Fil-Australian model crowned Bb Pilipinas Intl

By Sophia Castillo
July 13, 2021

BIG NIGHT Binibining Pilipinas’ newly crowned queens (from left) Bb. Pilipinas Globe Maureen Montagne, Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental Cinderella Obeñita, Bb. Pilipinas International Hannah Arnold, Bb. Pilipinas Grand International Samantha Panlilio, Bb. Pilipinas 1st runner-up Gabrielle Basiano and Bb. Pilipinas 2nd runner-up Meiji Cruz. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

FOR Fil-Australian beauty Hannah Arnold, the second time's the charm.

She only made it to the finals of the Binibining Pilipinas pageant in 2019 but on Sunday, she won big. She was crowned Binibining Pilipinas International.

The 24-year-old was born and raised in Australia to an Irish-Australian father and a Masbate-native mother. Before moving to the Philippines to pursue a career as a professional model and a sleep scientist, Arnold earned her forensic science degree at the University of Canberra.

Arnold was an early favorite during the pageant. She exuded grace and wit under pressure in every segment of the competition, most especially in the question and answer portion.

"As a forensic science graduate, I would like to see our country invest in science and technology. Let us encourage our students to become scientists, and together we can prevent another pandemic," she said when she was called for the Top 13.

"Given the reach and power of social media, do you believe that genuine freedom of speech exists in the Philippines nowadays? Why or why not?" journalist and pageant judge Pinky Webb asked her.

Arnold answered without faltering, "First of all, freedom of speech is a basic human right that we all must remember. It is important for a democracy. With our upcoming election, we definitely need freedom of speech. For example, on Twitter, we are limited to a few characters and what I have seen in this, 'Tweets [are] powerful. That has helped me think about whom I'd like to vote for in the upcoming elections."

The newly crowned queen will compete in the Miss International 2021 pageant in Japan.

The other "queens" who will compete in international pageants are Cavite's Samantha Panlilio for Miss Grand International, Batangas' Maureen Montagne for Miss Globe and Misamis Oriental's Cinderella Faye Obeñita for Miss Intercontinental.

Completing the winning circle are 1st runner-up Gabrielle Basiano of Eastern Samar and 2nd runner-up Meiji Cruz of Valenzuela City.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/07/13/news/national/fil-australian-model-crowned-bb-pilipinas-intl/1806804