On the evening of October 7, Janelis Leyba from the USA was crowned Miss Asia Pacific International 2024 in a spectacular finale held in the Philippines, competing against 32 other contestants.

Leyba, a 20-year-old business management student from New York, claimed the title after an outstanding performance. Runners-up included Karen Sofia Nunez (Mexico), Selena Ali (Belgium), Blessa Ericha Figueroa (Philippines), and Jennifer Prokop (Germany).

In her final answer round, Janelis was asked to elaborate on how respecting diversity could benefit the community. She responded, "Celebrating diversity can bring positive impacts to society. We are all equal, no matter where we come from or what unique qualities we possess. Embracing our differences unites us."

Janelis has had a successful run in beauty pageants, previously placing in the Top 5 of Miss Supranational USA 2024. She is also a model and is involved in child care and education.

Vietnam’s Pham Thi Anh Vuong, who finished in the Top 10, made history as the first-ever Vietnamese contestant to be named in the top ranks of Miss Asia Pacific International. She also won the Best National Costume award for her presentation of "Hoa tren chien tran," a design by Nguyen Minh Triet.

The Miss Asia Pacific International 2024 finale featured rounds of swimsuit, evening gown, and question-and-answer sessions. In addition to the main titles, other awards were presented for categories like "Most Popular," "Miss Congeniality," and "Continental Queen of Beauty."

While the event was widely anticipated, some viewers criticized the over-three-hour-long broadcast, calling it tedious and drawn-out.

Miss Asia Pacific International is one of the oldest international beauty pageants, first held in the Philippines in 1968.

Minh Khoi