Oh, how we love our beauty queens!

From the 1900s and our Carnival Queens to our present-day pageant beauties, they've brought fame and glory to a country that takes beauty contests very seriously.

And in this age of social media when news travels really fast, our beauty queens are constant headliners.

PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) counted 2017's haul—and would you believe that, this year alone, the Philippines bagged more than 40 beauty pageant titles from around the world?

Pinay candidates of various ages and sizes practically dominated minor pageants abroad.

Here's a roundup of the country's placements in international pageants in 2017.

Without a doubt my greatest achievement to date!! ✨To be the 66th Filipina to stand on the Miss Universe stage with the most beautiful girls in the world, and to represent the most amazing country- Ang mahal kong Pilipinas! 🇵🇭 Thank you so much to everyone who was part of this journey, i am SO lucky to have every single one of you in my life. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine I would be brave enough to do something like this, but you all are the reason I got to where I am. I'm still so overwhelmed by all the love ❤️ I promise I gave my all but I've always been a believer in fate, destiny and God's perfect timing so I'm thankful for the opportunity and the memories, but I am so looking forward to seeing what God has in store for me, and to come home to the Philippines. First thing on the agenda-Sinigang!!! 😍

A post shared by Rachel Peters (@rachelpetersx) on Nov 27, 2017 at 5:08pm PST

MISS UNIVERSE 2017

Rachel Peters sashayed up to Top 10 of the Miss Universe 2017 pageant at The AXIS of Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.A., last November 26.

The 26-year-old model-entrepreneur competed with 91 other contestants, and was an early favorite during the competition.

South Africa's Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters eventually won the title.

PHILIPPINES!!!! 😃🇵🇭❤️ I’m on my way back home as I write this message & I am just so excited for all the bangus, daing, bagoong, YANYAN & Mang Inasal unli-rice that I’m going to eat. 🤣🙊🙊 But most of all, I am so excited to be returning to my country! :) As you can tell from his pic 😂 I was SO happy to be wearing your sash last night. :) I felt so proud showing the world that I come from the land known for its people - their laughter, smile, spirit & warmth no matter where in the world they are. When I first met the girls last month, the first thing almost all of them told me was that they had Filipinos in their neighborhood (kahit sa Caribbean guys paano kaya tayo na abot dun 😅) & that they were the best & kindest type of people. :) I know we didn’t get as far as we wanted to here, but I don’t want anyone to be sad, okay? ❤️ Remember what Coach Tai said, Happy Happy Heartstrong. ❤️ What’s important is that we live our lives with a smile & with a heart, because we are so lucky. :) I want you to know that I had an amazing journey here & that I learned much more than any classroom could teach me. Just wearing this beautiful @markbumgarner creation already made me feel like a queen. 🙊 And so with that, this is Laura Lehmann - Beauty With A Purpose Winner, Head To Head Winner, Top 40 - saying, I love you Philippines & I’m coming home. ❤️

A post shared by Laura Lehmann (@iamlauralehmann) on Nov 18, 2017 at 5:52pm PST

MISS WORLD 2017

Laurah Lehman was the country's representative to the Miss World 2017 pageant held last November 18, at the Sanya City Arena in Sanya, China.

The 23-year-old TV host-model didn't make it to the semis, but was among the Top 40 candidates.

The Pinay beauty queen also bagged several awards from the pageant, including "Beauty With A Purpose" and "Top 10 People's Choice Award."

This crowning moment I will treasure for a lifetime.👑🇵🇭 #MissEarth #MissEarth2017 #missearth #ME #beautyqueen #advocate #bethechange #empoweringwomen #empowerment #photoftheday #bestoftheday #environment #beautiesforacause #responsibility #awarenessinaction #ecowarrior #earthwarrior #teamphilippines #philippines #fashion #style #look #lookbook #friendshipgoals #pageant #ForThePhilippines

A post shared by Karen Ibasco (@karenibasco) on Nov 6, 2017 at 3:01am PST

MISS EARTH 2017

Karen Ibasco gave the country its fourth Miss Earth title.

Ecuador's Katherine Espin passed the crown to Karen at the pageant's grand coronation night last November 4, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The 26-year-old medical physicist bagged five medals early in the competition: three golds and two silvers.

Karen earned gold medals during the National Costume-Asia Pacific competition: Group 2's swimsuit competition and "Darling of the Press."

Her silver medals: Group 2's long-gown competition and resorts-wear competition.

To represent the Philippines on an International stage with 69 other women was something I never thought would be possible for me before! What a feat. 💕 Thank you Lord for this wonderful and unforgettable experience! As tiring and taxing as it was at times, I enjoyed every moment and I will keep it in my heart forever. Thank you to my supporters (both in the PH and around the world for all the wonderful messages) filled with so much love and support! Thank you to my mentors for guiding me and supporting me since 2013. Thank you to my family and close friends for loving me sooo much and for being my rock(s) haha. I’m so proud of how far I’ve come, how hard I fought and how much I grew & transformed! Strong, empowered, and brave is the new sexy. 🖤 I still have my Miss International Philippines crown and now I can push my limits even more as to what else I can achieve and give to my fellow Filipinos! 👑 "I know that every time I step on the stage it's a real gift, so I try not to take it for granted, and I try to make it an experience that the public can really participate in." I gave my all and I know I did amazing therefore I have no regrets! To God be ALL the glory! 🙏🏻

A post shared by MARIA ‘Mariel’ DE LEON (@mariaangelicadl) on Nov 14, 2017 at 11:26pm PST

MISS INTERNATIONAL 2017

Mariel de Leon's Miss International bid for the crown was cut short when she failed to make it to the Top 15 during the semi-finals.

Indonesia's Kevin Lilliana, who trained under Kagandahang Flores, bagged her country's first major pageant title.

REINA HISPANOAMERICANA 2017

Teresita Ssen Marquez, popularly known as Winwyn, is the first Filipina and Asian to ever win the Reina Hispanoamericana crown.

Colombia's Maria Camila Soleibe bequeathed the crown to Winwyn at the pageant's grand coronation night held last November 4, in Santa Cruz, Bolivia.

The 25-year-old Kapuso actress is the country's first Filipino candidate in the pageant.

During the question-and-answer portion of the competition, Winwyn was asked how she would promote Hispanic culture despite the language barrier.

The Pinay beauty queen answered, "The Hispanic culture is not about language only. It is about love for God, love for country, love for history and culture, and love for family.

"And as a Filipina with a unique heritage, I have instilled that. I am ready to promote the Hispanic culture, not just in Asia, but in the whole world."

Sooon...🤗 _____________________________________________________________My Fairy God Mothers are the best!❤️ Thank you 💄:@pongniu 💁🏽:@renzpangilinan 💃: @john_paul_dizon 🔥 #ReinaTeresita

A post shared by Teresita Ssen Winwyn Marquez (@teresitassen) on Nov 20, 2017 at 8:10pm PST

Share This Post