Angel Jed Z Latorre of Iloilo will represent the Philippines this June in the biggest and longest running beauty pageant for young girls– Miss Teen International which will be held in Cambodia (host country). The 17-year old teen won the national pageant (Miss Teen International Philippines) last November 2022 held at the Tanghalang Pasigueno, beating 14 other girls from different cities and provinces. She also won brand awards like Miss Teen Pro-Fit and Miss Teen Beaver and is currently one of the Faces of ALTA Skin Care.
Before she leaves for Phnom Penh, let’s get to know Angel.
When did vou realize that you want to be a beauty queen?
When I was young, I had skin asthma. For that, I was bullied for my looks and skin. Beauty pageants became a source of inspiration for me. I realized I wanted to be a beauty queen when I saw Pia Wurtzbach. She competed in the national pageant 3 times just because she wanted to represent the Philippines in the Miss Universe. Her grit and determination helped me navigate all the issues that I had with my self-esteem.
After Miss Teen, are you going to pursue the adult pageant?
Yes. In due time.
How do you balance your studies and your activities as a teen beauty queen?
Balancing my studies and my activities as a teen beauty queen is sometimes challenging. During free time at school, I try to catch up with my lessons and try to study in advance. I also do the same in between my beauty queen activities.
Do you plan to enter showbiz?
Yes. Being in showbiz is one of my greatest dreams.
What course in college do you plan to take?
I am planning to take on Bachelor of Arts in International Studies since I have high interests for diplomacy and international relations.
Career or lovelife?
I would choose career. Love will follow once you lay the groundwork for your career. Although love can also be some sort of inspiration. And it should not be a distraction.
What advice can you give to young girls who aspire to be a teen queen like you?
My advice to young girls who aspire to be a teen queen like me is to never give up. There will be challenges, comparison, and heartbreaks in the world of pageantry, it is up to us on how we deal with it and turn something negative into the inspiration we need to move forward.
Who is your biggest influence in life and why?
My biggest influence in life is my mother. As a single mother, her experiences gave me the strength that made me who I am today. I am proud to say that I am my mother’s daughter.
What do you look forward to in the upcoming Miss Teen International?
Other than going back to one of my favorite countries, I can’t wait to meet all the girls and to know their stories! I’ve always believed that pageantry’s essence is sisterhood and I can’t wait to meet friends that I will cherish forever!
Do you think you deserve the crown? Why?
Yes. Because I am certain that I embody what a Miss Teen International should be: a strong leader with beauty and brains.
Miss Teen International Philippines headed by its National Director Charlotte Dianco holds the franchise of Miss Teen International for the Philippines. This small and independent organization has been sending candidates not only to Miss Teen International but to various teen pageants abroad since 2018.