‘ReINAnay’ Leona Luisa Andersen gears up for bigger stage

Mrs. Philippines International 2021 Leona Luisa Andersen-Jocson/ARMIN P. ADINA

MANILA, Philippines — Leona Luisa Andersen has come a long way since finishing second in the “ReINA ng Tahanan” contest of noontime show “It’s Showtime” in 2021. Back then she was a solo parent finding second wind in the pageant scene where she has thrived in before becoming a mom. Now, not only has she found a life partner who she has tied the knot with, thus adding “-Jocson” to her surname, she is also aiming for a bigger crown.

“I am now ready for a bigger stage—THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE,” posted “ReINAnay Leona” on her Facebook account days after relinquishing her Mrs. Philippines International title to her successor at the national pageant’s 2023 edition held at the grand ballroom of Okada Manila in Parañaque City on April 4, Holy Tuesday.

Andersen signed up for the 2021 Mrs. Philippines International pageant after missing a finals berth in the noontime show. She won the daily and weekly rounds, but was edged out in the monthly round. But after qualifying for the national pageant, the program contacted her for the wildcard round. She agreed to take part in it and earned slot in the grand finals in the competition held before the staging of the national pageant.

Armed with her fresh pageant experience, beamed on live television at that, the mother queen dominated the national competition and captured the most coveted title of the evening, earning for her the right to represent the Philippines in the Mrs. International pageant.

“Remember why you started,” Andersen said in her farewell speech. She said her whole life “changed and became colorful” after receiving the national title on Dec. 18, 2021. She described her more than a year of reigning as “an enjoyable rollercoaster ride” that brought her memories and learnings.

“Since the crown was placed on my head, I had a literal reminder of all my responsibilities as the current titleholder. I said to myself that I have to keep my momentum consistent and make my name not known but remembered,” she continued.

Andersen also expressed her gratitude to her mother and daughter who she said served as her inspiration. Andersen also thanked her “ex-boyfriend [who] is now my husband” for being her number one supporter, and “for always boosting me up when I start doubting myself, and for putting me back on track when I feel like giving up.”

The queen also thanked the Mrs. Philippines International organization for molding her “into a better woman for not just the Philippines but ready to conquer internationally.” She also acknowledged her supporters, “and those who continue to believe in me, you are the highlights for me to keep going on.”

She also congratulated her successor, Irma Bitzer. “I am indeed proud that my successor is someone who is as goal-driven and persistent as I am. Now I know that I have finished my reign in a great way, and that someone will still continue the momentum that I have left,” Andersen said in a Facebook post.

“Philippines, I will conquer the next competition with more power, love, compassion, character, consistency, and dedication. It’s no longer my name that I will bring, but I will bring our country with all my heart,” the queen continued in her speech.

Andersen told the Inquirer that the 2023 Mrs. International pageant is tentatively scheduled in December. The global tilt has three categories (Mrs., Elite, and Ms.), and she will be joined by her fellow 2021 national titleholders in the contest—Elite Mrs. Philippines International Genevieve Louw and Ms. Philippines International Marites Ortega. EDV

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