Miss Eco International 2024 first runner-up Chantal Schmidt. Schmidt/Instagram 

Chantal Schmidt is filled with gratitude after finishing first runner-up in the Miss Eco International 2024 pageant.

The Philippines' representative relished her victory in a live interview with Missosology shortly after the competition.

"To me, this is a win," she began. "I'm so happy right now. This is such a victory to me, you know?" 

"I told myself, 'Top 5, I would be so grateful.' Who would have thought that I'd be first runner-up? Who would have thought? Not me," she added. 

PH's Chantal Schmidt is Miss Eco International 2024 first runner-up

Schmidt, who was at the hospital days before the Miss Eco International 2024 finals, went on to recall the joy she felt when she heard her name being called during the competition.

"I don't know if you saw my face, but those are genuine reactions every single time I got called. I was like, oh my God," she said.

The beauty queen also thanked her fellow Filipinos who showed their support, from those who showed up at the venue in Egypt to the fans who watched the livestream early in the morning.

"Thank you so much for staying up this late to support me," she said. "And to the Filipinos who came, oh my goodness. I didn't come here with a team or friends or family, so to hear people shouting 'Philippines,' I almost started crying on stage."

The Philippines so far has two Miss Eco International titleholders: Kathleen Paton and Cynthia Thomalla.