By Elishah Pangilinan, ETONLINE Manila
The Camarines Sur native was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2017 at the 54th edition of the Binibining Pilipinas pageant held Sunday evening at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City. Peters, who took up International Studies at the British School in Thailand and has a Bachelor of Business, Tourism and Events degree from La Trobe University in Australia, bested 39 other entrants to take home the coveted title.
Miss Universe Philippines 2016 Maxine Medina handed the crown to her successor.
Peters, 25, impressed the judges and pageant enthusiasts when she tackled unity, diversity and respect when asked about her message to leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean). "I believe that one of the biggest problems that our country faces today is divisiveness in politics, in religion and also in culture. And I believe that is something the same across the world. That is something I want to address," Peters said.
Here are the queens who will represent the Philippines in the international pageants:
Miss Universe Philippines 2017: #19 Rachel Peters
Bb Pilipinas International 2017: #15 Mariel de Leon
Bb Pilipinas Intercontinental 2017: #31 Katarina Rodriguez
Bb Pilipinas Globe 2017: #18 Nelda Ibe
Bb Pilipinas Grand International 2017: #39 Elizabeth Durado Clenci
Bb Pilipinas Supranational 2017: #22 Chanel Olive Thomas
And here are the special awards and the list of ladies who made it to the Top 15:
Miss Friendship: #22 Chanel Olive Thomas
Best in Talent: #1 Dane Felisse Marasigan
Miss Photogenic: #19 Rachel Peters
Best in National Costume: #22 Chanel Olive Thomas
Best in Swimsuit: #19 Rachel Peters
Best in Evening Gown: #15 Mariel de Leon
Miss Philippine Airlines: #31 Katarina Rodriguez
Miss Creamsilk: #15 Mariel de Leon
Miss Manila Bulletin: #20 Christagale Borja
She's So Jag: #19 Rachel Peters
