MANILA, Philippines — Miss International 2005 Lara Quigaman showed her support to Binibining Pilipinas International 2024 Myrna Esguerra who will compete at tonight's 63rd Miss International finals in Japan.
The Filipina beauty queen-turned-actress shared her admiration for Myrna in an Instagram post.
"One of 17 siblings, there were times they barely had anything to eat. She put herself through school, worked for every opportunity, and never stopped pushing forward. Nothing was handed to her; she earned every step… which reminds me so much of my own journey," Lara said.
Lara said that Myrna's story resonates with her as someone who fought for the crown with no money, connections and PR team.
"Just hard work, faith, and the belief that when a pageant is fair, everyone truly has a chance. I had the quiet support of my friends, my family, and Binibining Pilipinas, and in Miss International — an organization that let’s women compete on equal ground — merit and character were enough. No politics, no noise… just a crown that had to be earned," Lara said.
Lara asked Filipinos to support Myrna as she aspires to win the country's seventh Miss International crown.
"As she competes for Miss International, let’s cheer her on, pray for her, and believe with her as she fights to bring home our seventh Miss International crown. And let’s turn our eyes toward pageants and organizations we can truly stand behind — the ones worth supporting and celebrating for their integrity and real empowerment," she said.
"God bless you, Myrna! Let your beauty shine with truth, kindness, and grace. We’re behind you all the way!" she added.
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