The reigning Mrs Universe Australasia 2020, Mrs Kristine Aseron Santos, also known to her friends and associates as ‘Tootsie’, is poised to represent Australia in the Mrs Universe 2021 to be held on the 27th November in Seoul, South Korea. The event will be a traditional pageant unlike last year, which was held online, and the winner among 92 entrants was determined by popular vote alone. The Coronation Night is scheduled for 2nd December.
Mrs Santos was appointed by Mrs Universe Australia National Director Mary Rose Salubre due to time constraints, particularly the delay in the Mrs Universe Australia 2021 National Search caused by the nationwide mandatory lockdown strategy against Covid-19.
“It is important for Australia to have a representative to overseas competitions, so we are able to showcase how beautiful Australia is, not just as a country but as a multicultural country. In this way, we can pass on our message that despite who you are, what country you are from, we are all united. What counts as a true queen is when you have the passion, compassion and transparency to convey the true message of your actions to others. With this, everyone certainly has the chance to be a beauty queen. As the National Director, I mentor and guide my queens. Together, we join forces to make a difference, especially to those who are voiceless. We are against domestic violence. We are also advocates of orphanages and their services in any country.”, Mrs Salubre explained.
Mrs Santos is a mother of three young adults who work as a pageant and fashion runway coach and actively engages in charity work since her younger years.
“When I found out that I’ll be representing Australia for Mrs Universe 2021, I was over the moon because it extends my time, entitlement and honour as the reigning Mrs Universe Australasia 2020 to do more charity works for the people who are in need especially during this pandemic,” Mrs Santos said.
“When I was told that the pageant will be held in South Korea from the 27th November, my heart was pounding as it will be a real traditional competition where my advocacies will be heard, not only here in my country but around the world, “Mrs Santos added.
The Philippine Times (PT) is pleased to share with you the insights of Mrs Santos below, which are relevant to her pursuit in doing her best for the forthcoming Mrs Universe Australia 2021:
PT: Domestic violence is considered a major public health problem as it affects all people irrespective of economic, educational, social, geographical, or racial background, as stated by the World Health Organisation. What message can you impart to the people about the human rights not being exercised by women under the Taliban rule and women experiencing family abuse in war-free countries like Australia?
KTAS: I feel for these women. I believe that Australia should unite with countries like the USA and UK to assist these helpless Afghan women under Taliban rule. Beauty title holders like myself have an audible voice to speak up and raise awareness on this issue. As a woman, I wish and hope that I can make a difference as these women should have the freedom to talk, speak their minds, do and wear whatever they want like the majority, if not all. If all countries work together and are willing to help one another, we can make a difference for these women in Afghanistan, because together we grow.
For women experiencing abuse of any kind, I encourage you to speak up. If someone knows another, who gets belted up, speak for them. There’s help and a lot of it out there. You are not alone. You don’t just speak out for yourself but for your children as well and the rest of the women out there. Remember, domestic violence is not just a family problem. IT IS A CRIME!
PT: Would you like to share with us your evolution to a married woman, a mother, Mrs Universe Australasia 2020 and now as Mrs Universe Australia 2021, an embodiment of a married, family and career woman who actively engages in the community advocating the rights, protection and empowerment of women in the society?
KTAS: I was only 19 years old when I had my daughter and abortion did not come to my mind as I knew that regardless of situations, I had to take responsibility to the human inside me who would rely on me for her life and future. I am fortunate that his father decided to marry me and I had help in raising our child. As my daughter, Jolleen, grows, I encourage her to follow in my footsteps to empower women and make a difference in life. She was Miss Teen Glam Asia Pacific International 2020 and Miss Teen Glam International 2020 1st Runner Up. She will be working as a paediatric nurse next year, and she aspires to help young children because our children are the future. It’s important to protect them. Having a kind heart and soul to make a difference in our society makes one human, not just a beauty queen.
Almost two years after I had given birth to her, I was blessed again by God with two beautiful boys who are twins. I learned to be a good role model at a very young age because I am the first person my child would ever know. I have learned to set boundaries and rules. I have to teach them to be respectful. I always do my best to be a supportive and loving mum. I struggled to be patient and forgiving when I was younger, but you learn to be patient and tolerant when you have children. We value quality time together. Motherhood is a great joy to me.
Your sash and crown can be a powerful possession to help people in need. Through helping people, you fill your heart with goodness. If your heart is pure, you become confident as a woman. As a beauty title holder, I want the world to hear about domestic violence and how to prevent it. I want people to know the importance of a woman.
“Your sash and crown can be a powerful possession to help people in need.”
About Mrs Universe
Mrs Universe is an international, global event for “the most honourable married woman,” first organised and based in Sofia, Bulgaria, in 2007. The event is open to women aged between 18 and 55 who are married, divorced, or widowed from any nations in the world. Its organiser, Mrs. Universe Ltd., also arranges the Mrs Europe, Grandma Universe, and Children of the Universe pageants. The idea that unites the participants of this event is the motto “Against violence”, which in different years cover different causes. Kazakhstan’s Zhuldyz Abdukarimova is the reigning Mrs. Universe 2020.
Reference: http://mrsuniverseltd.com/
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