Angelica Lopez, a 22-year-old model from Puerto Princesa, was named Bb. Pilipinas International 2023 at the 59th Binibining Pilipinas grand coronation night held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum late Sunday.
Lopez impressed the judges with her grace and advocacy work. She was previously a Top 16 finalist at the Miss Universe Philippines 2022 and first runner-up in Miss Asia Global 2022.
Lopez, who is currently pursuing a psychology degree at Palawan State University, is an ambassador for ALIMA, a youth-led organization that focuses on educating underprivileged children about health, career paths, and environmental awareness.
During the final Q&A round, Lopez was asked: What makes you a Binibini who walks the talk and who is beyond mere self-promotion?
“I stand here tonight because it is my mother who instilled in me the values and morals that I am using to be the woman I am today—a woman who possesses strength, courage, and tenacity. I have the strength to decide for myself and work hard to achieve what I truly want,” she said.
Lopez’s mother passed away when she was 14, she later revealed in a TV interview, as she worked odd jobs to earn a living for her family.
The panel of judges included Miss International 2022 Jasmin Selberg, Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz, actors Dolly de Leon and Piolo Pascual, and Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna, among others.
The event was hosted by Catriona Gray, MJ Lastimosa, and Nicole Cordoves, notable beauty queens themselves.