Page 17 - Manila Up Vol3#7

discovered that Filipino women were oppressed, and
made it her platform to promote equality both overseas
and on the American homefront – and much like
Krystal, half-Filipina half-Danish Michelle Thorlund
also developed a passion for helping others.

ERINA LIGHTHOLDER
Pageants undoubtedly provide a gateway to endless
opportunities for its contestants, but it is up to each
titleholder to use their crown as a microphone,
especially when moving forward onto a larger world
stage such as entertainment. Half Filipina Half Irish
Miss Beauty of the Philippines 2011 Erina Lightholder
did exactly that during her time competing for
Miss World Philippines 2011. Aside from rubbing
elbows with Manny Pacquiao, her duties also allowed
her to give back to orphanages within the Filipino
community, an important ordeal to the dual citizen
since that is where her mother’s heritage stems from.
She now works as a host, social media influencer, and
Disney performer.

KRYSTAL VON SEYFRIED
The half-Filipina half-German Miss Gawad
Amerika 2017, Krystal Von Seyfried, also delves into
her mother’s cultural influence. Krystal describes her
as an “old-school Filipino mom”, who proclaimed
Krystal would be a sure victor during her first pageant,
the Little Miss Philippines Universe. Having not won,
the then 13-year-old was devastated, which is why
when she wanted to participate in a beauty pageant,
her mother was hesitant. Even the event organizers
informed her that due to her height she would likely
not place in the top ten. Despite the lack of support,
she pressed on. “We can’t be mad at our parents for
raising us a certain way because they’re doing the best
that they know how”. It was during this pageant that
she generated an interest in philanthropy.

MICHELLE THORLUND
The Miss Balboa Island USA 2018 won the title
of Mutya Ng Pilipinas Overseas Communities in Erina
2016. During her time in the Philippines, Michelle Lightholder

manilaupmagazine.com 17