Like in the well-loved, all-time Disney classic and namesake, Cinderella Faye Obeñita brought a happy ending in her quest to the Miss Intercontinental 2021 crown, after she bested 71 other candidates from around the world during finals held on Saturday at Sharm El Sheik, becoming the second Filipina to win the title after Karen Gallman in 2018.
The 25-year-old, stunning model from Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental, was also named Miss Intercontinental-Asia Oceania with Mexico (Miss InterContinental North America) finishing as 1st runner up; England (Miss InterContinental Europe), 2nd runner up; Seychelles (Miss InterContinental Africa), 3rd runner up; Canada (Miss Power of Beauty), 4th runner up; and Colombia (Miss InterContinental South America), 5th runner up.
“As an ambassador, I don't think that speaking a specific language is very important here in Miss Intercontinental or any pageant at all. As long as that woman is a woman of power and grace, commitment and intelligence, no matter what language she speaks, then she can win any pageant or any endeavor she is into,” Obeñita replied to the final question, “as an international ambassador, do you believe that speaking English is important for Miss Intercontinental? Why or why not?
Others in the Top 20 were South Africa, Mauritius, Netherlands, Germany, Czech Republic, Crimea, Italy, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Cuba, Guatemala, Peru, Paraguay, and Canada who won
A Mass Communication magna cum laude graduate of Liceo de Cagayan University, Obeñita advocates cancer prevention awareness and press freedom and works as tourism operations officer of the provincial government of Misamis Oriental.
Obeñita wore a Diwata-inspired national costume, symbolic of the Filipina folklore goddess’ legend’s fighting spirit, designer for her by Odelon Simpao. She was a head-turner in her sexy Darna costume during the pageant’s Halloween costume party.
The Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc (BPCI). led by chairperson Madam Stella Marquez Araneta, congratulated Obeñita for bringing home the second Miss Intercontinental crown to the Philippines, impressing the whole world with her grace and charm throughout her pageant performance in Egypt.