Cochrane is among royalty with Bow Valley High School student Khristel Cuesta ‘KC’ recently crowned as Miss Pilipinas Canada.
“Since I was young I liked watching modelling videos and knew I wanted to be like them,” Cuesta said.
Cuesta, 18, was crowned in Calgary on Oct. 9 at the Miss Pilipinas pageant, increasing her chances to participate in Miss Philippines Canada pageant in Toronto in January.
“I am so proud because since she was a kid she wanted to be a beauty queen and wanted to be a role model and inspire teens,” said Tina Cuesta, Khristel’s mother.
Khristel moved to Cochrane 10 months ago with her mother, father and four siblings. The Grade 12 student has competed in pageants in the Philippines and is a former titleholder of her hometown and has placed runner up in other competitions.
“At first it is a bit scary but once you are in front on stage you build your confidence,” Khristel explained.
The pageant winner said that she is excited to be competing in Canadian competitions because she wants to be able to represent Cochrane and help give the community exposure.
“Cochrane is a beautiful town with warm-hearted people,” Khristel said with a smile.
If Khristel advances to the Miss Philippines Canada pageant, she will be able to serve as an “Ambassador of Goodwill” promoting the Filipino culture. The mission statement of the competition is to have the pageant participants serve as “inspiration to youths, showing the beauty, talents and the virtues of a young Filipina.”
Khristel’s parents said they are proud of their daughter and her accomplishments.
Being one of five siblings, Khristel said she is the only one to “seriously” pursue the pageants in-between her high-school studies and part-time job – and while the Bow Valley student enjoys the pageant life, Khristel refers to the events as a “pastime.” She is planning to attend post-secondary school after graduation to become a paralegal.
“It is a new experience, you gain a lot of friends and knowledge, and it also builds confidence,” Khristel said.
While the 18-year-old waits to hear back if she will be attending the Toronto pageant, Khristel said she is “excited” to see what the new year will bring.
