FORTY lovely candidates are participating in Miss World Philippines 2019, and one beauty to watch out for is the pride of Olongapo City and the Fil-Am community in Southern California — Kalea Lorren Pitel.
Kalea, 23, who won the title of Miss Philippines USA in 2016, is officially representing Olongapo City, the birthplace of her parents. Kalea, who grew up in San Diego in California, celebrated her 23rd birthday on August 21, 2019 in the thick of pre-pageant activities for Miss World Philippines 2019.
Kalea is candidate #8 in the official roster of candidates. She is also in the roster of Aces and Queens beauties fielded to Miss World Philippines this year.
Kalea graduated with honors from the Loma Linda University in California, with a B.S. degree in Nursing. Throughout her university days, she has earned scholarships from Red Cross and Sharp Auxiliary.
Kalea’s most recent beauty title is Miss Eco Philippines America 2019, won during the Continental Miss World Philippines America coronation night held last month in Los Angeles. The event was attended by no less than the national director of Miss World Philippines, Mr. Arnold Vegafria.
The title accorded her the right to become one of the official candidates of Miss World Philippines 2019.
Kalea enjoys playing basketball, hiking, volunteering for community service, and spending time with her friends and family. She said that each day she has spent in the Philippines and in this competition has been a source of pure joy and excitement.
"In the end, it is about being proud of yourself for being where you are now," said the registered nurse.
Kalea says that there are innumerable things to appreciate around her: the beauty of Olongapo and of the Philippines, the happy disposition of Filipinos, and her being able to give of herself through her advocacy.
Kalea’s advocacy
Kalea is an advocate for better and improved healthcare by educating people on various diseases. Specifically, her advocacy tackles the importance of women’s health and preventing teen pregnancy.
To give life to her advocacy, Kalea has partnered with a foundation called Project PEARLS. The acronym stands for "Peace, Education, Aspiration, Respect, Love and Smiles", key values being promoted by the foundation. Project PEARLS is based in Tondo, Manila, and its primary beneficiary are indigent women and children living in the area.
Kalea has led a number of charity events for the same causes that Project PEARLS espouses, because they are near and dear to her heart. She has recently led a "blood donation drive" to benefit the American Red Cross.
Project PEARLS
Project PEARLS’ main mission is to help children get out of poverty and to enable them to achieve their dreams. To do this, the foundation gives them opportunities through scholarship grants and educational resources. Educating the children will allow them to have a better future. Thus, breaking away from the vicious cycle of poverty.
Project PEARLS also strives to constantly grow our network of sponsors and partners, and to raise resources through grant applications and various fund-raising activities. This is to ensure that it is able to feed hundreds daily, to send to school as many children as possible, to improve the care and support for children and families with health issues, and to help the community have a sustainable livelihood program.
“Breaking the cycle of poverty is almost impossible. But poverty doesn’t have to be permanent, especially for children,” Kalea said of her advocacy.
The coronation night
“My journey to Miss World Philippines won’t be easy. I am doing this on my own, with the help of my family and friends and those of my pageant family. I will be facing challenges everyday, and I hope you will be part of my journey to the crown,” Kalea said in a social media post.
The Miss World Philippines 2019 coronation night will be held on September 15 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City and aired on television over GMA Network. Aside from Miss World, other winners in this competition will represent the Philippines in Miss Eco International, Reina Hispanoamericana and Miss Multinational.
Photo Gallery
Breaking the cycle of poverty is almost impossible. But poverty doesn’t have to be permanent, especially for children. -- KALEA LORREN PITEL
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