The Mikimoto-encrusted crown of Miss International and the reigning titleholder, Bea Rose Santiago.
Miss International 2013 Bea Rose Santiago does not hide the fact that she loves traveling a lot. She simply finds fulfillment in visiting different countries and learning about their culture without having to spend an arm and a leg for plane fare and accommodations. So when she was crowned with the Mikimoto-encrusted crown last year, the anticipation for a string of personal appearances and crowning duties was well-justified. And why not? If the likes of Miss World 2013 Megan Young can country-hop non-stop and Miss Supranational 2013 Mutya Datul got to stay in Belarus with fulfilled invitations to places like Poland, Panama and Gabon during their reigns, why can’t she? Her year is about to end in four months’ time, and the antsy feeling can’t be helped.
Well, a little birdie whispered to my ear that the Japanese organizers allegedly charge a high amount for guest appearances of their winner. As a result, interested groups allegedly opt out even before negotiations can be started.
Definitely, the missed opportunities of this Miss are the stuff she can only reminisce with great regret by the end of 2014. But what can she do? Her title-related moves are just as good as what her ‘bosses’ will approve.
Let’s hope that she can at least be given the chance to travel to Korea and China before November arrives. ;-)
