Beauty queen Rikki Abuel Dela Pena is returning to pageantry as Lucban's representative for the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 competition.

A former Miss Philippine Youth 2019 grand winner and reigning Miss Philippines Face of Tourism, Rikki was crowned and sashed as Miss Universe Philippines Lucban representative at the Manila Hotel last Jan. 30.

"Honored to be part of the prestigious pageant and, at the same time, being the first Miss Universe Philippines Lucban. I'm here to showcase both myself and the Lucbanins and the tourism in Lucban. Most of the tourist destinations in Quezon province are located in my hometown. I'm also excited to showcase it," said the young beauty queen.

Rikki said it is her ultimate dream to become a beauty queen and be part of Miss Universe Philippines. 

"The title and experience will always be there, but what matters to me is how I can impact and make change in the society through my stories and advocacies specifically for youth empowerment, most specifically promoting my tagline 'Probinsyanang Ganda.'

"I believe most youth now forget the value and essence of being a pure Filipina. I want to bring this to the table: to emphasize the strong points and qualities of being a Filipina by color and heart. 

"As a pure Filipina and morena, I want to promote self-love and how good and amazing it is to be a modern Filipina. I want to give honor and pride to my hometown, Lucban, my country, the Philippines, and to all the morena beauties out there," she said.

Rikki, 25, is an alumna of the University of Asia and the Pacific with a business management degree and took business courses at UP Diliman. She is passionate about youth empowerment and aims to promote self-care awareness.

When asked how she's preparing for the pageant, Rikki said: "The competition could be exciting but also be more challenging and preparation is key. I have the full support of my MUPH Lucban organization, my family, and God's grace. Nothing is impossible if you put effort and time into everything that you do. Whatever the outcome, I will forever be proud of being a pure Filipina."

Rikki organized and produced five fashion shows for charitable causes, supporting foundations dear to her heart. She has also served as an ambassador for the Erda Foundation since 2019 and is the founder of Trichotillomania Philippines.