Victoria Velasquez Vincent was only three years old when she was kidnapped
VICTORIA VELASQUEZ VINCENT – The candidate representing Bacoor City in the 2024 Miss Universe Philippines pageant, became emotional during a conversation with her mother about her kidnapping at the age of three.
In a video shared on YouTube by Empire Philippines, the beauty queen asked her mother if she ever considered keeping the incident from her. Her mother responded firmly, stating that she never considered withholding the truth as she believed that honesty inevitably reveals itself. However, she waited to disclose the details to Victoria until she was older, aiming for her to comprehend better.
Victoria was then questioned about whether this event, despite her lack of memory of it, influenced her life choices. She affirmed its significant impact, reflecting on being raised in an environment where fundamental rights such as safety, education, and the freedom to shape her reality were ensured.
Victoria expressed gratitude for narrowly escaping a potentially grim fate at three years old, contrasting her current life with the struggles her family endured in the past. She acknowledged feeling a moral duty to utilize her privileges for a greater cause, especially considering less fortunate children.
As a contestant in the Miss Universe Philippines pageant, Victoria aims to leverage her platform for meaningful impact. Despite being offered the title of Miss Universe New Zealand in 2021, she declined, affirming her commitment to serving the Philippines. She emphasized her identity as a Filipina, despite potential criticism, stating her unwavering sense of self and purpose.
Meanwhile, the upcoming Miss Universe Philippines 2024 marks the fifth edition of the pageant. Notably, this edition will introduce a new format where delegates are selected through local pageants participating in the Accredited Partners Program. Michelle Dee, hailing from Makati, will pass on her title to the next winner. The crowned contestant will go on to represent the Philippines in the prestigious Miss Universe 2024 competition set to take place in Mexico.
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