[Trending Now] Daughter Of Veteran Actor Christopher De Leon Was Hailed As Miss International-Philippines 2017, 'I've Been Dreaming Of This!'

Veteran actors and celebrity couple Christopher de Leon and Sandy Andolong were extremely proud parents after their daughter, Mariel, won the Binibining Pilipinas-International crown last April 30. 

Politician Christopher de Leon describes his daughter’s moment as the “most exciting time of my life.” 

“I am so proud of her. I’ve been dreaming of this,” Christopher said “I’ve been wanting something really, really good for Mariel.”

The longtime actor even admitted that he prayed for Mariel to win the pageant. 

“It’s always humility and victory. Once you’re really grounded, you will make it. That really counts a lot,” the happy father said – as advice to his daughter.

For her part, Sandy praised her daughter after winning the Binibining Pilipinas crown. She considers it a particularly special moment for her family.

“She’s a princess. She’s our princess. Now she’s a queen. This is very special. This has been her dream. Second time na nga and finally, she won. She really prepared for this. Talagang determined,” Andolong said.

Mariel finished in the Top 15 of Binibining Pilipinas 2013 but didn’t win the competition then.

Miss Binibining Pilipinas Mariel said: “I haven’t absorbed anything yet. Miss International is the crown I’ve also wanted besides [the Universe]. I am really proud of how far I’ve come. It’s just the start of another adventure.”

She was especially thankful for her parent’s unshakable support.

“Thank you nanay, tatay for all the love and support that you’ve given me since birth. I love you so much and this one’s for you,” she said.

Indeed a lot of her father’s toughness shone through during her Q&A segment in the pageant.

When asked about what she can do better than a male, she had very unique and honest answer:

"I think I can box better than males, and I believe I can do anything better than males because it isn't about gender at all. It's about your abilities, your strengths, your weaknesses and your confidence within yourself. And with that, you can achieve anything," De Leon said.  

Relive her crown-winning answer here!

Did you see the Mariel crowned as the new Binibining Pilipinas? Was she your pick to win the pageant? 

Tell us what you thought of her win in the comments section! Share this story on Facebook!

Source: ABS-CBN