The Philippines’ pageant representative, Joanna Camelle Mercado, has successfully raised the country’s flag in Ecuador by winning the Miss United Continents (Miss Continentes Unidos) 2022 competition.
The 21-year-old Filipina beauty bested 24 other candidates in the beauty derby dominated by Latin American countries and won the country’s second Miss United Continents crown, following Jeslyn Santos’ feat in 2016.
Mercado aced every segment of the beauty pageant, from the national costume, swimsuit round, and long gown competition during the grand finale held in Portoviejo on August 7, 2022.
The country’s bet sealed her win by using both English and Spanish languages as she responded in the question and answer portion for the finalists.
Here’s Camelle Mercado’s winning answer:
“We must come together despite our differences through love, amor, and embracing cultural awareness. Through unity, we surpassed the nightmare of this pandemic and it is evident that we can triumph any trails that may come, including war.
“Just like Portoviejo, un ejemplo de resiliencia, el verdadero poder es la union solo tenemos una raza esa es la raza humana (an example of resilience, the true power is the union we only have one race that is the human race). Gracias, Ecuador! Mabuhay, Philippines!”
In her Instagram post on August 9, 2022, the newly-crowned Pinay beauty queen dedicated her achievement to her native land.
“Philippines! It has been my great honor to carry you across my chest. I am ecstatic and gasping for words as I jot this,” she wrote.
Mercado expressed gratitude to all those who help her in her pageant journey from the Philippines up to competing in the South American country.
“I will start by thanking the King of all Kings! I owe you everything. My Miss United Continents Philippines Organization headed by ate @jeslyn_santos, thank you from my innermost being. This won’t happen without your trust in me. Kinaya ko nga!
“To my family, friends, S and everyone dear to my my heart… I am blessed and forever thankful for having you!
“The crown is not only mine, this is yours too!” Mercado concluded.
With her successful pageant stint in Ecuador, Mercado joined the list of Filipina beauty queens who brought pride and honor to the country by winning in their respective international beauty pageants.
Pageant veteran Maureen Montagne was hailed Miss Globe in Albania in November 2021, followed by Samela Aubrey Godin who won Miss Culture International in December 2021 in South Africa.
Also, Nica Soza snagged the Miss Summit International crown in February 2022 in Nevada, U.S.A.
SEND YOUR CONGRATULATIONS in the comments below to the Philippines’ Camelle Mercado, the newly crowned Miss United Continents 2022!
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