The Crowd Favorite: Kylie Versoza

PeopleAsia congraulates Miss International 2016 and PeopleAsia Women of Style and Substance 2016 awardee Kylie Verzosa who won the crown just minutes ago in Tokyo, Japan! The beauty bested other outstanding women from all over the world, once again proving that the Filipina is right at home — and shines the brightest — on the international stage.

By JOYCE REYES-AGUILA 

She may have previously graced many runways here and abroad as an international model, but when Kylie Fausto Verzosa took the Binibining Pilipinas (Miss Philippines) stage, the 24-year-old knew deep inside that it would be a walk like no other.

And indeed, the crowd favorite capped off her search for a crown with a straightforward response to the question of why she should walk away with a title. “The person who deserves to win… is the person who has worked hard for it and is willing to do everything to continue the legacy of the Philippines (in international beauty competitions),” she said. “She is confident with an attitude and personality, and I believe I am her.”

Kylie certainly made believers of the judges who chose her to be this year’s representative to the Miss International tilt in Tokyo, Japan. 

“I’m overwhelmed with everything that’s been happening,” she tells PeopleAsia, in an exclusive interview. “It’s like a surge of emotion that makes me feel ecstatic. I’m just grateful. Now that I have this, I can do more for others.”

Kylie was never set on becoming a beauty queen. The Business Management graduate of Ateneo de Manila University initially envisioned finding fulfillment in an office setting. “I thought I was going to get into business… into corporate life. I was going to work my way up to success. My belief was this is how you become successful.” Outside the world of modeling and pageants, the girl from Baguio City is a pre-school teacher at the Playschool International in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

“I never thought I’d become a model (or) a beauty queen. Who knew? The things I don’t expect in life are the things I get. That’s a pleasant surprise. God doesn’t always put me on the path that I want to go,” continues the Roman Catholic. “But He puts me onto the path where I guess He expects me to do well. I want people to know… that there are many other ways towards success. My path was different, very unconventional. And I’m proud of it.”

Focus was key for the 5’7” beauty, who marked her second stab at a Binibini title. “I stopped myself from a lot of things like eating, a love life,” she admits. “I needed that to concentrate…That’s also one driver to (achieve) excellence – your ability to focus.” Last time, Kylie finished in the top 15 of the pageant. What a difference a year makes. Aside from winning her title, she was also hailed Miss Photogenic.

Kylie explains that preparing for the Miss International pageant in October is like studying a photo shoot concept. “Miss International is a very different pageant,” she asserts. That’s why the beauty queen is learning more about Japanese culture and the basics of its language. “It’s important to know what they’re looking for and to be wise with decisions about the pageant.”

Many who were impressed by the intelligence and eloquence that Kylie displayed on stage are certainly looking forward to her speech come coronation night in Japan. Unique to the Miss International tilt, the speech segment takes the place of the traditional question-and-answer portion. Should the Professional Models Association of the Philippines member choose to speak about her advocacy for mental health, it will not be a surprise, as she has voiced out the need to raise awareness for it many times. 

“I’ve been open about depression, mental health on social media, to my family and friends,” says Kylie, who once volunteered for the non-profit group Natasha Goulbourn Foundation that, according to its website, promotes “positive and preventive activities that will focus on mental wellness for all.”

Her influence and popularity have undoubtedly been instrumental in bringing the cause to light — eliciting reactions from people who are going through similar experiences. They are grateful to have someone in her position championing their plight.

“That’s good because, with mental health, the most important thing is that, one, you’re aware of it. And, two, you get to talk about it. You get to help more people. For many years, not many people have talked about mental health. I’m here to bring it out; to let people know that it’s out there. That it’s normal. That it is a sickness and that it can be cured; that they’re not alone.”

Kylie is putting much attention in her own state of mind and spirit, too. At the time of her interview, The Philippine STAR Women of Allure 2016 awardee just concluded a European vacation “to remove all the pageant stress” away. “We went on a cruise, and visited six countries — all beautiful! I immersed myself in different cultures and that made me value our home very much. I learned about different countries, which I think is very important for Miss International — that you’re knowledgeable about different countries and different types of people.”

It was a welcome break for the looker who has rightfully been getting more attention after her victory. “It comes with the job,” she declares. “Ever since we joined Binibini, we’ve had to get used to it. It’s part of fame, I guess. But I never asked for fame.

“We sort of prepared ourselves for whatever we were getting ourselves into, (but) I’m still not used to it. I just take it as it is. I try to enjoy the moment… I just have to live in the moment and that’s when you get to fully enjoy everything. And as it comes, the things you are about to get will come.”

On this journey, she values the support of her family — which includes mom and Binibining Pilipinas 1985 semi-finalist Gemma Raquel Fausto — and her followers.

“My supporters have been very faithful and very strong,” Kylie asserts. “I really appreciate that because it gives me strength also. Until now, I see their dedication. Sometimes, when I feel low, when I feel I didn’t do so well, compliments are still there. They uplift me. I really want to give my deepest gratitude to them because I’m here because of them as well.”

In return, Kylie Verzosa remains steadfast in her promise of a sixth Miss International title for the Philippines this year. “I think you have to know what you’re getting yourself into. And if you want to win something, you have be knowledgeable about what they are looking for, what the whole industry is looking for.

“I’m preparing myself for Miss International. I’m getting myself back in shape. And that entails many sacrifices. But then I’m in it to win it and I can’t wait to take home the crown.”

(Photography by MAU AGUASIN | Creative direction by CHINO CORRALES | Makeup by ERWIN ONING | Hair by EDDIE MAR CABILTES)

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