Sarah Nichole Filtness, 13, who hails from Moalboal town in southeastern Cebu, is Little Miss Universe 2019. The beauty pageant was held in Tbilisi, Georgia. | Contributed photo by Ervin Demape
CEBU CITY, Philippines — A 13-year-old Cebuana beauty queen has brought pride to the country after winning the Little Miss Universe 2019 under the Preteen Category held at the Tbilisi, Georgia, Europe on May 9.
In an interview with Cebu Daily News Digital, Sarah Nichole Filtness said that she is very happy and shocked that she was able to win the title.
“I was so speechless. It was a mix of of emotion. I am really overwhelmed. I felt very proud. I do not know. I felt happy. I cried because of all the hard work we did. I can finally say that I made it and this crown is not only for me but it is for our God and to all the Filipinos,” Filtness said.
The Philippine bet also received Best in National Costume designed by Lyndon Adolfo inspired by the Philippine eagle.
What the 13-year-old Moalboal native learned from joining the pageant is to respect other people.
“Respect to each candidate who has their own personalities and culture. I (also) learned to be more confident in myself and more open-minded to everyone,” Filtness said.
Filtness has a Filipino and Canadian lineage. She is a Grade 7 student at the Saint Augustine Academy in the town of Alcantara.
May Labrador, Filtness’ mother said that her daughter liked to join the pageants.
“She really likes beauty pageants so she asks me if she can join Miss Teen Basdiot Tourism 2018, so I was just behind here and supporting my daughter,” she said.
Her first title was Miss Teen Basdiot Tourism 2018 in the town of Moalboal.
The other titles under her belt were Miss Malhiao Tourism 2018 in Badian, Miss Intramurals 2018 for St. Augustine Academy, and Little Princess of the Philippines 2018 first runner-up.
Ervin Demape, Filtness’ handler said he was teary-eyed after the coronation because he knew that the pageant was tough.
“Grabe akong training niya from the walk, talent, and question and answer,” he told CDN Digital.
(She had to train in terms of walking, talent, and as well as in the question and answer.)
Filtness will arrive in Cebu on May 12, Sunday. /dbs