CHRISTOPHER de Leon and wife Sandy Andolong are now proud parents to a beauty queen.
The couple’s daughter Mariel de Leon was hailed Miss International Philippines 2017 during the recently concluded Binibining Pilipinas pageant.
"We're very proud of her. We were more nervous than she was. We're very, very happy for her. Finally, her dream came true," said Andolong after the coronation night held Sunday evening at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.
The "Home Sweety Home" actress also took to Instagram to thank everyone who helped her daughter in the competition.
She said their "princess is now a queen".
"Thankful and grateful to our loving & faithful God almighty. Our princess is now a queen. Thank you for all the love & support of family, friends, IG & FB friends & followers, & neighbors."
Andolong also extended her gratitude to beauty queen trainer Jonas Gaffud, Toni Abad, Voltaire Tayag and Rhett Eala.
Meanwhile, Cebuano designer Cary Santiago also received a special shout out from the actress for making Mariel's winning maroon gown.
"Thank you @carysantiago for your exquisitely beautiful national costume & evening gown."
Mariel also took home the Best in Long Gown and Miss Cream Silk awards during the pageant.
This year's Binibining Pilipinas is her second foray into beauty pageants. The 23-year-old first joined Binibining Pilipinas 2013 but only finished in the Top 15.
This time around, she's among the six entrants who bagged a crown and is in the hopes to replicate the success of Miss International 2016 Kylie Versoza. (VoxPop Philippines)
