Dr. Jubilee Therese Acosta, who won first runner-up in Miss Manila 2024, is all set to compete in the Miss Grand Philippines pageant on Sunday, Sept. 29.

During an interview in Quezon City recently, Jubilee said she has prepared for the national competition for over a year.

"I have prepared for this even a year before because I have the energy. For the preparation, I know it's a short pageant. Still, it's a special pageant because whoever would be the winner will already represent the Philippines on the international stage, and the girl will immediately go to Thailand.

"In terms of preparations, I am already prepared. My team has supported me since I told them I wanted to join Miss Grand Philippines. I have changed my style compared to the Miss Manila stint. I changed my pasarela. I practiced every day to show what I had on the international stage," said Jubilee.

Jubilee, 27, is a third-generation doctor in the family. She is a licensed psychometrician. Her advocacy focuses on easy access to health care.

"My cause is giving Filipinos holistic access to quality health care, especially in underserved communities.

"We all know everyone has the right to proper medication and treatment. And when I say that, it is not only physical health like sickness but also your mental health. 

"That's why, ever since, I have been able to give that because of my formal education. I am a licensed psychometrician. I have even trained abroad at the University of British Columbia in Canada, specializing in mood disorders and psychiatry. So, any part of health is dear to me," the beauty queen said.

She added: "I have learned that wars are not only seen on battlefields. They are also seen in hospitals as well. As a doctor, I fight for health and wage war against illnesses."

Jubilee also emphasized the importance of mental health, citing incidents involving her loved ones.

"I am exposed to people who have issues with mental health. One of my relatives died of suicide. Another relative was suffering from depression and anxiety," she said.

Jubilee also said being in a health-related profession made her closer to kids.

"I have been exposed to that area ever since; that's why I even went to psychology in the first place. But what's nice about psychology is we have different branches: we can go to private counseling, we can go to clinics, especially in hospitals, and we can also teach preschool kids.

"Back in pre-med, I was also a preschool teacher for eight months, so I was close with kids.

"I want to create a platform where you can share the world and be who you are. We need someone with a support system. I can be your ate; I can be your mom or anything. They approach me anytime. First of all, chikadora ako. I am a listener and a leader as well. I can also be your comfort blanket every time they need help," she added.

When asked why she joined the Miss Grand Philippines pageant, Jubilee said: "Mr. Nawat (Itsaragrisil) knows what he wants. So that's beauty, body, brains, and business. I see myself in those aspects. 

"One of the things I like about Miss Grand is the specific advocacy, which is stopping the war and violence. We have been warriors in different aspects; we welcome all forms of violence. But I grew up helping people stop violence, which is my specific trait. 

"Aside from that, I'm very energetic. All the girls are energetic. You can see the aura and passion of the girls. I guess that's a representation of me. That's why I intentionally chose Miss Grand for this year."

Jubilee also said: "All contestants are prepared for this special edition of Miss Grand Philippines. I believe that we should also support the pageant. Hopefully, our first golden crown will be in the year 2024. Hopefully, that would be me."