SWEET SUCCESS: UP law student wins Reina Internacional Del Chocolate 2022 in Panama (Sabong News)
Author
Robert Requintina
Date
APRIL 01 2022
A University of the Philippines College of Law student was crowned Reina Internacional Del Chocolate 2022 during a competition held in Panama City, Panama last March 30 (March 31, Manila time).
Pageant veteran Jerelleen Rodriguez is the first Asian to win in the competition that promotes the chocolate industry among participating nations.
Ecuador’s candidate Laura Aguilera won the title of Reina Internacional del Cacao in the competition dominated by Latinas.
Other winners were Miss Brazil Kauane Nava, 1st runner-up; Miss United States Gennesis Padron, 2nd runner-up; and Miss Mexico Jaqui Gomez, 3rd runner-up.
During the final question-and-answer portion, Rodriguez was asked what she would tell the international cacao industry if she would win.
Rodriguez answered: “Today, as we are still celebrating Women’s Month, I would like to appreciate the women in the cacao industry. In the Philippines, when Supertyphoon ‘Yolanda’ devastated the province of Samar, crops were destroyed as well as their livelihood. And it was the phenomenal women of the province who took it upon themselves to look for a new livelihood, which is cacao. And they’re doing it not only for themselves, but for the future of their family.”
This is Rodriguez’s second international win. In 2016, she won Miss United Continents in Ecuador. She also competed in Bb. Pilipinas 2018.
On Instagram, Rodriguez said:”PILIPINAS!!!
We have a new crown!
“I am overwhelmed by all your sweet messages. You are all wonderful.
“Before anything else, the title of Reina Internacional Del Chocolate 2022 is of equal footing with Reina Internacional Del Cacao 2022. The thrust of the organization is the chocolate industry. But there is no chocolate if there is no cacao. Hence, the tagline, #sincacaonohaychocolate (no cacao, no chocolate). That is why Reina Internacional Del Cacao and Chocolate will represent these industries together as we reign.
“I thank everyone for your support in my @reinadointernacionaldelcacao pageant. There are so many people that I wish to mention, and I will do so in another post. “I am on my way back to the Philippines to start my reign. See you all soon.”
