PLUS FACTOR

HOW JODEL MESINA WON THE CROWN

Real estate developer Jodel P. Mesina bested 14 other candidates to win Miss Top of the World Plus Size 2017 in Singapore—and it was easy peasy.

“There’s no challenge at all, honestly,” said Mesina in a press conference.

It was her first beauty pageant, a new hat she needs to get used to aside from her hats as real estate developer and mother.

She was handpicked by Tatta Saguin, the national pageant director, to compete in the international contest.

The plus-size beauty then went on a two-month rigorous training with her family and friends as coaches.

“I felt loved and it was a bonding moment with sisters,” Mesina said of her training.

Her friends Jessie Glova and Earl Lee taught her how to strut for a sure shot at success.

Famed Cebuano designer Hanz Coquilla provided her with dresses, which she adored.

“Simple yet elegant and very creative,” Mesina said of her gowns. Her national costume, a Filipiniana, was made of banig (hand-woven mat). It was purple with floral studs.

For her talent, she danced the Sinulog. If there was one thing she would have wanted to do better in the contest, it was that dance. Mesina said she could have practiced more in order to perfect it. She chose the Sinulog dance as her talent showcase because of her devotion to the Señor Sto. Niño.

Mesina’s sister Joshed told reporters that Mesina has always loved the limelight.

Mesina, or “Babs” to family, was once caught rapping and singing in front of the mirror at a very young age. Since then, she has been drawn to the stage.

When asked what about her had won the judges over, Mesina answered: “It’s my confidence, my loving heart and my perfect plus-size body.”

According to organizers of Miss Top of the World Plus Size, the pageant is considering Cebu to be next year's host.

And as for Mesina’s future plans, she hopes to aid other plus-size people in their plight against discrimination.