Francielly Ouriques, a 25-year-old model from Brazil, was crowned the new Miss Asia Pacific International 2017 on Wednesday, November 29, at Resorts World Manila in Parañaque City, Philippines. Her court includes first runner-up Acacia Walker of New Zealand, second runner-up Valeria Cardona of Honduras, third runner-up Morgan Doelwijt of the Netherlands, and fourth runner-up Ilene de Vera of the Philippines. Ouriques was crowned by last year's winner, Tessa Le Conge of the Netherlands.
During the final interview, the Top 5 candidates were asked a common question: “Do you think the advocacy of fostering love, appreciation and unity in diversity is relevant in this day and age? Why or why not?”
Ouriques replied: “Absolutely. Fostering love nowadays is essential. I believe that we are all equal before God and all of us should be able to respect love and spread good things among everybody;
“Respect, unity and love are things that my parents taught me and everybody should foster them. Thank you very much.”
Completing the top ten were the delegates from Nicaragua, Mongolia, Costa Rica, South Africa and Japan. Rounding up the top fifteen were the delegates from Russia, Peru, Cook Islands, Egypt and Colombia.
The Miss Asia Pacific International pageant is said to be the mother of all pageants in Southeast Asia. It made a comeback in 2016 following a 10-year hiatus.
PHOTO CREDIT: MISS ASIA PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL