'I can feel victory': Philippines' Nicole Borromeo sent off for Miss International finals

MANILA, Philippines — Binibining Pilipinas 2022 Nicole Borromeo was gladly sent-off my members of the pageant media during a mid-afternoon event at the Quantum Skyview in the newly-opened Gateway Mall 2 in Araneta City.

The beauteous Cebuana hopes to bring home the country's 7th International crowns after past winners - Gemma Cruz (1964), Aurora Pijuan (1970), Mimelanie Marquez (1979), Lara Quigaman (2005), Bea Rose Santiago (2013), and Kylie Versoza (2016) - won the title.

"I can feel victory. I can feel cherry blossoms. You are one of the most productive queens of our batch. You have dipped your toes in the pond. We are all rooting for you," gushed Stacey Gabriel, Binibining Pilipinas 2022 2nd runner-up, in her message.

Rintaro Shigeyoshi, press officer from the Embassy of Japan, together with corporate sponsors graced the send-off ceremonies.

"There aren't enough nice things to say about you. This is kind of a full circle moment for me; seeing you grow from your early days of pageantry 'til now. You may be competing far away, but you'll be in our hearts all throughout your journey," intimated Katrina Johnson, Binibining Pilipinas 2023 1st runner-up.

It took 14 long months for Nicole to wait out for her chance to compete on the international stage. When the Miss International Organization cancelled the pageant in 2021, due to the global pandemic, it also moved the competing dates of the national queens starting with Hannah Arnold.

"When I won the national title, I know what I got myself into. I decided how to look at things. However long the wait, your time comes. It touches my heart that people believe in me, though they don't know me personally. I wouldn't be here without all my supporters," declared Nicole in her