Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 17) — Brazil’s Luma Russo won the Miss Charm 2023 crown in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam on Friday, while the Philippines’ Annabelle McDonnell was named first runner-up.
Olivia Tan of Indonesia placed second runner-up.
In the question and answer portion for the top 3, the candidates were asked what they believe is the meaning of life and what they live for.
The 22-year-old beauty queen from Misamis Oriental said she wants her struggles and success to be of inspiration to the youth.
“The meaning of life is to be of help to one another. It is all about putting the community first oneself. I’ve learned this growing up as an orphan and I’ve certainly learned this more being with the Vietnamese people tonight. I think that the purpose of my life is to be of help to one another,” McDonnel stated.
She continued, “In the struggles of the youth I see myself and I relate to them. I hope with my success here tonight, they see themselves in me and they believe in themselves more because of me.”
Russo, meanwhile, highlighted one’s freedom to reach full potential.
“If I have to sum it up in one word: freedom,” the Brazilian beauty said. “Freedom, being able to travel where you want to, be who you want, do what you want, be the woman you are meant to be, follow your dreams….To be able to achieve the knowledge, not only academically but the knowledge of culture, of emotional intelligence, to be able to reach your full potential.”
Russo bested 37 other candidates to bring home the crown worth $150,000 and a $100,000 cash prize.
McDonnell was appointed as the Philippines representative to the Miss Charm 2023 pageant in November 2022.
She competed in the Miss Universe Philippines 2022, where she was named first runner-up with Celeste Cortesi bringing home the title.
