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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Celebrities devider Fil-Australian Bella Dela Cruz ready to shine at Miss International 2025

Fil-Australian Bella Dela Cruz ready to shine at Miss International 2025

Published Nov 15, 2025 10:45 am
Miss International Australia 2025 Bella Dela. Cruz has arrived in Japan, ready to embark on her journey at the prestigious 63rd Miss International beauty pageant.
Miss International Australia 2025 Bella Dela Cruz (Images by JR Noses)
Miss International Australia 2025 Bella Dela Cruz (Images by JR Noses)
Bella previously took a brief trip to the Philippines for crash training for the Miss International contest.
"I'm here in the Philippines to help me prepare for my International journey in Japan. I'll be training here a bit and meeting everyone who supports me. I'm a Filipino-Australian, and I'm so grateful to the Filipino community for your continued support. And I hope you will continue to support me on my journey to Miss International in Japan," said Bella, during a media conference in Quezon City.
Earlier, Bella competed in the Miss Universe Philippines 2025 beauty pageant, where she represented Lucena and the Filipino community in Sydney. She finished in the Top 24. "I feel comfortable with the trainers, and the Philippines is one of the top countries in pageantry."
These days, Bella said, wearing the Miss International Australia sash feels like a dream. "I'm so grateful and blessed that I've been redirected. I'll wear the sash on my heart and represent my country to the best of my ability in the Miss International pageant."
On her advocacy, Bella said, "I'll be focusing on the 4th Sustainable Development Goal, which is education. I'm an economist by trade. When I was studying at the University of New South Wales, we published papers and lectures on development economics. We found that education is the most important tool for breaking the cycle of generational poverty. My parents and I have been advocating for education by donating books. I have also established the Bella Book Foundation, which raises funds to provide scholarships and learning essentials to children."
Bella believes the Miss International pageant is a relevant event despite having numerous beauty contests. "It's not just a competition. It's about the purpose and the impact you make. Miss International provides you with the platform and tools to connect with like-minded individuals who share the same purpose. Being a queen is not just about beauty; it's the impact that you make on others and how you uplift the community."
It was Bella's second time visiting Japan. The first time was in December 2024. However, she fell ill, so she was unable to explore and enjoy Japan. "I am excited to explore Japan properly."
The 25-year-old beauty queen studied commerce and economics at the University of New South Wales, where she graduated with honors. "In the future, I want to become a diplomat to promote cultural diplomacy and understanding between nations."
When not busy, Bella said she enjoys reading books and watching anime.
"I like to sit back and relax because mental health is essential, and to recharge. So I talk to my family, read books, and watch anime. I have loved anime since I was young, and I have studied the language," she said.
Bella answered why she should be the next Miss International. "I truly believe that I should be the next Miss International because it would give me the platform to promote causes that are close to my heart, including cultural understanding, education, compassion, and peace between the two nations, which the organization stands for. I really believe that I am aligned with these values. Advocacy is something that I didn't invent, and I think I can help inspire others."
Eighty candidates are competing for the title of Miss International 2025. The grand coronation of the 63rd Miss International beauty pageant will take place in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan, on Nov. 27.
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