Who is Angelique Manto and why is she the woman to watch?
At this year’s Miss Universe Philippines, Angelique Manto is undeniably one of the biggest names in the competition. This 26-year-old model and content creator from Pampanga made quite the stir the moment she applied.
Beautiful, eloquent and most of all, driven, Angelique perfectly encapsulates the ideal Filipina representative. Not to mention the extent of her influence and the number of people who are rooting for her on her journey. But don’t be fooled; There’s more to Angelique than just her popularity and well-curated Instagram profile.
Because there’s a reason behind her hype, there’s a reason she’s garnering so much attention. And here’s your guide to understanding why.
Who is Angelique Manto and why is she the woman to watch?
She’s a beauty queen, herself
A fresh face in the national pageant scene, you’d be surprised to learn that this isn’t her first or even second attempt in winning a crown. Competing in a slew of local and school pageants, Angeline has a long list of victories to her credit.
To name a few, in 2013, she was Miss UST Personality 2013 2nd runner-up. A year later, she bagged the crowns for both Mutya Ning Lubao and Mutya Ning Kapampangan 2014.
With veteran beauty queens dominating Miss Universe Philippines 2023, Angelique can easily hold up her own.
Born with seemingly a gift of luck, we won’t be surprised to see her walk away with the crown in tow.
And btw, if you’re wondering how’s her communications skills, keep in mind that she’s a former UAAP courtside reporter. Eating microphones will always be a part of her daily regimen.
and i will never not bring back this iconic angelique manto in cdc! #UAAPCDC2022 pic.twitter.com/dD1mVGFXCx
— ◡̈ (@kailerdy) December 10, 2022
A Style Icon
For years, the topic of ‘styling’ has been a major issue surrounding our beauty queens. With fans criticizing every detail behind every outfit, more than dressing for yourself, its dressing to impress. With Angelique, however, we’re confident there won’t be any concerns at all.
A social media darling with a wardrobe to die for, there’s no doubt that she knows how to look good. Bringing her own aesthetic to the table, she’s certainly bound to exceed expectations.
We mean, isn’t her final screening outfit giving us winner vibes already?!
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Also, she wore the exact yellow Jaggy Glarino dress that was previously seen on Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach. Mere coincidence or a premonition? We’re obviously thinking of the latter for sure.
An Advocate for Mental Health
Pageant nowadays eradicates its foundation that’s build on superficial and strict beauty standards. It is now focusing more on empowering women to use their voice by championing causes close to their heart.
For Angelique, she has been working with MentalHealthPH, an NGO which promotes mental health awareness. Dealing with different kinds of bullying while growing up, she understands the plight and anguish that victims endure. Through the help of her platform, she aids in de-stigmatizing mental health-related issues.
Recently, Angelique and MentalHealthPH have forged a memorandum of understanding with the Philippine Department of Health. Through this partnership, they are now able to assist more communities in the fight against mental health.
We just love a hardworking and passionate queen!
Relatable and Inspirational
Blessed with a thriving career and almost picture-perfect life, one would think that Angelique has it all. However, her success didn’t just happen overnight. Like many of us, she had to face many ups and downs just to get to where she is now.
In an Instagram post, Angelique shares that the day she applied for Miss Universe Philippines is also the day she considers as her “biggest heartbreak”. As eight years ago, she lost her father – never having the chance to say her goodbye to him.
Not wanting to make the same mistake again, she decides to take a leap of faith and pursue her greatest dream. Serving as an ode to her father, she refers it as “an opportunity I dare not waste, I will not regret.”
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As previously mentioned, she was once a victim of bullying, and is now helping others overcome theirs.
Through her experiences in life, Angelique is teaching us that by embracing our flaws and vulnerabilities, we channel it to do good and with purpose.
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Already convinced? We sure hope so!
While the pageant hasn’t officially started yet, there’s no denying that Angelique Manto is one worth observing. We can’t wait to see her blossom into the kind of transformational leader that Miss Universe is looking for.
On board the, “Ibalik ang korona sa Pilipinas” train, we’re definitely cheering for you, Angelique! Best of luck to you!
