They said, “Kulang sa height”

Kisses stands at 5 feet and 4 inches, so in previous years, she may not have made the cut, as the minimum height requirement was 5’6”. However, this year, the organization decided to remove the height requirement, so her height is no longer an issue with MUP. Neither is it a concern for the Miss Universe pageant itself, as they do not have a height requirement either.

They said, “Kulang sa experience”

She has actual pageant experience from her school days. She won her school’s Miss Teen Campus and Miss Alma Mater titles. Kisses was also crowned Miss Teen Masbate in 2013 and Miss Masbate and Miss Kaogma in 2016.

They said, “Hindi magaling sumagot”

Did the people who say this even watch her interviews? Kisses actually speaks eloquently and gracefully, just like a true beauty queen. Earlier this year, she even joined Boy Abunda in his panel interview with pageant specialists (including Miss International 2016 Kylie Versoza), and Tito Boy even encouraged her to join a national pageant, because she definitely knew her stuff!

They said, “Hindi pang-MUP”

Contrary to popular belief, Kisses has been making efforts to improve herself, despite her previous pageant experiences. She has actually been training with Aces & Queens camp, all while she’s taking up her Accountancy degree in De La Salle University.

They said, “Sheltered”

While some might see her as ‘sheltered’, Kisses actually has a strong, inspirational background story to share with the universe. She was born after her parents went through eight miscarriages, and she was dubbed a “miracle baby” and was treasured even more. But upon birth, her parents received news that she has a disease with only 5% survival rate and may give her mental retardation. And yet Kisses made it through all these challenges and is now shining on the world’s stages.

They said, “Marami lang fans”

Sure, having supporters is great. But really, everything is still up to Kisses. Her fans are definitely supportive who make sure she’s always dominating the trending topics list, but Kisses is still the one competing and doing the work. Her fans’ love and support only add to her strength as a candidate.

They said, “Artista lang”

Contrary to what many might think, being an ‘artista’ doesn’t subtract from Kisses as a candidate. She could use the platform she already has from her showbiz career as a stepping stone to spread the advocacies of Miss Universe Philippines, so it’s better to see it as an adding asset to her candidacy.

They said, “Matatalo lang yan”

But you know what? She’s honestly already winning with all that she’d be experiencing in the competition. Making it to the Top 28 candidates who are going to compete in the MUP’s grand coronation night is already a huge achievement for her first foray into national level pageantry. Plus, she might even win the crown and go on to represent the Philippines in Miss Universe 2021.

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