CEBU, Philippines - Liza Sofia Hansen may still be 12 years old, but the young lass is already taking major strides into becoming a successful beauty queen. At such a young age, Sofia is focused, composed, and confident – not at all wide-eyed and hesitant.
Liza, who started her pageant career at five years old, is the youngest among four siblings. She will be representing the Philippines in the upcoming Prince and Princess International 2017 pageant which will be held in Chang Mai, Thailand from July 26 until the 31st.
Last year, Liza was crowned Little Princess Philippines in Manila, and will be competing against 40 other candidates in her new undertaking in Thailand.
Although the Norwegian-Filipina beauty is taking the bull by the horns, she’s no stranger to pressure given that Prince and Princess International 2017 is her first ever international pageant.
“This is my first time representing the country. Honestly, it’s nerve-wracking for me,” Liza shares during a press conference at Cordova Home Village on Friday.
However, Sofia is set to prove that she’s worth her salt in the demanding world of pageantry.
“So many people have supported me along the way so I really want to show them that I can do it despite the pressure. And this is a way of giving back too,” she adds.
Liza’s handler, Miss A, has his hands on deck as designer, trainer, as well as make up artist for Liza’s journey in Prince and Princess International.
Maan Cueto Aris of Little Princess Philippines shares how she believes in Liza’s prowess. Aris describes Liza as “a quality that fits the taste” of the international crowd and believes that she has a big chance of bringing home the first Little Princess International title for the Philippines.
The pageant has three categories: Mini, Little, and Teen Princess, as well as Little, Junior, and Teen Prince. Over the years, the Philippines has managed to bring home four crowns in the Mini and Teen Princess categories, but the Little Princess crown has so far been elusive.
So far, Liza – a Little Miss Cordova, Little Miss Fashionista, and Little Miss Runway title-holder – is taking the heat of the pageant well and considers the question and answer portion as her strongest suit.
Throughout her six days in Thailand, Liza, an aspiring businesswoman, will be judged according to her performance in casual interviews, personal achievements, talent, gown, national costume, among others.
Liza, who swims in her free time and is enrolled at the Singapore School Cebu, will be performing the traditional Sinulog dance for the talent competition and will be wearing a Malayka Yamas creation for her national costume.
It would be safe to say that Liza’s mom, Edeliza, is just as thrilled as her daughter who has also been signed as a talent under ABS-CBN’s Star Magic.
“Of course, I’m very excited for her. Whatever she wants to do, I am just here to support her,” Mrs. Hansen says.