Filipino-Kiwi beauty queen Arielle “Ari” Keil made history as the first transgender woman to win the Miss Intercontinental New Zealand pageant.
The transgender beauty queen who was crowned on October 12, 2020, is of Filipino and German descent was born Andrew in Matina, Davao City in Mindanao, and raised in Auckland, New Zealand.
In an interview with GMA News Online, the 26-year old beauty queen shared how proud she is of her Filipino heritage.
“I am the proudest Dabawenya you’ll meet!” Keil declared.
She can also speak Bisaya and love Pinoy food such as bilo-bilo and taho.
Raised from a conservative family, Keil said her transformation from Andrew to Arielle and her road to the crown was not easy as she was heavily opposed in the beginning.
However, her hard work and dedication paid off now that she has achieved her childhood dream.
“It feels surreal,” Ari expressed. “I have to pinch myself every day. I’ve wanted this for years! It’s a dream that was almost a decade in the making!”
She added: “I sacrificed a lot and worked super hard to be where I am so I am so grateful more than anything.”
Arielle Keil who is a graduate of fashion design now has the support of her Pinoy father on her quest for the international crown as she set to represent New Zealand in the international beauty derby.
In January 2019, Karen Gallman of Bohol won the first-ever Miss Intercontinental crown for the Philippines after 47 years.
The Filipino-Australian beauty queen also bagged major awards during the pre-pageant activities.
SEND CONGRATULATIONS in the comments below to Filipina-Kiwi trans Arielle Keil for being crowned Miss Intercontinental New Zealand 2020.
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