Jeanne Isabelle Bilasano of Albay made history as the first Filipina to be crowned Miss Face of Beauty International 2024.
In her press conference held after the grand homecoming motorcade in Legazpi City, Albay on Monday, October 7, 2024, Bilasano shared her experiences as a first-time international pageant contender.
She said the journey was overwhelming at first, especially since she had to handle everything on her own.
“First international pageant po. So, hindi ko alam po yung ine-expect, but first, I just had to be ready. So, I consulted with my team, kung ano yung kailangan tanggalin, gawin, i-practice, i-train,” Bilasano said.
Despite initial difficulties, her team eventually joined her, making the process smoother.
“Later on, sumunod na po yung team po, and I’m very grateful na naging mas easier na yung journey,” she added.
Bilasano highlighted how her experiences taught her valuable lessons about being self-reliant, especially when competing abroad.
The pageant also redefined her idea of beauty, moving beyond physical appearance.
“Nare-define po yung definition ko of beauty. It’s no longer just from the outside. I realized there’s really more to it than just the outside beauty,” she said.
"When I joined Face of Beauty, I realized that it welcomed different kinds of beauty, and all kinds of beauty, she added.
Her triumph as the first Filipina Miss Face of Beauty International is not just a personal achievement, but also a source of pride for her home province, Albay.
Bilasano's victory was celebrated with a motorcade on October 7, organized by the Provincial Government of Albay.
She paid a courtesy visit on local officials and expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support.
CHOICES
As the filing of certificate of candidacy (COC) for the 2025 midterm elections ends on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, Bilasano reminded everyone of the importance of making informed decisions.
“Kailangan talaga bago tayo mag-expect ng pagpapagod sa ibang tao, bago tayo mag-decide. Very important po yung voters' education. We have to do our own research as well,” she urged.
"It's no longer just about your future, it's the future of your children, and your children's children... and that starts with a wise choice. And in order to make a wise choice, you have to study your decisions," she added.
With her crown and platform, Bilasano hopes to inspire more people and continue advocating for beauty that comes from within, and for her profession as a speech therapist.
"There are only less than a thousand therapists in the country and there are over millions of Filipinos who need therapy... I'm the only one practicing in Albay, and mahirap mag-accommodate ng lahat," she said.
"I think I was able to open that door during Ms. World and I'm very lucky na maraming naging interesado about it. And hopefully from this point on, mas dumami't dumami pa yung mga maging hopeful na maging speech therapist," she added.
