"Trying out for my biggest dream on the day that brought my biggest heartbreak," Angelique Manto writes on Instagram last February 13. Clad in a sleek dark gray suit and nude pumps, with a brown envelope and a black Bottega Veneta Jodie bag in hand, the influencer officially launched her campaign for the Miss Universe Philippines 2023 crown.
In case you didn't know, Angelique already bagged a title before when she won Miss Pampanga in 2014. This marks her return to the pageant stage after nearly nine years! She shares that the date she submitted her application had great bearing to her, since it reminded her of her father.
"Today feels like a full circle moment for me. My last memory with my dad was him carrying me on his wheelchair as I won Miss Pampanga back in 2014. Eight years ago, on February 13th, my dad took his last breath," the former courtside reporter stated.
"So, when you ask me how important today is, it means the universe to me," continues the 26-year-old. "It's as if this was all made to happen today. That I get to finally take the leap towards my dream–our dream–on the day I will always remember my papa."
She wraps up her sentimental post, declaring: "I know he’s always been proud of me but [he] will [be] even prouder than before as I assume an old promise–this is an ode to my dad."
Angelique's fans and fellow content creators were elated, to say the least, about her finally going for her dream. The likes of Ashley Yap, Toni Sia, Dani Barretto, Issa Pressman, and more expressed their excitement for her.
She even got the stamp of approval from other beauty queens and titleholders, including Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa and Miss Grand International 2016 Runner-Up Nicole Cordoves. Ayn Bernos, who also competed in Miss Universe Philippines before, even coined the hashtag: #ManokKoSiManto for her run.
However, the most eager person, aside from Angelique herself, has got to be David Guison, her boyfriend. "Proud of you," he commented followed by heart and crying emojis. Aww!
And we, for one, are also so excited to see you on that stage, Angelique! All the best!
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