ALICIA, Isabela – A beauty queen from Barangay Antonino in this bustling town raised the Philippine flag in placing first runner-up in the recent 2023 Miss Tourism Queen Worldwide in Bangkok, Thailand.
Rachel Bayan took advantage of the opportunity to discuss her views on beauty during the question-and-answer session, propelling her past 14 other contestants.
Rachel elevated her performance by showcasing Philippine tourism with her attractive appearance and sharp mind, as she finished just behind eventual winner Paulina Starosielec of Poland.
“The standard of beauty goes beyond the physical appearance of a person. I believed that it always comes from the heart, the soul, and the mind. It is about how we make an impact on the people around us and that’s the most beautiful thing that we don’t see (people) with their beauty and appearances, but what comes from their heart and that is the intangible thing,” Rachel said in the final round.
Team One Alicia, led by Alicia Mayor Joel Amos Alejandro, congratulated the new beauty queen for giving honor and pride not only to her hometown and Cagayan Valley Region, but to the entire country.
Alejandro said: “Ms. Rachel Bayan’s trip is a depiction of everyone, especially Alicianos who have a golden heart, are radiant and unusual, like ‘balitok,’ similar to ‘pagay’ (the Ilocano word for rice and the municipality’s main source of income).”
“We’re all proud of you, as you have brought pride to our country, especially to our own town,” the lawyer and chief executive remarked. He added that the entire Municipal Council (Team One Alicia) supported her Tourism Queen Worldwide campaign.
Aida P. Alejandro, Chairman of the Municipal Cultural and Tourism Council, also lauded Rachel, saying: “Hail to our newly crowned Miss Tourism Queen Worldwide 2023 1st Runner Up, Ms. Rachel A. Bayan. You made us all proud ka-BAYAN!”
Rachel won the Best in National Costume award for her outfit, “Dyesebel ng Perlas ng Silangan,” created by Michael Barassi and team.
She moved gracefully in a golden evening gown designed by Vinze Asuncion, inspired “by the innocence of her fellow Filipinos,” her design team said.
Carrying the torch for Philippine Normal University-North Luzon, the hub for indigenous people’s education in her own country, served as inspiration for Rachel.
For her Talent Competition, Rachel performed the Ragragsakan dance, originated by snaking between the terrace dikes and skipping through path breaches in her hometown.
“Ms. Philippines makes use of this platform to spread awareness, fight for, and advocate the beauty in diversity through storytelling, culture, and unity,” her team said.
Last December, Rachel won the title of Miss Tourism Philippines Worldwide 2022, and was also recognized for winning Best in Long Gown and Best in Tourism Video.
The annual beauty pageant aims to “promote harmony and diversity through beauty pageants showcasing the magnificent sights, colorful festivities, mouthwatering food, customs, traditions and arts.”
Next to Rachel as runners-up are Amelie Waygandt of Germany, Princess Bih Wandi Tita of Cameroon, and Wendy Thuy Nguyen of Vietnam.