Sharifa Areef Mohammad Omar Akeel
THE PHILIPPINES finally ended its 25-year drought for the Miss Asia Pacific International crown after Sharifa Areef Mohammad Omar Akeel won the title on October 4 at the Newport Performing Arts Theatre, Resorts World Manila, Pasay City.
The Sultan Kudarat beauty bested 49 other candidates across the globe and succeeded Miss Asia Pacific International 2017 Francielly Ouriques of Brazil.
During the final question and answer round, Akeel was asked about the biggest issue of diversity the world is facing and how to resolve it.
“One of the biggest issues in our country is cyberbullying. We have to accept the fact that all of us were born with strength and weaknesses and with that, we have our own imperfections. Let us appreciate one uniqueness and relevance and, as a millennial, I believe the millennial policy of compassion, idealism, striving for uniqueness and authenticity because you are a beautiful creation of God no matter who you are and wherever you are in the world. Beauty is indeed diverse and it is visible to all of us. Thank you,” she answered.
Other winners in Miss Asia Pacific International 2018 are Gabriela Palma of Brazil (first runner-up), Melania Gonzales of Costa Rica (second runner-up), Misheelt Narmandakh of Mongolia (third runner-up), and Mariani Nataly Chacon Angarita of Venezuela (fourth runner-up).
Aside from winning the Miss Asia Pacific International 2018 crown, Akeel received special awards during the pre-pageant activities like Miss ISKIN, Best in Evening Gown, and Darling of the Press.
Akeel is the fifth Filipina to win the crown after Michelle Aldana (1993), Lorna Legaspi (1989),
Gloria Dimayacyac (1983), and Ma. Del Carmen Inez Zaragoza (1982).
She won the Mutya ng Pilipinas 2018 last September and succeeded Cebuana beauty queen Mutya ng Pilipinas 2017 and Miss Asia Pacific International 2017 fourth runner-up Ilene de Vera.