Miss Filipinas Jeslyn Santos wins Miss Continentes Unidos 2016
Miss Filipinas Jeslyn Santos wins Miss Continentes Unidos 2016
Report: Raymund Golez | Managing Editor
Photos: JR Noses | Chief Photojournalist & Photo Editor
Image credits: Official Miss Continentes Unidos Facebook Page
Miss Filipinas (Philippines) Jeslyn Santos, a twenty-three-year-old lass from Bulacan was crowned Miss Continentes Unidos (Miss United Continents) 2016 at the Palacio de Cristal in Guayaquil, Ecuador on September 24, making her the first Asian to win the crown and title.
The 5’8”-tall volleyball player bested 28 other candidates from around the world. She even surprised and impressed everyone when she delivered her speech in Spanish. Asked how to unite the continents, Jeslyn said: “Somos uno si actuamos y pensamos como uno -continuó-. No debemos tratarnos mutuamente como extraños y competidores, sino como hermanos. Aunque grandes océanos y tierras nos separen, el amor siempre nos unirá” (We are one if we act and think as one. We should not treat each other as strangers and competitors but as brothers and sisters. Although great oceans and land divide us, love always unites us).
Her winning crown was designed by Jewelry Designer, Christian Quintero, based on the concept of the five continents.
Following her success, Jeslyn underwent rigid training as part of her preparation for her international stint. She studied Spanish culture and language. She also underwent intensive physical training with Gold’s Gym under the supervision of Fitness Guru, Mr. Angelo Mendez. For her pasarela projection, beauty queen-maker and trainer Mr. John Dela Vega who is also the National Director and franchise holder of Miss United Continents
Filipino designers also proudly contributed to Jeslyn’s success as she was provided with a full-glamour competition wardrobe from the likes of Cebuano designer Lemuel Rosos, who crafted Jeslyn’s Sinulog national costume inspired by the country’s national flower sampaguita and South Sea Pearls.
Jeslyn’s court of beauties composed of First Runner-Up or Virreina/Vice Queen was Mette Riis Sorensen of Denmark. Lopamudra Raut of India was Second Runner-up; Taynara Gargantini of Brazil was Third Runner-up; Cynthia Lizeth Duque Garza of Mexico was Fourth Runner-Up; and Rita Silvestre of Panama was Fifth Runner-Up.
Rounding up the Top 10 were the delegates from Colombia, Dominican Republic, South Africa and Thailand.
Miss Filipinas (Philippines) was also awarded Most Beautiful Face in the contest, which was originally named Miss American Continent until it opened its borders to beauties from around the globe in 2012.
Other special awards went to Mexico as Miss Photogenic, China as Miss Congeniality, Dominican Republic as Miss Punctuality and India for Best in National Costume.
In 2015, the Philippines also made it Top 10 in the person of Anabel Christine Gonzales Tia. Jeslyn arrived home in Manila on September 27. (Homecoming and arrival photos by Life N Style Central’s JR Noses)
