Kylie Verzosa on her Miss International 2016 win

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Kylie Verzosa was just crowned Miss International 2016 – a big win for her and for the country, as she is the 6th representative from the Philippines to get the title.

In an interview on 24 Oras soon after her win, an emotional Kylie spoke about her crowning moment. (IN PHOTOS: The moment PH bet Kylie Verzosa won Miss International 2016)

“I cannot describe it. Humagulgol yata ako! I could not believe it… Pinaghirapan ko talaga ito. Ang dami kong pinagdaanan. Ang dami kong hirap na dinaanan para makuha ito. I’m glad na dito sa pageant na ito, they appreciate the person that you are,” she said. (Stars cheer on PH’s Kylie Verzosa, the Miss International 2016 winner)

(I cannot describe it. I think I was crying! I could not believe it… I worked really hard for this. I went through a lot. I went through so many struggles just to get this. I’m glad that in this pageant, they appreciate the person that you are.)

She also dedicated her win to the Filipinos who supported her non-stop during the competition. 

The Filipina beauty queen also gave a message to the youth. 

“Sa mga kabataan, mag-aral kayo nang mabuti dahil ang beauty ay hindi lang sa physical, but mental as well. Respect others and become a good person,” she said.

(To the youth, study well because beauty is not only about the physical, but mental as well. Respect others and become a good person.)

Meanwhile, in an interview with reporters after the contest aired on TV Patrol, Kylie said: “Philippines, we got it. Thank you so much. Philippines, I love you all. This is all for you. All my hard work, all the struggles we’ve been through this past week, this past year, I appreciate it all your support. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart. I love you so much, mabuhay!”   

On Instagram, Kylie also posted a message to her supporters and to Miss International 2015, Edymar Martinez. 

“I cannot believe it. I cannot express how i feel right now, but I am ecstatic. Its been only a dream,” she wrote. Read her full message below:

I cannot believe it. I cannot express how i feel right now, but I am ecstatic. Its 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! We have worked very hard to get this. To the girls in the competition, it was tough, but im glad i had you to go through with it. I love you all dearly, you are all beautiful. To the organization, thank you so much for having me. 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. Dōmo arigatōgozaimasu Japan, I’m so happy. Philippines, this is for you.

A photo posted by Kylie Verzosa (@kylieverzosa) on Oct 27, 2016 at 12:24pm PDT

In her speech, Kylie said that if she won Miss International, she will focus on 3 things – culture, education, and international understanding. (READ: Kylie Verzosa’s winning Miss International speech)

Kylie is a former pre-school teacher and advocate for mental awareness. (READ: 8 fun facts: Bb Pilipinas International 2016 Kylie Verzosa)

Past winners of Miss International from the Philippines include Gemma Cruz Araneta (1964), Aurora Pijuan (1970), Melanie Marquez (1979), Precious Lara Quigaman (2005), and Bea Rose Santiago (2013). – Rappler.com