and Sandy Andolong (See related story in Funfare, Page C1); Nelda Ibe, Bb. Pilipinas-Globe, 23, from Tarlac City, a cadet pilot; Chanel Olive Thomas, Bb. Pilipinas-Supranational, 26, from San Antonio, Nueva Ecija, who has a Certificate III in Business Administration, Certificate III and IV in Fitness; Katarina Rodriguez, Bb. Pilipinas-Intercontinental, 24, from Davao City; and Elizabeth Durado Clenci, Bb. Pilipinas-Grand International, 26, from Mandaue City, Cebu, a full-time session bassist.

Runners-up were Charmaine Elima (first), 24, from Binangonan, Rizal, a Philippine Airlines flight attendant and Kristel Guelos (second), 24, from Tanauan City, Batangas, a dentistry graduate from Centro Escolar University.