Kylie Verzosa Baguio’s beauty & brains

MANILA, Philippines -  Just how many job descriptions could a beauty queen have? The curriculum vitae of Binibining Pilipinas-International 2016 Kylie Verzosa has a list of impressive credentials. She’s a model, a teacher, an advocate for life.

This 5’8”-tall beauty from Baguio City is an alumna of the Ateneo de Manila University with a degree in BS Business Management (minor in Marketing). Thanks to her various modeling stints, she was able to pay for her own tuition fee in college.

“Modeling is very different from beauty pageants. During my initial foray into Binibining Pilipinas 2015 (where she landed among the Top 15 semifinalists), I had to get used to the entire pageant scene and the whole community. (I did not get a crown) but I can say my experience last year has helped me a lot. I love photo shoots, and now, you can say that I’ve learned to love the stage as well,” the 24-year-old Blue Eagle relays.

At the recent 53rd edition of the country’s most prestigious beauty pageant, Kylie confidently strutted her curvaceous 33-24-35 frame that helped her bag the coveted Binibining Pilipinas-International 2016 title. She also received the Miss Photogenic award and She’s So Jag special award.

“Determination, confidence, hard work and humility — these are the distinctive factors that have made me (win the title),” says the beauty queen. “I worked very hard for this. When we had trainings, I’d give them extra time by going to the studio alone to practice. That’s how much I wanted it. When you work towards what you want, I believe it’s very attainable,” says this Aquarian charmer matter-of-factly.

Sans the crown and scepter, and minus all the pomp and pageantry as a reigning beauty titlist, Kylie also works as a pre-school teacher in Playschool International at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. She is also a volunteer for the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation, which aims to educate people about suicide and depression.

The eldest among five siblings, Kylie is a devout Roman Catholic and loves baking during her spare time. She is also a member of the Professional Models Association of the Philippines.

“I can say that by this time, my faith has strengthened. I prayed more and it has helped me abundantly. We all owe it to ourselves to be the best we can be. We all need to have a strong mindset. I believe we all need to dream big. These big dreams of mine eventually motivate and push me to strive harder,” Kylie concludes.

Photography by MAU AGUASIN  • Creative direction by LUIS ESPIRITU JR. • Makeup by RIA AQUINO for MAC Cosmetics • Hairstyling by HYATT LAUREL • Styling by DIANE LASAM

• Jewelry by MILADAY JEWELS • Blush bustier gown by MARK TAMAYO and hand-painted blue sapphire tube dress by RHETT EALA