Nicole Borromeo: 'I want to share this victory with all of you'

Miss International 2023 3rd runner-up Nicole Borromeo has nothing but gratitude for her countrymen after the prestigious pageant!

On Instagram, Nicole shared a photo of herself with her crown and sash while holding the Philippine flag.

Nicole wrote a heartfelt message addressed to her "Dearest Philippines."

"Your love has been a guiding light throughout this incredible journey, and I have felt it so deeply," she wrote. "The overwhelming support from all of you has been so so humbling!! We even made it to top 1 in votes for a time."

The beauty queen said that every time she heard someone call for "Miss Philippines," her heart would beam with pride "because I knew that it was my name they were calling."

"Standing on that stage, hearing the cheers of my family and supporters, seeing Philippine flags waving back at me, I realized that I had achieved a dream - a dream to forever carry the Philippines in my name," Nicole continued.

She added, "This long and fruitful journey has not been a solo triumph; it’s a shared victory. I am deeply thankful to the countless individuals who have been a part of this extraordinary journey."

The Cebuana beauty said that it felt like a "dream navigating through the highs and lows of this journey and still emerging as the third runner-up. It’s a true testament to the training, dedication, and faith that set me on this path."

Nicole said that she has countless people to thank, but for now, she is sharing her victory with everyone.

She ended her message by writing, "My heart is filled with blessings beyond words, and I’m counting the moments until I return home."

Nicole was named the 3rd runner-up during Thursday’s Miss International pageant.

Nicole wore a sea urchin-inspired national costume and a glistening evening gown.

It was Kylie Verzosa, who took home the prestigious Miss International crown in 2016. She was also at hand to send her best wishes to Borromeo before the pageant.