Michelle Arceo (Reina Hispanoamericana 2023- 2nd Runner up): A Beauty Queen, Singer, and Environmental Advocate Making Waves

Introduction of Michelle Arceo:

In the world of beauty pageants, there are individuals who stand out not only for their external grace but for their internal substance and purpose. One such remarkable personality is Michelle Arceo, a beauty queen, singer, and environmental advocate from the Philippines. Born on June 6, 2001, in Quezon City, Michelle has become a symbol of beauty with a purpose, making headlines globally for her achievements and commitment to environmental causes.

Early Years and Musical Background:

Michelle Arceo’s journey begins in a family filled with music. Growing up as the youngest of three siblings, she inherited a love for the arts and started singing at the tender age of three. As she honed her musical talents, Michelle also became proficient in playing the piano, guitar, and violin. Her early exposure to the world of performance arts paved the way for her later successes.

Instagram of Michelle Arceo

Educational Background:

Michelle Arceo’s academic journey led her to the University of the Philippines Diliman, where she pursued a degree in Broadcast Communication. Her education would later complement her advocacy work, providing her with a platform to communicate and engage with the public effectively.

Beauty Pageant Success:

In 2017, Michelle took her first step into the world of beauty pageants, winning the title of Gandang Filipina in the popular TV show Wowowin. Her success continued as she participated in Miss BodyCon 2019, where she secured the second position. Representing the Philippines in Miss Tourism World 2019, Michelle achieved a commendable top 10 finish.

Miss Environment Philippines 2021:

Michelle’s commitment to environmental causes became more pronounced when she was crowned Miss Environment Philippines in the Miss World Philippines pageant on October 4, 2021. This title marked a pivotal moment in her journey as she embraced the responsibility to advocate for environmental awareness and conservation.

Environmental Advocacy:

As Miss Environment Philippines, Michelle Arceo collaborated with renowned organizations such as the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the Save Philippine Seas movement. Beyond partnerships, she launched her own project, Eco-Ed, designed to educate the youth about environmental issues and solutions.

Miss Environment International 2022:

Michelle’s dedication to environmental causes reached a global stage when she represented the Philippines in the inaugural Miss Environment International 2022 pageant held in Mumbai, India. Her stunning national costume, inspired by the critically endangered Philippine eagle, captivated the audience. Michelle showcased not only her physical beauty but also her vocal prowess by singing “Think of Me” from the Phantom of the Opera during the talent competition.

Awards and Recognition:

Michelle Arceo’s outstanding performance in the Miss Environment International 2022 pageant earned her the title of first runner-up and Miss Ecosystem. She also received accolades for Best in Environmental Video and Best in National Costume, further solidifying her status as a multifaceted and accomplished beauty queen.

Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas 2023:

In 2023, Michelle Arceo took on a new challenge by representing the Philippines in Reina Hispanoamericana. Crowned as Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas 2023 at the Miss Grand Philippines 2023 finale, she brings her passion for environmental advocacy and cultural heritage to the international stage.

Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas 2023 is the title given to the Philippine representative to the Reina Hispanoamericana pageant, a beauty contest for women from Spanish-speaking countries and regions. The current titleholder is Michelle Arceo, who was crowned at the Miss Grand Philippines 2023 finale on July 13, 2023. She competed for the Reina Hispanoamericana 2023 crown in Bolivia on January 28, 2024 and crowned as 2nd runner up.

Reina Hispanoamericana 2023: The Filipina Beauty Who Won 2nd Runner-Up

Reina Hispanoamericana is a beauty pageant that celebrates Hispanic heritage, culture, and language. The 32nd edition of the pageant was held in Bolivia on January 28, 2024, where 20 candidates from different countries competed for the crown. Peru’s Maricielo Gamarra was crowned the winner, succeeding her compatriot Arlette Rujel. Venezuela’s Fernanda Rojas was named Virreina Hispanoamericana, while Brazil’s Cynthia Moura was the first runner-up. The Philippines’ Michelle Arceo was the second runner-up, followed by Curaçao’s Bianty Gomperts and Colombia’s Paula Andrea Alarcón.

