NEGRENSE beauty Vickie Marie Milagrosa Rushton finished first runner-up in the 2018 Binibining Pilipinas pageant.
Its coronation night was held Sunday, March 18, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, with Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach and actor Richard Gutierrez as hosts.
In the question and answer portion, Rushton was asked by Ateneo Blue Eagles star Thirdy Ravena if she believes hazing and fraternities have their own good.
She said: "I believe any violence is no good because one person alone can stand up for himself or herself. As a Binibining Pilipinas, I can be that influence to spread the word that violence is not acceptable."
Rushton, who was among the top picks to win the competition, was crowned Mutya ng Pilipinas in 2011.
The 25-year-old actress and model from Talisay City, Negros Occidental, also bagged the Lin-ay sang Negros title in 2009.
She gained more popularity after joining the reality show "Pinoy Big Brother" on ABS-CBN where she finished in fourth place.
Other Negrenses who competed for the beauty title were Ena Louis Velasco of Bacolod City and Annalita Vizcarra of Murcia.