Her life story is being compared to Cinderella. Bb. Pilipinas International Janicel Lubina is embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for fame when she vies for the Miss International 2015 crown in Tokyo, Japan. Lubina, a 20-year-old, 5-foot-8, native of Narra, Palawan, worked as a househelp in her hometown before she was discovered by a make-up artist leading to her becoming a beauty queen.
Lubina looked gorgeous during the send-off conference by the Bb. Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI) led by Chairman Stella Marquez-Araneta with fellow Bb. Pilipinas titleholders. Lubina, a student of Tourism Management at STI, was nervous and excited answering questions from the members of the press. She said that she felt under pressure to match Colis’ win and would use it as a motivation when she competes at the 55th Miss International pageant.
Marquez-Araneta got big applause when she confidently said that they have another sure winner in Lubina following Ann Lorraine Colis’ victory at the recent Miss Globe in Toronto, Canada. Bb. Pilipinas-Universe Pia Wurtzbach said that Lubina has inspired them for her being hard-working and her humility and dedication as a true beauty queen. She vouched for her being a good daughter providing support to her mother and siblings in the province. Bb. Pilipinas Supranational Rogelie Catacutan also has nothing but praises for Lubina and said that she was proud to be a part of her journey as a beauty queen.
Lubina’s rise as a national beauty queen started when she won Mutya ng Palawan in 2012 and was Top 5 at Miss Scuba International 2012 in Indonesia. She captured the Miss Bikini Philippines title in 2013 before she finished first runner up to Megan Young in Miss World Philippines 2013. “I am looking forward to my travel to Japan and see their culture,” Lubina said crossing her finger and thankful of the support for her to become the sixth Filipina Miss International.
The 55th Miss International pageant will be held on Nov. 5 at the Shinagawa Prince Hotel Hiten Hall in Tokyo where the winner will succeed Valerie Hernandez of Puerto Rico.
– Eton Concepcion