Was it the final Q&A delivered in Spanish that convinced the judges to crown a Filipina last 2016 as Miss United Continents or Miss Continentes Unidos? Or did Jeslyn Santos present herself most consistently all throughout the competition? I believe it was destiny and all of the above. To actually participate in a Latina-dominated pageant in Guayaquil, Ecuador can already pose a big challenge for any Miss Filipinas. But just like Teresita Ssen Marquez who proved unstoppable in Bolivia on her way to the Reina Hispanoamericana title a year after, this lovely Bulakenya defied all odds and rose to the occasion to become the first Filipina winner of the title. Below are highlights of her performance in the finals.

Jeslyn paid her pageant dues with much hardwork and patience from the very first time that mentor John dela Vega started fielding her in Bb. Pilipinas. They also joined forces for the country’s participation in Miss World Peace 2015 held in Hong Kong. And unbeknownst to the two of them, it would still be their unbreakable duo that will pave the way for the trip to Ecuador for the international pageant. Miss United Continents is one pageant franchise that the latter firmly held on through the years.

What a glorious achievement indeed for this lady whose roots are from the same municipality your blogger comes from – Hagonoy.

Jeslyn flanked by her mentor John dela Vega (left) and now Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando