Chanel Thomas, Rachel Peters on mixed lineage: Being Pinoy is in your heart

Amid criticism that mixed lineage beauty queens are favored to win in pageants, Binibining Pilipinas Universe 2017 Rachel Peters and Binibining Pilipinas Supranational 2017 Chanel Olive Thomas on Thursday spoke about being in touch with their heritage.

Peters and Thomas in an interview with GMA News' News To Go said that cultural diversity should be celebrated.

"I grew up in Australia, pero I just had my three year anniversary living here [in the Philippines], which I am absolutely proud of and I guess I feel blessed I had the opportunity not only to grow up in Australia, but now to live my life here," Thomas told hosts Kara David and Howie Severino.

She added, "I feel Filipino, because I know I am Filipino. I always know I don't have to prove myself to anyone that I am Filipino, kasi being Pinoy is in your heart. It's a part of you."

The issue was raised before Thomas, Peters, and half-Romanian Elizabeth Clenci were crowned. Socialite Tim Yap on April 30, coronation night, had tweeted that "some of the girls don’t look like they come from the provinces they represent."

Peters in her defense said, "I don't think [Tim Yap] meant it in any mean sort of way. The Philippines is a mixture of many different cultures. I think it's wonderful."

Binibining Pilipinas 2017 queens Mariel De Leon, Katarina Rodriguez, and Nelda Ibe are born to Filipino parents — discrediting the "half breed batch" criticism. —Aya Tantiangco/KG, GMA News