With the right blend of smartness and personality, Bicolana morena beauty Angel Brahms Malavega Bernarldez beat other entries to emerge as the Miss Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Luzon champion in the pageant held Saturday night at the Cavite State University International Convention Center.

A native of the fishing town of Rapu-Rapu, Albay and an ROTC Army cadet, Bernarldez, like the rest of the other contestants, was asked to parade in both regular and parade uniforms, execute military movements like hand salutes, and vie in the usual question-and-answer segment.

The Bicol University Elementary Education freshman believed that what she said about her advocacy against bullying and discrimination during the question-and-answer segment eventually earned her the judges’ nod.

“I humbly replied that I believe my dark skin complexion was my advantage because I want to bring it to a bigger platform as my own advocacy against bullying and discrimination because of our skin color,” she said in recalling her own experiences, and a reason why she was drawn into the ROTC.

“Indeed, we can do so much more as one and do so much more,” added Bernarldez, whose father works as a security guard and her mother a former overseas Filipino worker.

The newly crowned Miss ROTC Luzon winner was surprised and delighted that she won, and now feels pressured at the same time.

“I really did not expect to win because others seemed better in their walking and talking. The way they moved was exceptional. Now I also feel pressured since the competition is not yet finished with the national finals coming up. I need to be better in the way I talk and walk,” she stressed.

Sen. Francis Tolentino, who is the driving force behind the ROTC Games, and Commission on Higher Education Chairman J. Prospero de Vera 3rd, were present during the coronation night.