Hannah Arnold on 2019 pageant loss: 'I was forcing myself to be someone else'

By CNN Philippines Staff

Published Jul 13, 2021 2:33:05 PM

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 13) — Newly-crowned Binibining Pilipinas International Hannah Arnold shared how she once tried her luck in the same pageant two years ago.

The 25-year-old beauty from Masbate told CNN Philippines' The Source on Tuesday what it was like to join Binibining Pilipinas for the first time in 2019 and the major lesson she learned when she failed to bring home the crown.

"Back in 2019, I guess there was so much expectations and I was kind of forcing myself to be someone else. However that night, I realized it’s better for me to just truly be me, Hannah Arnold," said Arnold, who finished as a top 15 finalist at the time.

"And that’s what I really brought on July 11. I just gave my all to God and said it’s His plan if I will win or not and I just enjoyed the night so much," she said.

In the Binibining Pilipinas 2021 competition held at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Sunday, Arnold gave a winning answer during the Q&A segment.

CNN Philippines anchor Pinky Webb asked her: "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?"

Arnold responded by noting the importance of social media in choosing the country's next leaders.

"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 is powerful. That has helped me think about who I'd like to vote for in the upcoming elections," she said.

Arnold succeeds Bea Patricia Magtanong as Binibining Pilipinas International. Should she win at the Miss International competition in November in Japan, she will be the country's sixth titleholder after Aurora Pijuan, Melanie Marquez, Precious Lara Quigaman, Bea Santiago, and Kylie Verzosa in 2016.

Three other queens were also crowned during the ceremony. Samantha Panlilio of Cavite won Binibining Pilipinas Grand International, Cinderella Faye Obeñita of Cagayan De Oro - Misamis Oriental was named Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental, while Maureen Montagne of Batangas was hailed as Binibining Pilipinas Globe. They will be representing the country in international pageants.

https://cnnphilippines.com/entertainment/2021/7/13/Binibining-Pilipinas-International-Hannah-Arnold.html