Meet Yuki Sonoda, a Pinay-Japanese beauty queen who made rounds on social media after being crowned as Miss Universe Japan 2020 second runner-up.
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While she may not have won the competition, Yuki was surprised by the overwhelming support she's received from Filipinos.
"Actually, nagulat po ako. Ang daming nag-message sa 'kin," she shares in an interview with Summit Media. "Noong una, I was so sad pero nung nakita ko yung mga [messages], yung mga post, super natuwa po ako. Nagco-congratulations sila.
"Masaya rin ako kasi napasaya ko ang mga Filipino people."
Born in the Philippines, Yuki moved to Japan when she was 10 years old. Her mom is a Pinay, who's from Montalban, Rizal.
The law graduate always dreamed of joining beauty pageants. She even watches Binibining Pilipinas! "Gustong-gusto ko talagang sumali sa pageant. Kahit na bata pa ako, [nanonood na ako ng] Binibining Pilipinas sa TV," she recounted.
Yuki started joining pageants at 19. Her very first competition was Miss Philippines-Japan, where she was crowned third runner-up. She will represent Japan in the upcoming Miss Charm International 2021!
READ MORE ABOUT PINAYS LIVING ABROAD
- How Finding Purpose in Corporate Life Led this Pinay to Thailand at Age 29
- How Working and Living Alone Abroad at 30 Taught Me True Independence
Watch the video below to learn more about this half-Filipina beauty queen:
