World Class Beauty Queens Magazine would like to welcome amazing Queen Kyla Santiago Isidro Miss Petite Universe Canada 2023.
Name: Kyla Santiago Isidro
Title/Year: Miss Petite Universe Canada 2023
Pageant System: Miss Petite Universe Canada
Age: 21 Years Old
Education Level: Post-Secondary Student
Zodiac sign: Cancer
Hobbies: Volleyball, Hosting and Makeup
Platform: Student Development
Years competed: 2017,2018,2019 and 2022
Countries visited: Singapore
Likes: Good food, Nice warm weather and cute animals
Dislikes: Too much stress, gory movies and colours with a gray undertone.
Status: Happy!
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Please tell us about yourself.
I am an avid community engager. I love community involvement and helping people discover their fullest potential. I am also very active, so I love a good run and volleyball game with friends. I am a proud Filipina woman, and I love getting the opportunity to share my culture with others, whether it be through cuisine and fashion.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Please tell us about your education.
I am in my third year of studying for a Bachelor of Communications, majoring in Public Relations at Mount Royal University.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What does women's Empowerment means to you?
It means giving women the opportunity and voice to share their passion and endeavors with the world. As women, we are told we are only limited to certain things, but for me, women empowerment is breaking down those barriers and providing women with the space to make a change and have the world listen to what we have to say.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Tell us about your pageant history.
I started my journey when I was 15 years old. A family friend scouted me at a birthday party. I actually did not know it was a pageant so imagine my shock when I found out. I thought it was a fashion show until I showed up, and they told me it was indeed a pageant. I had so much fun, so I decided to join. I then went on to win Miss Teen Pilipinas Canada Globe 2017. The next year, I won Miss Teen International Canada 2018 and Miss Teen International 2019 with 6-7 minor awards in Singapore when I was 16. Covid-19 gave me the opportunity to take a break from pageantry. I then tried my luck at the Miss category and won Miss Petite Universe Canada 2023 in Toronto in September 2022.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What inspired you to do your first pageant?
My mom, Leah Isidro ever since I was a child, my mom has always been encouraging me to join pageants because it was her dream to do one. I told myself why not and tried my luck. I never expected to win, but here we are today!
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Why did you choose to compete for your current title?
I wanted to try my luck with the Miss category since I have always been in the Teen category, and I wanted to make that dream a reality. I also talked to Kuya Edgar Sulit from IPEN, and he was very kind and professional, so I felt confident that a network of kind people would handle the pageant I am joining.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: To those unfamiliar with your pageant system please tell us what is it about?
Beauty Contest
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What makes your director different from others?
I have a lot of directors, and I truly believe they have all helped me in my journey. They allowed me to discover and take my time with each pageant, which I am grateful for. Starting in this industry as a young teen meant it was essential that I had proper guidance, and I cannot thank my directors enough for all that they do for me.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What are you being judged on during the competition?
During the competition, I was judged on my stage presence, public appeal, body, face, and, most importantly, my attitude. This system was very much emphasized during my international pageant in Singapore.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Tell us about your experience during the competition.
It was great. I felt like the competition was fair in every pageant I joined. I always tried my best, and most importantly, I came in with great faith in God. Win or lose, I was just focused on my journey. It required a lot of patience and perseverance with the late nights and early-morning calls. In international competitions, you have to be ready and on time before you step out the door; this taught me discipline and timeliness. I would do it again!
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Who would you recommend your system to?
Anyone
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Tell us about your platform or what cause do you volunteer for.
My platform is all about student development. Every student has the potential for greatness, so I am passionate about helping students. I have been there before and know how a lack of support and representation as a student feels. At my university, I have been part of the Asian Relations and Culture Club, where I coordinate and reach out to organizations to find student opportunities.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What appearances have you done with your title?
I have hosted several pageants, such as the Multicultural Beauty Pageant in Red Deer, Alberta. I have also judged for the United Filipino Entrepreneurs Association as a judge for the pageant in Red Deer. I am just grateful for the opportunities.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What are some of your achievements?
Aside from my pageant wins, I have hosted several pageants, such as the Pilipinas Canada and Multicultural Pageants. I have also been heavily involved in Mount Royal University student engagement as a resident advisor at Mount Royal University Residence Services and a communications specialist at the Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, helping students kickstart their business ideas and give back to the community.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What makes you stand out from all those other beautiful girls?
I believe that everyone is beautiful in their own way and has unique attributes. I feel that my greatest asset is my personality and attitude towards life. I view life as optimistic and altruistic; I believe we live to help others with the gifts we have been given.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Tell us about when your name was called out as the winner.
I remember when my name was called out as Miss Teen International 2019. I cried because all the hard work and sacrifices paid off; I was finally an international title holder. I felt goosebumps, and I will forever cherish the experience.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What does it mean to you to be a Beauty Queen?
