Nicole Borromeo was crowned Binibining Pilipinas International 2022 at the finale of Binibining Pilipinas 2022 which was held at the Araneta Coliseum on 31st July 2022. The 21-year-old stunner from Cebu bested 39 other candidates to win the national crown. She succeeds Masbate’s Hannah Arnold Binibining Pilipinas International 2021. Nicole Borromeo will represent Philippines at Miss International 2023.
Nicole is currently working as a model and pursuing her bachelor’s degree in interior design at the School of Architecture, Fine Arts, and Design of the University of San Carlos. Nicole’s role models include interior designer Dianne Versoza and Filipina marine conservationist Anna Oposa. Her interests and hobbies also include furniture refurbishing, DIY projects, and photography.
While Nicole is a young woman, she is not an amateur in the pageantry. She has won the titles of Reyna ng Aliwan 2019 and Sinulog Festival Queen 2019. Nicole has represented Cebu in different national pageants such as Miss Millennial Philippines, where she won the title in 2019, and Miss Teen Philippines, wherein she placed 2nd runner-up in the 2019 edition. Eventually, Nicole joined the 2022 edition of the Binibining Pilipinas pageant where she took home the Binibining Pilipinas International crown.
Nicole was one of the frontrunners at the national pageant as she delivered stellar performances in the pre-pageant activities. At the talent show, Nicole showed her impressive drawing skills as she made a sketch of what the Binibini Sisterhood meant to her.
Her perya-inspired national costume, which was designed by Axel Que – the genius behind the Bakunawa national costume worn by Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Beatrice Luigi Gomez and the Mayari avant-garde costume worn by Miss World Philippines 2020 Tracy Maureen Perez also made news.
(Image Source: Binibining Pilipinas Instagram)
During the coronation night, Nicole made a reference to Odette-stricken Cebu when she shared what she hopes to see in the Philippines in the next six years. “Last December, I experienced the worst typhoon in my life. Homes were destroyed and I hope, I wish, that in the six years, not only are we gonna get more resilient housing but also a more united nation,” she said.
For the Q/A round, Nicole was asked by actor Donny Pangilinan, “On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate yourself as a responsible Filipino citizen, and why?” Her winning answer was: “As a responsible Filipino citizen, I’d like to give myself a good 8, because I know there’s always room to improve; there’s so much I don’t know, but there’s so much I’m willing to learn. I hope to do that with you.”
Nicole, with her vast pageant experience, her strong advocacy and her stunning beauty, is going to be a strong contender for the international crown. With her stint being next year, i.e. Miss International 2023, Nicole will have more time to prepare to represent Philippines and eventually win the crown for her country.