Anna Valencia Lakrini flies to Albania to compete at Miss Globe 2023

MANILA, Philippines — The Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) sent off Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2023 Anna Valencia Lakrini through a media presser at the Quantum SkyView in the newly opened Gateway Mall 2 in Araneta City.

The Filipino-German maiden, who represented the province of Bataan in the national pageant, received well wishes from her Binibini queen sisters during the late afternoon gathering.

"After winning the national International crown, I was so happy to have found a food buddy, especially one who enjoyed sashimi like me. I love how dedicated you are in the pursuit of your dreams. Always remember that your only competitor in this competition is yourself. So show them what a Filipina can do," said Binibining Pilipinas International 2023 Angelica Lopez in her message.

"You are so emotional today, Anna Banana (that's how we call our queen sister). Getting to know you is so much more than meets the eye. The best of luck to your transformational journey. Bring home the crown," shared Binibining Pilipinas 2023 1st runner-up Katrina Johnson.

Binibining Pilipinas International 2022 Nicole Borromeo, who is currently competing in the 61st Miss International in Tokyo, Japan, sent her well-wishes through a recorded message.

"I know you have grace and intelligence. You carry the hopes and dreams of people who believe in you. Go out there and conquer the globe!" said the Cebuana beauty.

Anna hopes to bring home the country's third Globe crown, after victories made by Ann Lorraine Colis in 2015 and Maureen Montagne in 2021.

"I'm very happy to be here. So honored and feeling so special being the only Binibining Pilipinas Globe winner to have her own send-off. I'm even surprised that that so many came to my send-off.

"Joining the Binibini for the second time, I learned to believe in myself and be myself. And that the Globe will accept me for who I am. I would love to travel across the globe and make people learn about my advocacy on nutrition. Children here and abroad should learn about sustainable agriculture, especially on how they'll grow fruits and vegetables for home consumption.

"I've also learned a lot through my bi-racial background — how to bring