"PHILIPPINES, this is for you."
This was the message of newly crowned Miss International Kylie Verzosa after her Thursday's impressive win in Tokyo, Japan.
In an Instagram post, the 24-year-old Baguio beauty said she's ecstatic and still cannot believe her success in the competition.
Verzosa thanked her family, mentors, and everyone who helped her in the pageant.
"I cannot express how i feel right now, but I am ecstatic. It’s been only a dream. Thank you to my family, mentors, designers, my Angels. Your prayers have worked, from the bottom of my heart, thank you so much!"
She also thanked the 68 ladies who joined the competition, her predecessor Miss International 2015 Edymar Martinez of Venezuela as well as the Miss International organization for the "once in a lifetime opportunity."
"I cannot wait to start my new year with you! I have big plans. Thank you so much for having me. To Edymar, you've been such an inspiration; your beauty is beyond compare, I cannot believe still I am following your footsteps. I can only wish to do as good as you. I am so grateful."
Aside from being a stand out in the competition, Verzosa impressed the judges during her prepared speech.
As a pre-school teacher, Verzosa vowed to promote education, cultural diversity and international understanding.
"If I become Miss International 2016, I will devote myself to cultural understanding and international understanding because I believe, that it is in developing each of us the sensitivity to other cultures that we expand our horizons, tolerate differences and appreciate diversity," she said.
The Filipina added that she is ready to take on the role and all that it entails.
Verzosa's win is the sixth Miss International title for the Philippines. (Sunnex)
