Beauty queen Rikki Abuel Dela Pena has expressed her gratitude on social media to everyone who supported her during the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 pageant on May 22.

From being a former Miss Philippine Youth 2019 grand winner to the reigning Miss Philippines Face of Tourism, Rikki's journey to the Miss Universe Philippines Lucban representative at the Manila Hotel on Jan. 30 was a testament to her dedication and hard work. 

Rikki said she was honored to be part of the prestigious pageant and to be the first Miss Universe Philippines Lucban. 

She said she was able to showcase both herself, the Lucbanins, and the tourism in Lucban. Most of the tourist destinations in Quezon province are located in my hometown. said the young beauty queen. 

During the pre-pageant activity for Miss Universe Philippines 2024, Rikki was named one of the top six finalists in the Miss Hello Glow Runway Show in April.

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

She 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. Her full post on Instagram:

"From the audience's view to the stage. Dreams do come true. Being part of this year’s Miss Universe Philippines was an experience I will always cherish, even when I get older; I admit it was my childhood dream to enter pageantry. 

"I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all those who have shown their belief in me—my dear family, talented designers, dedicated glam team, ERDA Foundation @erdafoundationofficial, MUPH Lucban team, friends, mentors, and all my wonderful supporters. 

"I am sincerely grateful for your unwavering faith in me. Thank you all for being the best and for having such beautiful hearts. Keep shining your light onto the universe!" Rikki wrote.

Thank you 🖤
@janpaasa1996 @kristinamamarilhdmakeup @paigesenereshmua @ricci.laxa.mua @jasonhmua @gracellecorpuz @hairbyleal @harveycastromakeup @mjfelicen @pachecochua @geraldyacatcollections @mcrisdelapena @julianastudios_ @himyprettyangela @fashionurse_norman @its.krrtt @eusebiobryanl_ @johnjademontecalvo @natsheen @j.hnp.tr.ck @markee_emir_loresto  @vandrocasiwanatelier 
For always making me look in fleek and dressing up like a barbie doll with your designs🙌🏻💗

To my foundations @erdafoundationofficial @trichotillomaniaph 🙏🏻 Thank you and see you soon! We got more projects to continue! 🤪

To my Fashion community @manilafashionrunway from runway to pageant real quick thank you for your support, Fashion will always have a special place in my heart! #MissUniversePhilippines

Rikki was scheduled to participate in the Manila Fashion Runway today, May 26, in Intramuros, Manila. However, the show has been rescheduled due to the storm, and a new date for the event will be announced soon.