We’ve grown accustomed to seeing a rousing homecoming of a Filipina from winning Miss International or Miss Universe, but it’s rare to watch two international winners standing side by side on one occasion. It was surely a treasured moment when Binibining Pilipinas Cinderella Faye Obeñita and Maureen Montagne, both stunning in their blue gowns, took the stage of Novotel Manila for their Double Victory Homecoming celebration hosted by Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. on Tuesday.
“I’m so overwhelmed. This feels surreal. We had our send-off together, and now we’re here on our homecoming, together with the crowns. I’m very happy,” Obeñita exclaimed.
“I feel so grateful. I’m so proud to bring home our second Miss Globe crown and I’m so glad that both our dreams came true,” Montagne enthused.
The two homecoming queens were welcomed by Binibining Pilipinas International 2021 Hannah Arnold, widely predicted to win our seventh Miss International title, together with next-in-line queens Gabrielle Camille Basiano and Meiji Cruz, and Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental 2019 Emma Tiglao who was the lovely host of the event.
“I would describe my journey in Miss Globe as a ‘marathon’ because it was so much hard work. But from competing in the US, here, and in Egypt, it was all about not giving up. I want to do better and to push new heights. While it’s a marathon, the end result is the most rewarding I’ve ever done,” Montagne said eliciting laughter among the media people.
“It’s magical just like my Cinderella story. Pageants can be stressful and draining, but with all the creativity and collaborative efforts, being with the kind and right people who believe in me, this would not have been possible,” Obeñita said to describe her Miss Intercontinental journey.
Montagne and Obeñita also were the second Filipinas to bring home the crowns from their respective pageants following Miss Globe 2015 Ann Lorraine Colis and Miss Intercontinental 2018 Karen Gallman. They are expected to do appearances in charity events and travel abroad as they fulfill the duties as titleholders.
“With this crown, I have both influence and responsibility. I want to use of this opportunity to advance my advocacy to promote cervical cancer awareness and prevention. I hope to bring my cause internationally,” said Obeñita.
“I don’t know yet how much Miss Globe does, but I think it’s a pageant that needs a little more love, and attention because I believe the pageant is doing good things,” said Montagne.
