Bea Rose Santiago, ready to win the Miss International Crown

Bea Rose Santiago, the country's bet to the 53rd edition of Miss International was oozing with elegance and confidence during her send-off presser, held at Sachi Restaurant in Cubao, Quezon City, northeast of Manila, on December 4. Crowning of Miss International 2013 will take place on December 17, 2013 in Shinagawa Prince Hotel Hall, Tokyo, Japan.

Leaving this 6th of December,  Santiago who will be competing with 72 contestants in the pageant wants to finish the international pageant with a slam to give the Filipino people especially those hit by ST Yolanda, a reason to smile this Christmas.

“I'm very happy to represent our country for Miss International. I'm dedicating my pageant for the Haiyan or Yolanda victims. I'm not going there just as Bea Santiago, but as Miss Philippines. If I win or if I make it, that would bring happiness to them and make them proud,” said Bea during the send-off.

Send-off pic by Missosology

Filipino beauty queens had been performing very well for this year having won Miss World by Megan Young and Miss Supranational by Mutya Datul including Ariella Arida who completed the 5 year semi final streak with her 3rd runner up finish in Miss Universe 2013. Added to that are 3rd Runner Up placement of Ali Forbes in Miss Grand International and Top 10 inclusion of Cindy miranda in Miss Tourism Queen International. Meanwhile, Angelee delos reyes is one of the favorites to win Miss Earth Crown who already bagged 4 medals in the preliminaries. (See related article here: Angelee delos Reyes grapples 4 medals in Miss Earth 2013 )

With too much weight on her, this Gawad Kalinga Ambassador doesn't want to feel too much pressure. In an interview, she mentioned that she just wants to enjoy her stay in Tokyo and do her best to bring home the crown.

The 23-year-old Bea went through rigorous training with the Japanese language and a one-on-one coaching with Miss International 2005 Lara Quigaman in preparation. She grew up in Masbate and Canada.

Bea and Ariella during send off. Pic taken by Missosology

Cindy, Mutya, Bea, Ariella and Pia during the send-off.

Definitely, her moment has come. Do you think she will be our 5th Miss International? Let us hear your comments below.