Dainty, glamorous, stylish–these are just a few of the characteristics that an ideal beauty queen has to their name. However, Miss Universe Palawan 2021, Klaidel Hope Concepcion, proved it otherwise, that aside from having the aforementioned qualities, she showed her dominance in all the more that makes her an intellectual beauty. For the past years of harnessing the heights of her childhood dream of being a beauty queen, Klaidel is now a graduating student of Public Administration from the home of the green and maroon, University of the Philippines – Diliman.
Prior to Higher Ramps
Going back to her memoirs, she shared about her first catwalk as young as 5th grade, where she won Miss Girl Scout of the Philippines for her then school, Palawan State University – Laboratory Elementary School, followed by her 2nd reign as Miss Girl Scout of the Philippines, too, this time in Pista Y’ang Cagueban in 2010-2011, her first year in high school.
The doll decided to walk more on the pageantry industry in her high school years, whereas she won Fashionista Queen Year 7 of Fashionista King and Queen, led by one of the top modeling camps in the province, Elitistas Circles of Models. Little did she know that her first local yet major exposure opened the door to more opportunities for her once little self that was always praised for her enticing quality to join such, for then she was hailed 1st runner up for Miss Silka Palawan 2016. A year into her college days, she was also known as their university’s Miss Bio for Mr. & Ms. FreCHsie.
A Walk to Remember
Onto her first national pageant, the then 19-year-old Klaidel took the chance to represent her current place of residence that time, Marikina City for Miss Philippines Earth 2017, placing Top 15 for both categories. Years after and now come the pandemic, it is as if everything aligned for her again, graced by the alluring ‘come back’ syndrome by Palawan, she came home and competed for Miss Palawan 2021.
For what is believed as the right course of time, she became the province’s Miss Universe Palawan 2021. About 16 days till her crowniversary, the 2021 queen looked back to what has become of her reign.
“For the first five months (after being crowned), I chose to rest. There was really burnout after the almost three months of pageant events and my academic (that) also needed catching up,”
“Once I was recovered from the exhaustion, I eased my way into community organization seminars with my mom, bringing my sash along so the trainees can have a little fun and entertainment,”
Miss Palawan Universe 2021
Her first walk into the community organizations was then followed by fundraising, outreaches, and immersion activities through the Miss Palawan Organization and the organizations that she is a part of in her university: University of the Philippines Palaweños, PALS-NCPAG, and University of the Philippines Zoological Society.
“It is being with the people especially communities I don’t usually get to be with and knowing their stories that make my reign and the journey really beautiful and fulfilling,” she said as she also talked about her ongoing project for her represented municipality, Linapacan.
“I am working on a thank-you project for Linapacan. Hopefully, to launch before I end my reign or weeks soon after,” as she also said that what she is conceptualizing is something that she visions that will be relevant not only for the municipality, but to the whole province itself.
The year-after
About almost a year after gracing the city with her love and gratitude, she is still forever grateful for everyone who have helped her into becoming who is today–her mother who was all in when she says that she is all in, to her whole family that constantly cheered her and imparted encouragement despite the distance.
“Also, very grateful to my Team Linapacan: Roledo Conales, Baba Igual, Jojie Locsin, Jeff Mystica, Mario Abadiano, and Erwin Capo,” she articulated.
Furthermore, Klaidel extends her biggest thanks to the rest of the Linapacan, to their local government unit, for aiding her growth as she have gotten to mingle from those in the north and south that made her feel at home and made her time worthwhile amid the pandemic, as well as to the various organizations that she have worked with as she continue to pursue life’s endeavors.
“Especially the 6th CRG, the 408 CDC, and the Eagles. Thankful to the support and opportunities (that are always) available with the UP Palaweños, PAL-NCPAG, and the UP Zoological Society,”
Almost two weeks from now till the passing of the crown to the next worthy queen, Miss Universe Palawan 2021 shared her plans after the 26th and forward.
“I am looking forward to refocusing my energies towards finally finishing my degree, getting employed, and living a much lower key life.”
She also mentioned about her “eventual and inevitable entry” towards becoming Miss Universe Philippines. Surely, it is flattering to see one of our own to be on the big stage again, right?
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