Kasley Malaika Libres. | photo from Libres’ Facebook account
Cebu City, Philippines—A young Cebuana beauty queen is now in Tbilisi, Georgia, Europe to represent the country in the teen category of Little Miss Universe 2019.
Kasley Malaika Libres told Cebu Daily News Digital that she feels pressured since this is the first time that the Philippines sent a representative to Miss Teen Universe.
“I am very excited at the same time pressured, especially that it is my first time in Europe,” said the 12-year-old Libres. “I could say that I am very much ready to show the universe what I have got.”
The coronation night is slated on May 10, 2019, where around 20 candidates across the globe are competing.
Among her preparations in the pageant include practicing her pasarela walk and how to handle the question and answer portion.
“I have to say that every training is memorable because I improve and learn a lot. My most challenging I should say is when my mentor really pushed me to my limits which made me broke down to tears but everything was worth it,” she said.
Libres has won several titles like Teen Princess Philippines 2018, Miss North District 8 2017, and Miss Unit 8 2017 first runner-up.
She was also a semifinalist for the Model of the World during the World Championship of Performing Arts 2017.
A native from the town of Consolacion, Libres is a Grade 7 student from the Maria Montessori International School.
Libres said she wants to be a beauty queen since she wants to inspire the young people that they can change the world.
“Joining beauty pageants opened my mind to the real world which made me realize that it would be better to go out there, be an inspiration to the youth and extend any help you can most especially to the less privilege children,” she added.
As she joins the international pageant, she also wants to convey the message to other young people to pursue their dreams wholeheartedly and passionately.
“Do not forget to enjoy the journey. Pray for guidance always and you will never go wrong,” she said.
Liberes also wants to highlight the importance of education.
“I believe education is everything. It takes you to places and if we could get everyone to have a quality education, I believe that it will help in changing the world and through this avenue (pageants), I can also show the universe that a teenager like me can do something to change the world, she said. /bmjo