Cebuana wins Classic category of Mrs. Global International Queen 2019

CEBU, Philippines — After her 2015 pageant stint, Emilia Hann didn’t think she would find herself competing again, let alone win a crown for the Philippines. And yet, with all the courage she could muster, she did all that at the Mrs. Global International Queen 2019 coronation night held at Dusit Thani in Makati on Sunday, Sept. 22.

Emilia “Em-Em” Hann, 42, became the first Filipina to win the Mrs. Global International Queen in the Classic category, which is for candidates aged 40 and above. This is the first time the country sent a delegate to the beauty tilt.

She also bagged the Queen of Substance Award, People’s Choice Award, Best in Talent, and Best in National Costume.

“It felt so rewarding that my hard work paid off because I really prepared and worked hard for it. I am happy and grateful that I made my family and friends proud, especially those who believed in me and supported me on this journey,” Hann told The FREEMAN.

Mrs. Global International Queen was formed by a group of media professionals from the print, electronic, public relations, events management, and advertising sectors based in India. It highlights women empowerment and gender equality all over the world, with around 30 participating countries including those from Europe, Asia and the Americas.

Hann joined her first pageant in 1994 when she was 17 years old. The Barili native has a Secondary Education degree major in Mathematics from the University of San Jose-Recoletos.

She was handpicked by Mrs. International 2017 Jessica Eribal to compete last year, but had to turn down the opportunity as she wanted to focus on preparing for the debut of her daughter, Miss Mandaue 2019 Lorraine Hann.

When she was offered again this year, Hann felt this was the perfect time.

“It’s a little bit pressuring but exciting at the same time. I really wanted to show them what the Philippines has to offer,” she said.

Despite the full support of her family – her husband, an American doctor named Steve, and kids Lorraine and William – as well as the encouragement from friends, Hann said she could not help but feel nervous.

Even when the competition was still a month away, she would feel her stomach drop and heart palpitate at the thought of being on stage. Her biggest worry was her talent presentation where she would perform six Filipino cultural dances to the inviting “Piliin Mo Ang Pilipinas” song, choreographed by Roy dela Torre.

“I danced Maria Clara, Pandanggo sa Ilaw, T’Boli, an Ifugao dance, Singkil, and the Sinulog. I had to learn all the steps and changed six times. That was my greatest challenge because I really wanted to get that award,” she shared.

During the Q&A, Hann – a children’s welfare advocate who does charity events and recently helped out in her husband’s medical mission for harelip and cleft palate operation – talked about how women should be treated fairly, and have the right to make decisions and choose what is best for themselves instead of having their options limited.

Apart from winning the crown, Hann is grateful for the company of the international delegates.

“I want to be remembered as a woman for others. Being a mother is not the end. Being married or being a mother, you can still pursue things. We are not limited to just being a wife. If you want to do something, just pursue it. Follow your dream and keep going. Have faith in yourself.”