An ambition turned into reality.
This was how Pauline Amelinckx described her experience at the Miss Supranational 2023 where she finished as the first runner-up.
Pauline shared this on her social media accounts on Sunday, July 16 after the coronation night of the international pageant.
“Ever since I stepped on our National Stage it has been my greatest ambition to represent the PH internationally,” the beauty queen said.
“It has been my greatest honor and pleasure to turn that ambition into reality and finally has been able to attach the Philippines to my name,” Pauline added.
The 27-year-old model competed at the Miss Universe Philippines (MUP) three times. Early this year, she finally won on her third try as the country’s delegate for the Poland-based international pageant.
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In her post, Pauline shared that she sees rejection as “redirection” in her pageant journey.
“It takes a great amount of dedication toward your own personal growth and belief in your own worth to see rejection as redirection. But one thing that I learned over the course of this journey is that we can tap into our inner strength to grow and bloom where life plants us. It is up to YOU and YOU are worth it!” she said.
Despite not winning the crown, the Bohalana beauty still saw the outcome as “victory.”
“The unwavering and ever-growing support that I have felt on this entire journey has been humbling, moving and life changing. This is not a one-woman journey and I have so many people to thank for where I am right now and the victory that we share. (It IS a victory),” Pauline said.
She ended her post with a deep gratitude to all the people who cheered for her and her experiences.
“I will be looking back and reflecting some more for a bit. But for now, know that I am immensely proud of our victory, grateful for the love and excited to be back home. Daghang Salamat, Philippines,” Pauline said.
Ecuador’s Andrea Aguilera was crowned the 14th Miss Supranational during the coronation.
‘Low-key amazed at myself’
Pauline first entered the MUP in 2020 wherein she finished as the third runner-up behind Rabiya Mateo.
The Belgian beauty once again competed in 2022. She finished as MUP Charity 2022 and a third behind Celeste Cortesi, who won at that time.
RELATED: ‘I came back’: Pauline Amelinckx grateful for 2nd try at Miss Universe PH 2022
Early this year, Pauline finally fulfilled her dream to represent the Philippines internationally at this year’s edition of Miss Supranational in Poland.
Michelle Dee of Makati City, meanwhile, was the winner of the sought-after MUP title.
RELATED: ‘It was powerful’: Pauline Amelinckx reflects on evening gown portion of MUPH 2023
Because of the setbacks she experienced, Pauline said that she was “low-key” amazed at herself for getting this far.
“I am low-key amazed at myself too. It felt so surreal to go through all the challenges and ups and downs of this journey and still have been able to make it this far. It’s all the training, hard work, heart work and yes, DEDICATION that made this happen,” she said.
While not the major crown, Pauline snagged an award—the winner of the Miss Supra Chat challenge. It is an online challenge where candidates advance by the votes and views on the Miss Supranational app.
READ: Pauline Amelinckx thankful as she advances to Miss Supranational’s SupraChat Top 10
