Iza Gail Perez Latonio was subjected to daily verbal “abuse” because of her skin.
“I grew up as a woman victimized by bullying all because of my skin color,” she said.
But it pushed her to advocate for women empowerment and campaign strongly against bullying.
“For 5 years now, I have been conducting symposiums and motivational talks focusing on battling bullying and highlighting personality development to further empower young women like me,” she said.
She said never allow anyone define who you are because of your uniqueness.
“Differences in skin color, ethnicity, sexual orientation and even our own beliefs shouldn’t be reasons for any soul to be considered as minorities, rather, an opportunity to embrace diversity,” said the 20-year old-queen from Barangay Calangahan, Sagbayan town.
Latonio, who represented Atharra Primeland, was declared 2nd runner-up in Miss Bohol 2019.
She is taking up Bachelor of Arts in Communication at University of San Jose Recoletos – Main Campus.
She wants to become a well- known beauty queen.
She was Bb. Toledo Independence 2016, Miss USJR Masscom 2013 and Miss Campus Idol 2012.
She admired Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2019 Gazini Ganados who was Miss Bohol 2017 1st runner-up.
“My most admired person is Gazini Ganados, because her passion and determination to join pageants was very inspiring. She never gave up a midst her failures instead she strive harder to reach her dreams. Her story is something we should always remember and we should never give up too,” she said.