It took five years before Binibini Vianca Louise Marcelo of Bulacan finally decided to join again a national beauty pageant. This time Marcelo is ready for the big-time, as one of the 40 official candidates for Binibining Pilipinas 2020 beauty contest scheduled on April 17.
During a meeting with select members of the pageant press at a restaurant in Quezon City Feb. 6, Marcelo recalled the moment that affected her chances of winning a national beauty competition a few years ago.
"I joined Miss World Philippines in 2015 and I won Miss Talent. I also made it to the Top 15. Pero na-blank talaga ako sa question-and-answer portion.
"Na-traumatize talaga ako and I answered in one sentence. Kinabahan ako.
"So If I were to give an advice to my younger self, I have to be ready next time. During the finals kasi, I only had coffee and chocolates, so pressured na rin.
"I have to take care of myself and stay healthy. So now I'm ready for Bb. Pilipinas beauty pageant," she said.
At the Miss World Philippines 2015 competition, Marcelo was asked: "If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be and why?" Her answer then: "I wouldn't change anything about myself because everything happens for a reason."
Now the beauty from Bocaue, Bulacan would answer the same pageant question: "I wouldn't change anything about myself because everything happens for a reason. We should be grateful for the past because of the life lessons. We should remember the lessons of the past, cherish the present, live life to the fullest and be ready for the future."
Marcelo, 26 is eyeing the Bb. Pilipinas-International title during the finals.
"Noon pa talaga, kahit may Miss Universe na, I really want Miss International because I love how they promote their missions. Also, Japan is one of my favorite places," she said.
Asked about her realizations during lockdown, Marcelo said: "Doon ko nakita ang impact ng family. It taught me to live life to the fullest because in a wink of an eye, puwedeng mawala ang lahat." Her advocacy focuses on ending hunger.
She said that Bb. Pilipinas gave the candidates activities that would make them busy during lockdown, including virtual training with former Miss Universe Catriona Gray and Binibini Nicole Cordoves. "I got busy also with our family business during lockdown."
Vianca, who is Binibini No. 12, is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Institutional Management at the Dela Salle University - College of Saint Benilde.
Aside from Miss World Philippines, Vianca has competed 2015 at Reyna ng Aliwan 2015 where she won 2nd runner up; Miss Silka Philippines 2011, and Reyna ng Bulacan 2014.