Newly crowned Binibining Pilipinas International Hannah C. Arnold has revealed that she almost gave up on Binibining Pilipinas 2021 beauty pageant, which had been delayed for more than one year due to the pandemic.
On Instagram, Hannah said that she sought Divine Intervention whether she should continue with Binibining Pilipinas pageant or not.
"I prayed what journey should I take (career in science or continue my candidacy)," said Hannah.
Her prayers were answered and fate led her to pageantry once more.
On July 11, Hannah was crowned Binibining Pilipinas International 2021 as she represents the Philippines at the Miss International beauty pageant in Japan in November.
If she wins Miss International later this year, Hannah will join the roster of successful Filipinas who won the prestigious crown - Gemma Cruz (1964), Aurora Pijuan (1970), Melanie Marquez (1979), Precious Lara Quigaman (2005), Bea Rose Santiago (2013) and Kylie Verzosa (2016).
CLICK HERE FOR HANNAH'S FULL POST ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/p/CRTgB9Kg0Qq/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
"Thank you to the almighty God for answering my prayers in February when I attended mass and asked what journey should I take (career in science or continue my candidacy), two days later I received my plane ticket back to the Philippines (there had been no flights for months)- it was the biggest sign I was waiting for," wrote Hannah on social media.
Hannah said that the road to July 11 was not smooth, "and I could not have navigated it without the incredible people around me."
She thanked her family who supported her journey in the prestigious national pageant.
"Thank you to my Mum & Dad, Angela & Ricky, Mama Rosie, who believed in my dreams just as much as I did and reminded me that I have a purpose to help our community," Hannah said.
It was the second time for the Filipino-Australian model from Masbate to compete in Binibining Pilipinas, the first time being in 2019 where she placed in the top 15.
Hannah also paid tribute to the other candidates who worked hard to compete in Binibining PIlipinas.
"As I embark on this new chapter in my life, I would like to acknowledge and celebrate the infinite variability of women in Binibining Pilipinas 2020/2021. These Binibinis sacrificed a lot for their dreams and I hope everyone will continue to listen to their stories," she said.