PH candidate Janicel Lubina’s emotional speech at Miss International 2015

MANILA, Philippines – She may have failed to win the crown, but Binibining Pilipinas 2015 Janicel Lubina delivered a powerful final speech before the audience in Tokyo, Japan, Thursday, November 5.

Janicel finished as part of the Top 10 in this year’s competition and won the Miss Best Dresser award. Venezuela’s Edymar Martinez was crowned this year’s winner.

In lieu of a final question and answer portion, Miss International contestants deliver a final speech about their what they would do should they win the title.

Here’s what Janicel, a former house helper who struggled with poverty, said at the pageant: 

“To represent the Philippines here in Miss International is a great honor and an achievement for me. As a simple woman who came from a poor family, my dream to have a better life for my family motivates me to never give up. At a young age, I have to work at the rice fields to help my parents while taking care of my brothers since my parents were working.

“Life is full of challenges and hardships, but I never stopped dreaming and working hard to achieve my goals in life.

“I want to be an inspiration to young people that nothing is impossible. Keep following your dreams and have strong faith in God. If I become Miss International, I would like to share my story to the world, that ,” she said before greeeting the audience once again in Nihonggo.

On Facebook, Bb Pilipinas congratulated Janicel for bringing honor to the country. 

“Binibining Pilipinas International 2015 Janicel Lubina finishes in the Top 10 and won the Best Dresser award at the 55th Miss International 2015 pageant in Tokyo, Japan. BPCI is proud of her performance and would like to thank everyone who helped Janicel in this journey,” the organization said.  

Prior to being the country’s bet to Miss International, Janicel worked as house helper to help her mother to support their family. She later joined a number of pageants, including Miss World Philippines 2013, where she emerged as runner-up to Megan Young, who won the  Miss World title in Indonesia. – Rappler.com