LIZA SOFIA HANSEN
MANY young girls dream of becoming beauty queens—of walking down the runway in a stunning gown and then getting that much-coveted crown.
Some of them get lucky and are given the opportunity right away.
Others have to wait for that big break while working hard for their dream.
Little Miss International Philippines Liza Sofia Hansen, 12, knows what it takes to win and is determined to bring home her first international crown. “It’s my first international pageant and many have been supporting me.
I want to show that I can do it and give back to them,” Sofia said in a recent press conference in Cordova.
Sofia is currently in Thailand, competing with 40 other young beauty queens for the Little Miss International pageant, which will have its coronation today.
Prior to this, they participated in a series of events, which included the competition for national costume, long gown and talent, as well as interviews, among others.
“Representing the country in an international pageant, and of course representing Cebu, I will be performing the Sinulog dance for my talent and I will be wearing a Filipiniana for my gown,” she said.
Sofia admitted that her journey has been nerve-wracking so far, but the Filipino-Norwegian beauty has prepared for it well. She underwent trainings under her handler Miss A, which included maintaining her poise while wearing high heels as well as how to correctly respond to questions during the pageant’s Q&A portion.
She is confident that she will ace the Q&A portion as she considers it her strongest suit. Not resting on her own knowledge, Sofia has also gotten pointers from her friends who have joined beauty pageants.
Her cousin Melody Infante, who joined Miss Teen Earth Philippines, has also shared some tips to her.
According to Maan Aries, organizer of Little Princess and Teen Princess of the Philippines, they picked 12-year-old Sofia to represent the country because they trust that she will bring home the crown this year.
“It’s been three years since we last had a winner. And I am confident that Sofia will win the crown,” she said. Win or lose, Little Miss International is only the start of bigger things for Sofia who sees herself joining the country’s prestigious beauty pageants, such as Binibining Pilipinas.