Pinay crowned Miss United Continents 2016

CEBU, Philippines - Jeslyn Santos of Hagonoy, Bulacan bested 27 other beauties from all over the world during the finals of Miss United Continents 2016, held Saturday at the Palacio de Cristal in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

She is the first Filipina and Asian to win the four-year old Ecuador-based pageant. Last year Philippine representative, Anabel Christine Tia, managed only a top 10 placement.

Interestingly, the 23-year-old Jeslyn answered in Spanish during the competition’s question-and-answer portion.

Jeslyn’s court is made up of the contestants from Demark (first runner-up), India (second runner-up), Brazil (third runner-up) and Mexico (fourth runner-up).

A pre-pageant press release by Jeslyn’s handler John  dela Vega, stated that to prepare for the competition, “Jeslyn studied Spanish culture and language. She also underwent intensive physical training with Gold’s Gym under the supervision of Fitness Guru Mr. Angelo Mendez. For her pasarela projection, beauty queen-maker and trainer Mr. John Dela Vega who is also the National Director and franchise holder of Miss United Continents, left nothing untouched.”

 “Polishing and perfecting everything from head to foot was the goal and I’m happy with the result. She has an even stronger walk and gait this time. I’m confident she’ll make us proud,” dela Vega had said.

Among the many Filipino designers who contributed to Jeslyn’s competition wardrobe was Cebuano designer Lemuel Rosos, who crafted Jeslyn’s Sinulog national costume inspired by the country’s national flower sampaguita and South Sea Pearls. (FREEMAN)