Nikita Pia McElroy, ‘The Survivor’, is the official delegate of The People’s Queen Show where five Filipinas will embark on the journey towards the crown. Here she is, being her candid self, in an exclusive interview with us where she talks about her inspiration and guilty pleasures in an exclusive interview with Angelopedia.

Q. How does it feel to be a contestant at the first edition of The People’s Queen Show?

It feels great to be part of the first edition of the people's queen show. I feel really special to have been selected and I feel honoured to get the chance to work with all the amazing coaches and mentors throughout the season. We formed a family more than anything else.

Q. What inspired you to the world of pageantry?

I was never into pageantry up until I started modelling. My first attempt to joining a pageant was in high school and it was for my school fair. I didn’t really do well, so I didn’t even make it to the finals. But my first pageant was back in 2012 for Miss Mandaluyong. My modelling agent forced me to do it to gain experience and he also said win or lose I’ll get money as a consolation prize. But recently, the past few years, I wanted to join pageants to be able to share my advocacy which is anti-bullying and also to represent biracial citizens.

Q. As a Boot Camp for Beauty Pageant hopefuls, how has The People’s Queen Show helped you in creating a strong foothold in pageantry so far?

We created a family, a sisterhood of queens. We have thought that pageantry isn’t a competition among other girls, because all of us are beautiful, intelligent and unique. The competition truly is within ourselves. Battling perfection, insecurities and pressuring ourselves to win that crown. The people’s Queen didn’t only focus on pageantry, but also on our future endeavours and taking this a stepping stone to doing even greater things in life.

Q. Who is your role model, if any and what values of his or her do you wish you could inculcate in your own life, and teach the next generation?

I look up to my mom and my aunt (mom’s sister). Both of them showed selflessness and drive to reach your goals. My mom lives abroad so I rarely see her growing up, but despite the distance, she inspired me to keep chasing my dreams and to keep working hard and fighting for what you want. My aunt, on the other hand, sacrificed her own happiness to be able to raise me. She was only 16 when my mom decided to take me back to the Philippines and live with my grandparents. My aunt was always there for me, she thought me basically every survival skill I know and she showed me the value of family. That no matter what happens and wherever you go, you could have everything in the world, but if you don’t have a family behind you then it's not even worth it. I want myself and the next generation to be installed with good, solid values from both of them, which is Selflessness and unconditional love.

Q. What is the one thing that keeps you going and inspires you to be the best version of yourself?

I think it is the pressure that I put on myself to be perfect, but then again “nobody’s perfect” so why even try. But jokes aside, what keeps me going is knowing that my time on earth is limited. I want to do as much as I can to make an impact not only in my community but the world as well. I want to use and spread my positivity to others. Also, my friends and family are very supportive and are always pushing me to do my best. The genuine smile on their faces when I tell them my accomplishments motivates me to continue to work hard and achieve my goals.

Q. Would you like to share your most special childhood memory with us?

I don’t have much, but I remember as a kid we would always go to the beach every Sunday. I really enjoy being at the beach and swimming. It was the only time of the week where I can do whatever I want, not worry about homework or anything. I get to spend time with my cousins and play all day. Practice our social skills by talking to random kids and end up playing with them as well. Sundays, in general, was my favourite day, still, love Sundays until now.

Q. If you could be invisible for a day, how would you like to spend it?

With great invisibility comes great responsibility. I would hop on a plane and go to one of my dream destinations if I could be invisible for a day. Fly first class and enjoy my free trip!

Q. What or who empowers you to be yourself and work hard every day?

Tyra Banks really inspired me to embrace my “flaws” and myself. I have learned to love myself through the years especially after I moved to the states. She is just so inspiring. I got into modelling because of her and watching her on ANTM. I remembered applying twice for it, but unfortunately, I never made it. But even so, it kept me inspired to be a great model and be successful in life. You can be anything you want if you just ask for it and do the work!

Q What is the one thing you can label as your guilty pleasure?

Taking a long shower, like really long. Sitting in a hot tub while watching a movie or tv show and eating ice cream at the same time. I like to multitask even when I’m relaxing.

Q. If you are granted three wishes right now, what would you ask for?

1- I would like to eliminate cancer. My mom was diagnosed to have breast cancer and she’s been fighting it for a few years now.

2- remember or see all my childhood memories with my parents when we were still living in Hawaii. I have never seen my parents together even as an adult. I don’t even have a family photo except when I was born. I would just like to know how it feels like to have both parents around me.

3- another set of 3 wishes, so I can fix more issues in the world and do cool things

Q. Lastly, is there any message that you would like to give to your fans of Angelopedia?

Thank you for your unending love and support. I cant wait for all of you to watch the people’s queen show and see our journey unfold. I hope I inspire you to be more positive and happy in life and I am also excited to meet all of you! Daghang Salamat kaninyong tanan! Mahalo!