MANILA – Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa took to the stage to look back on her reign and address the candidates of this year’s pageant.

Wearing a light blue dress, Verzosa once again talked about culture, education, and international understanding, which she previously mentioned in her Miss International speech back in October 2016.

“I’ve visited over 15 countries in Asia, Europe, and North and South America,” she recalled.

“I firmly believe that my year-long experience has strengthened my resolve that openness to others and cultural understanding will expand our horizons,” she added. “I have been and will continue to be a symbol of that ideal.”

Verzosa went on to thank all those who have supported her during her reign, particularly her family in the Philippines.

To her successor, which will be named at the end of the pageant, she said: “May you prove to be the best version of yourself during your reign.”

Miss International 2017 is still ongoing in Tokyo, Japan, and is streamed live on the pageant’s website.

The Philippines’ representative, Mariel de Leon, is hoping to follow in Verzosa’s footsteps and score a back-to-back win for the country.