Get to know new Miss International Queen Philippines 2024 Sophia Nicole Arkanghel
Sophia Nicole Arkangel has been crowned as the new Miss International Queen Philippines 2024.
The beauty queen hailing from Kalayaan, Laguna bested 32 other aspirants from all over the country at the recently concluded Miss International Queen Philippines 2024 pageant held on Sunday, April 14 at Aliw Theater in Pasay City.
Likewise, she bagged most of the awards from the night including Best in Filipiniana Costume, Best in Swimsuit, and Best in Long Gown.
During the Question and Answer round, Sophia impressed the judges with her stand on the question, "If you would win, how would you use your MIQPH crown to unite our trans community locally and globally?"
She answered, "If I win tonight I will use my crown through my voice as part of the trans community. And as a comeback queen, who has fully reached her ultimate evolution, I'd like to champion causes like this and work with the organization and with the government."
Sophia continued, "[I will] make sure our voice is being heard and our visibility is being seen, and through this, may I prove to everybody that we are worthy representation of fine human beings. That we are [trans women] who [have] the heart and purpose to be of service not only here in the Philippines but to the whole world."
Meanwhile, Niña Marie Similatan from Manay, Davao Oriental hailed as the First Runner up while Manila's Julian Concepcion is the Second Runner up.
Koronadal City's Sheila Magpale and San Jose Delmonte Bulacan's bet Mikay Bautista, on the other hand, emerged as Third Runner up and Fourth Runner up, respectively.
Winning in a Pageant is not new to Sophia
ICYDK, Sophia is one of the repeaters for this year's MIQPH edition. She made it to the Top 10 finalists in last year's pageant.
"Even [though] I failed [on] my first try, I am here and you are there, still supporting me," she said during the Q and A round.
Treating pageants as her "comfort zone," Sophia is also known in the circle as a "Latina-Filipina" queen as she bears the vibes of some internationally known Latina beauty queens including Venezuelan actress and model and Miss Universe 2018 Second Runner up, Sthefany Gutiérrez.
Before winning the coveted MIQPH 2024 crown, she also won several local pageant crowns including as Binibining Apollo 2022, Binibining Ikatlong Lahi ng Laguna 2022 First Runner up, Queen Prestige International 2022 First Runner up, Queen of RZQ Fourth Princess, and among others.
She has also modeled for several popular brands in cosmetics, clothing, and other consumer products.
An advocate
Initially, beauty pageants were just about fun and expression for Sophia, but as time went by, she realized that the competitions were also a way to promote advocacies and "be the voice of those who are unheard."
The beauty queen's advocacy includes being a voice for those who feel excluded. Rooting from her own story, Sophia wanted to highlight the idea of acceptance of our differences.
"It is not our differences that divide us, it is our inability to recognize, accept and celebrate the beauty in diversity," she said in an advocacy video during the MIQPH 2023.
She continued, "Let us spread love, peace and promote inclusivity for everyone and make this world a more comfortable and diverse place for all of us."
Moreover, Sophia is also championing transgender woman rights in the country believing that embracing her transwomanhood with pride, respect, and love will be a huge step to amplify true beauty that lies in acceptance and inclusivity.
Sophia will represent the country in the Miss International Queen 2024 on August 24 in Pattaya, Thailand. She is aiming to bring the fourth crown to the country following Fuschia Anne Ravena's win in 2022, Trixie Maristela in 2015, and Kevin Balot in 2012.