Being a beauty queen means not only being beautiful physically but also being kind to others. I have been a beauty queen for some time now, and I truly believe that your heart should be in the right place to help others and be a leader for the causes you believe in.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: How did competing in pageants helped your life?
It helped me with self-development and discovering how much potential I have as a person. It helped shape my purpose and help me find the things I am passionate about. As a fun fact, I found my major in public relations because of pageantry. Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi finished her public relations degree, which inspired me to pursue the degree. Pageantry has shaped my life for the better; it helped me to be resilient, patient and kind to myself.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: How did pageants helped your selfesteem and body image?
It helped me appreciate my beauty. As a full-blooded Filipina, I am happy my heritage is celebrated and respected in the pageantry scene. I was not confident as a child. I was never really focused on my looks and more on my athletic abilities. I did not know how to do my makeup or dress up. Pageants helped me realize that I had it in me to make a change in my community and that I could use my talents towards something I am passionate about.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: You are an inspiration to all the girls out there. How does it feel?
I feel honoured to be an inspiration for girls out there. I want them to see themselves in me and be inspired to go out there, take a leap of faith and try things. It is a reassurance that all my hard work has been paying off. I hope to continue inspiring girls out there to make a change and become leaders in their community.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What is your on stage strategy to win the judges over?
I am well prepared and have a routine/poses that suit my aura. I don’t try to be sultry because I know that is not my aura. Aside from that, being well prepared means you know your routine and how to connect with the audience and the judges while being benign and elegant. Of course, have fun this is your moment to shine!
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: How did you prepare for your competition?
I prepared for my walk daily and stayed updated with news and happenings worldwide. Aside from this, I worked out and practiced my question-and-answer abilities. Preparation is a total commitment and passion for the craft. You must focus and commit to the craft to prepare and, of course, PRAY!
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What are your tips for learning better pageant walk?
Practice and research! I cannot stress this enough: researching techniques and applying them to your walk will take a long way. My one tip is to style your walk after your build; if you are shorter like me you should strive to make your strides longer. A proper warm-up before walking is also essential to protect your muscles and bones and loosen up your body for a smoother flow!
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What are your tips for choosing the right pageant dress?
Always know yourself and what works best for you: Body shape, complexity, and face shape. These are the three main things I look at when picking a dress. Will it flatter me in all of these aspects? I also heavily use colour theory to ensure I have the right colours.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What are your tips for winning an interview?
Be authentic. The judges can see right through you if you are not authentic. The best you can be is yourself. Also, know yourself and your purpose because you will never go wrong by being you and being real. Also, if you mess up a little bit, it is not the end of the world; just learn from the experience.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What is one mistake that you've done during competing you wish you could redo and fix it?
I have made a lot of mistakes during my pageant journey. I have been doing it since I was 15 years old, and there were definitely a lot of bumps and errors. But I don’t want to redo any of them because it was what taught me to become the person I am today. The only thing truly is enjoying the moment more.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What other mistakes are made by girls during the contest?
I have observed that it is truly not taking the competition seriously. When you are in a pageant practice or competition, you must be focused and respectful of everyone. You must carry yourself with grace and dignity. It is a mistake, but we can always learn as long as we are willing.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: Any modelling or acting experience?
I modelled for a hair brand when I was 18 years old, and it was a super fun experience. I do not have any acting experience, but I would love to do one!
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What are your plans for 2023 as a Queen?
With 2023 coming to a close in less than a month, I want to focus on finishing my degree so I can be educated and use that knowledge to help people and improve my advocacy further.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine: What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?
I want to be remembered for my heart. I want people to continue the legacy I started, which is student development and the importance of supporting students in their academic journey. Being a beauty queen is, as they say, beauty with a purpose. I want people to look at my legacy and feel inspired to make a change in the world and to inspire people to become the best version of themselves.
International Director: Jam Rodriguez
National Director: Edgar Sulit and Vermont Nunez Rosa
Your Local Director: Alan Sergio Isidoro, Malou Esparagoza and Ontoy Amorado
Name of the Photographer and other credits: Angela of Wild Child Photography, Evangeline Pastor of House of Fiori for the location shoot, Florence Haro for the inspiration and opportunity to be featured in a World Class Beauty Queens Magazine
World Class American Royalty Magazine would like to say thank you for this wonderful interview.
Kyla Santiago Isidro Miss Petite Universe Canada 2023, World Class Beauty Queens Magazine, Photo by Angela of Wild Child Photography
Interview by Derek Tokarzewski
Owner/Editor in Chief
Mr WorldClass 2023
Mr United Nations 2018
Platform: Women Empowerment
