USA's Janelis Leyba wins Miss Asia Pacific International 2024


USA's Janelis Leyba was crowned Miss Asia Pacific International 2024 on Monday, October 7 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay City, Philippines.

The 20-year-old model and student from New York City beat over 30 other contestants to become the first representative from the United States of America to win the international title.

Karen Sofia Nuñez of Mexico was named first runner-up while Selena Ali of Belgium, Blessa Ericha Figueroa of the Philippines, and Jennifer Prokop of Germany were the second, third, and fourth runners-up, respectively.

The rest of the Top 10 finalists were Mya Bao of Canada, Katharina Weischede of New Zealand, Wanja Jennifer Grace Olsson of Sweden, Kanyaphatsaphon Rungrueang of Thailand, and Anh Vuong Pham Thi of Vietnam.

Completing the Top 20 were Gabriela De Paiva Padilla of Bolivia, Luisa Valentina Muñoz Ruiz of Colombia, Julie Goye Dogan of France, Keshia Lee Llarenas of Guam, Mercedes Pair of Hong Kong, Sophiya Singh of India, Merel van Roon of the Netherlands, Chizuruoke Sufficient Arua of Nigeria, Alethea Hui Xuan Yee of Singapore, and María Sánchez Páez of Venezuela.

The contestants from Nigeria, Guam, Belgium, Bolivia, and India were awarded the continental titles. Guam and Thailand bagged the Miss Congeniality and People's Choice award, respectively.

This year's competition marked the return of the Miss Asia Pacific International pageant after a 4-year hiatus. Spain's Chaiyenne Huisman, who won in 2019, relinquished her reign at the end of the event.

The new Miss Asia Pacific International was born and raised in New York. She is currently pursuing her degree in business administration. Besides studying and working full-time as a model, Leyba is also a caregiver and educator for children.

Meet the 41st Miss Asia Pacific International:

Photos: Miss Asia Pacific International, Janelis Leyba / Instagram

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