Katarina recalls 'painful' moment in Miss Intercontinental 2017

ABS-CBN News

Posted at Jan 25 2018 05:21 PM

MANILA – Katarina Rodriguez took to social media to share her thoughts about the recently concluded Miss Intercontinental 2017 pageant, where she finished first runner-up to Veronica Salas Vallejo of Mexico.

In an Instagram post on Thursday (Manila time), Rodriguez said the Miss Intercontinental 2017 crown fell off Vallejo’s head, and she had to pick it up and hand it over to her.

“The Intercontinental crown did fall off Miss Mexico’s head when she was crowned and yes, I did have to pick it up and hand it to her. How could I not say it was such a painful thing for me to do?” she said.

WATCH: Katarina Rodriguez fights back tears after runner-up finish
Rodriguez said, however, that her feelings changed after giving back the crown to Vallejo.

“But when giving the crown to her, I swear to you, there was this energy that went through her and straight to me and this is where I knew I am no longer a child, but a woman. Seeing her beautiful face while handing it back to her, well, I felt proud for her, and no pain at all. It was the lightest feeling I have felt in weeks,” she said.

“That crown was never mine and somehow always hers.”

Rodriguez went on to remind her fellow Filipinos not to question the results of the Miss Intercontinental 2017 pageant, saying that Vallejo deserves the crown.

“I don’t want to read any comments talking superstitions or anything hurtful, especially from my [fellow] Filipinos. Vero (Vallejo) is a queen and she is my queen, my Miss Intercontinental 2017. She is a sweetheart and very much deserving,” she stressed.

She continued: “She taught me grace by her energy and warmth in a matter of seconds, and only a true queen could empower another woman in such a manner. Let us keep that grace, Philippines, for this is only the beginning. Viva Mexico, Viva Pilipinas.”

As for her runner-up finish, Rodriguez said she has no regrets because she did her best in the competition.

“I cannot say I would have done anything differently because I was very aware from the moment I stepped into the NAIA airport of every action and word I produced. I can tell you that after rewatching the coronation last night, I can confidently say I was flawless. Never had I been more ready for anything in my life,” she said.

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