(MENAFN- The Peninsula) The Peninsula online
Doha, Qatar: Two Filipino teen expats are set to take on the challenge of winning the 'Princess of the Universe' crown to be held live in London next month.
The 'Princess of the Universe' is a modeling competition spearheaded by UK-based Filipina CEO of DBC Online, Mitch Desunia. The competition, which started in 2020 during the pandemic, was established to provide a platform for aspiring models around the globe while garnering support for a social cause close to their hearts.
This year, two Filipina expats in Qatar will participate in the 2023 edition of the competition.
These aspiring candidates include Francesca Concepcion, a 16-year-old candidate born and raised in Qatar, who is advocating for animal welfare. Through the competition, she wanted to educate others about the importance of adopting animals from shelters as well as to encourage the spaying and neutering of pets to combat overpopulation and reduce the number of stray animals.
Another candidate who will fight for the 'Princess of the Universe' title is 18-year-old Qatar resident, Nia Janelle Incabo. Born in the UK, Incabo, on the other hand, wants to draw attention to children with special needs and disabilities. She is adamant about convincing the entire world to give equal opportunities, respect, and a sense of belonging to these children.
The two candidates are preparing ahead of the 'Princess of the Universe 2023' competition which will take place in London in September. Meanwhile, Unica Raija De Vera, a Filipina teen expat in Qatar and the reigning 'Princess of the Universe' also looks forward to being part of the competition which will decide the next winner of the crown.
Unica Raija De Vera
De Vera won the title when she joined the competition in 2021 and advocated to help the poor school children in her hometown Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan in the Philippines. As the reigning 'Princess of the Universe', she had the opportunity to walk the runways in New York, the London Fashion Week in September last year, and got featured in magazines including the World Fashion Media in the UK, the Harper's Bazaar in Great Britain, and LLQ Lifestyle Qatar. De Vera is also an active front act singer of some Filipino concerts held in Qatar such as shows by artists like Bamboo, Regine Velasquez, and the upcoming Gigi De Lana concert. Next month, De Vera will be on the ramp again in London, Paris, and Milan.
The two Filipina candidates, Francesca Concepcion and Nia Janella Incabo, will head to London in September to face the top contenders from the UK, USA, Canada, Luxembourg, Malta, Hungary, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines.