The long wait is over! Reigning Miss Progress Philippines Beatriz "Zea" Vazquez Awatin is set to compete in the 8th edition of Miss Progress International (MPI) pageant in Italy.
She was supposed to compete last year, however the pageant was postponed due to COVID-19.
Before departing for Puglia, Italy on September 7th, she was given an intimate send-off press conference at Kagandahang Flores Camp in Quezon City today, August 30.
In attendance at the event, who also gave their warm wishes, are KF Founder Rodgil Flores, her loved ones including her father.
Also present is the first ever Miss Progress International titleholder from the Philippines, Jedaver Opingo who also served as the event's host.
The future diplomat graduated Cum Laude in San Beda Alabang with a degree of Bachelor of Arts in International Studies. She earned her Masters Degree in International Relations at De La Salle University.
Outside pageantry, she loved to participate in Spartan races and scuba diving.
As the pageant will focus on human rights, environment and health, Zea's project has been named "The Jeepney Library". It aims to support the lack of access to modern education for the poorest of the poor children of Manila. Making sure that no one is left behind, it is customized with a portable WIFI-connection and computers/laptops built in to give less fortunate children the right to gain access to technology and information.
If she wins, the organization will finance her project for a year.
Her national costume was created by Jay-R Gamboa Flores. She will also be wearing some Chico Estiva creations.
More than 30 candidates are expected to compete in the 8th edition of MPI. The coronation night will be held on September 17 (9:00PM) Italian time / 3:30AM PH time). It will be streamed live on MPI's official Youtube and Facebook pages, as well as on a European TV station.
You can support her journey by voting her until September 17.