Michelle Arceo is not new to the pageant scene. She was the first runner-up in Miss Environment International 2022, a pageant that promotes environmental awareness and conservation. She is also a fashion model who has walked the runway for Bench and other brands. She is a cat mom to Chai, her ever-present companion and source of joy. She loves history and learning about different cultures and traditions. She is fluent in English, Filipino, and Spanish, which gave her an edge in the Reina Hispanoamericana competition.

Michelle impressed the judges and the audience with her confidence and charisma throughout the pageant. She wore a gold and blue burlesque-inspired outfit for the opening number, a tropical-themed one-piece swimsuit for the swimsuit segment, and a stunning red gown with a high slit and side cut-outs for the evening gown competition. She also aced the question and answer portion, where she was asked about the impact of racism, regionalism, and discrimination on the development of Hispanic American countries. She answered like this:

She believe that discrimination and racism slows development in all countries, not just in Latin Americana. She added that if we’re able to unite and communicate with each other, we can build a better world around us as kindness and respect is a universal language and the entire world can learn from this. And we can build a better future.

Michelle’s second runner-up finish is the second highest placement of a Filipina beauty queen in the history of Reina Hispanoamericana. The Philippines has only won the crown once, in 2017, when Teresita Marquez made history as the first Asian to win the title. Michelle’s achievement is a testament to the beauty, talent, and intelligence of Filipino women, who can shine in any international arena.

Filipino-American Heritage:

Hailing from a Filipino-American background, Michelle Arceo’s identity reflects the cultural diversity that enriches the Philippines. Born on June 13, 2002, in Los Angeles, California, she migrated to the United States with her parents before moving back to the Philippines at the age of 10.

International Pageantry and Success:

Michelle’s participation in international pageants continued, with notable achievements such as representing the Philippines in Miss Earth 2021 and securing a spot in the Top 10. Her success reached new heights in Miss Environment International 2022, where she not only showcased her beauty but also her dedication to environmental causes. On 28th January 2024, she represented Filipinas on Reina Hispanoamericana 2023/24 and crowned as 2nd runner up.

Eco Warriors and Environmental Leadership:

Beyond the glamorous world of pageantry, Michelle Arceo has been actively involved in environmental causes as an advocate and role model. She founded Eco Warriors, a non-profit organization empowering young people to become environmental leaders in their communities. Her motto, “Be the change you want to see in the world,” reflects her belief in the individual’s power to make a positive impact.

Michelle Arceo’s commitment extends beyond the pageant stage, evident in her active involvement in social and charity work. From tree-planting and clean-up drives to environmental education and awareness campaigns, she has used her platform to inspire positive change. Michelle has initiated fundraising and donation drives for causes such as disaster relief, animal welfare, and community development.

Advocacies and Vision:

At the core of Michelle Arceo’s advocacy is the promotion of environmental sustainability and conservation. She envisions a world where people live in harmony with nature and each other, advocating not only for environmental causes but also for women empowerment, mental health, and human rights.

Conclusion:

Michelle Arceo stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of beauty pageants, where substance, intelligence, and purpose take precedence. Her journey from a musical prodigy to a global advocate for environmental sustainability showcases the multifaceted nature of modern beauty queens. As she competed in Reina Hispanoamericana 2023, Michelle continues to inspire and empower, proving that beauty is a force for positive change. In her, the world sees not just a pretty face, but a woman of substance, beauty, and purpose – a true role model for the Filipino people and the world.

Read about “Cheslie Kryst Biography (Miss Universe USA 2019): A Legacy of Beauty, Brains, and Benevolence“. and “Reina Hispanoamericana 2023/24 winner- Maricielo Gamarra“.