After bagging the Supermodel of Asia Pacific crown during the 2022 Supermodel International pageant in Thailand last September 15, Philippine delegate and Quezon pride Gracelle Nicole Distura returned for a homecoming celebration in SM City Lucena, on Oct. 3.
Supporters from various schools and organizations, fans, and her family gathered to welcome and celebrate Gracelle’s feat, which Supermodel International Philippines and SCI Philippines organized. Gracelle’s homecoming celebration kicked off with a courtesy call to Dr. Claudia Odette J. Ayala, Ph.D., Dean of Arts and Sciences; Benilda N. Villenas, VP for Academics; Celso D. Jaballa, VP for External Relations; and Evelyn S. Abeja, VP for Administration, and then a motorcade from the university to SM City Lucena.
In a speech, Gracelle shared how she didn’t expect to be a candidate in Ms. Universe Philippines 2022, win Ms. Enverga 2022, and be crowned as the Supermodel of Asia Pacific 2022 with the Ms. Congeniality award consecutively in 8 months.
Additionally, she narrated how she fell during the National Costume competition where she realized the most important lesson she learned, that you can fall seven times and stand up eight.
According to Gracelle, when she fell for the first time, she rose immediately but it was already difficult to walk; for the second time, it took her seconds to rise; and for the third time, it was then she needed help to stand up. Gracelle’s moment reached TikTok gaining more than 500,000 views.
Gracelle also went viral recently after her famous twirl in Ms. Universe Philippines 2022. After the competition, SCI owners and international directors instantly bought her National Costume designed by Gary Roces, now displayed in SCI headquarters in Canada as a memento for the first Filipina crowned as Supermodel of Asia Pacific.
Meg Perez, her manager said that Gracelle, a pandemic baby discovered and honed during the pandemic, is now eyeing to compete in Bb. Pilipinas and enter the entertainment industry.
Moreover, special guests joined Gracelle’s homecoming celebration including Hiyas ng Pilipinas 2nd Runner Up, Ma. Guizelle De Leon; Miss Aura Philippines Quezon, Elisha Laurel; Ginoong Spotline Couronne International Quezon, Samuel C. Leong Jr.; and the National Director of SCI Philippines, Ms. Shally Pornobi. Gracelle advised the next Supermodel International Philippines to learn from her experience, assuring the successor her guidance in the journey toward the crown.
