Online Reporter
Latwell Nyangu-Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
PAULINE Marere’s dreams of clinching the 16th edition of the Miss Supranational beauty pageant in Poland were shattered after she failed to secure a spot in the top 24, which is a crucial stage of the contest.
The Miss Supranational contest attracted over 60 contestants from around the world.
Marere, who had previously excelled in various pageants, found herself in a tough position this time around.
“It was amazing and different,” she reflected.
“It was another level of meeting different models from different countries, networking, learning and growing.”
The crown ultimately went to Eduarda Braum of Brazil. The runners-up spots were taken by Anna Lakrini of Germany, who was the first runner-up, and Quishantely Leito from Curaçao was the second runner-up.
Tarah Valencia of the Philippines and Valerie Klepadlo of Puerto Rico finished second and third.
Marere’s setback was particularly felt given her strong performance leading up to the grand finale. She made it into the top three of the Suprachat, a pre-pageant event that highlighted contestants’ charisma and public speaking skills.
She also did well in the public speaking competition, finishing in the top six out of 65 contestants. Her achievements in the Suprachat, where she was named a top 20 influencer, indicated her potential and resonated with the audience.
However, she could not make the final cut.
“I felt honoured to represent my country at such a global stage,” she said.
“My experience was very amazing and of great importance, my fashion trend was the centre of attraction. I am going to be a professional stylist for everyone who will be representing the country.” Her vision includes opening an academy that will provide training in modelling and etiquette.
“I am going to continue pursuing international pageants.
“If you attend these pageants, you can open more doors and gain a lot.
“I want to give credit to my country and individuals for supporting our girls. But we really need to be like the Zambians who supported their own like they depend on her.
“To my sponsors, who made this journey possible, I am really grateful.”
She thanked Herentals Group of Schools and Betterbrands for the roles they played in her journey from national to international levels.
With a track record which includes winning the Miss Pan African Queen title in 2019 and finishing as the second runner-up at Miss Environment International in 2023, she remains a formidable presence in the world of modelling.
