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Who is Alexie Mae Brooks? 5 things to know about the newly crowned Miss Iloilo
Alexie Mae Brooks, the newly crowned Miss Iloilo, is making waves online and with good reason.
She is a crowd favorite, given her beauty, intelligence, personality, and strong pageant performance.
Here are five things to know about the new beauty queen, athlete, and model.
1. Alexie is a national athlete
Alexie is a Philippine athlete for track and field, and has showcased her skills across the country and around the world.
In 2022, she was named the most valuable player by the UAAP, representing National University. That same year, she also participated in the Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam.
"I was just a small kid back then, dreaming of everything I am and have now, and God only knows where I would be if I didn't trust in myself. So here I am as proof that hard effort, dedication, perseverance, determination, focus, and a competitive mindset can get you where you want to go," she said ahead of the SEA Games.
On Instagram, Alexie also shares her workout routines and posts content about her track skills and high jumps. Plus, her toned athlete body is everybody's fitness goal.
2. Alexie was raised by her grandma
One of the reasons why Alexie is going viral is because of the touching photos with her grandmother during the coronation night.
Alexie was born to a Filipina mother who was an overseas Filipino worker in Lebanon and has never met her father. Alexie was raised by her Lola Basing, who she kissed on the forehead when she got the Miss Iloilo crown.
"Grateful beyond words for the support of my incredible team, mentors, sponsors, and the unwavering love from friends, family, and the people of Leon, Iloilo," Alexie said on Instagram.
3. Alexie is an androgynous beauty
Alexie's edge among the rest is that she is an androgynous beauty, meaning that she has both masculine and feminine characteristics.
A quick scroll through her Instagram feed shows the model pulling off both high-fashion gowns as well as casual streetwear.
Meanwhile, some netizens say that the Ilongga beauty queen is a lookalike of Zozibini Tunzi, Miss Universe 2019.
4. Alexie is a self-love advocate
Growing up as a black woman in Leon, Iloilo, Alexie revealed that she would often get bullied. In an Instagram post, she said people would comment on her natural curly hair, and would say that it looks like a bird's nest. She admitted that she lost confidence and that it affected her self-esteem.
However, Alexie learned that her features make her unique and that she shouldn't be embarrassed by them. She also encourages women to love themselves.
"So what I want women to know is that they should be proud of what they have and who they are regardless of their appearance and differences in life. For me, it's always about giving other people the power of influence. Making them feel beautiful, confident, and empowered," she said.
5. Alexie's win as Miss Iloilo is historic
Alexie's win as Miss Iloilo is an iconic one.
Aside from winning several awards like Best Swimsuit, Best Cultural Costume, and awards from sponsors, the Leon native is also the first black and androgynous woman to represent Iloilo.
Alexei said of her win, "I turn childhood dreams into reality."
She added, "The future holds endless excitement, and I embark on it with immense gratitude. Thank you from the depths of my heart."
Alexei is set to represent Iloilo in the country's biggest local pageant, Miss Universe Philippines 2024.
Reigning queen Michelle Dee is set to crown her successor.
—MGP, GMA Integrated News
